Which should go to the TV's HDMI - Cable or DVD?

[grrr223]

I just bought the Panasonic CT-32HL44 HDTV and I wrangled a Motorola 6200 from Comcast. The TV has 1 HDMI input and then component video and the cable box has DVI output. I guess I have 2 questions:

1. a. Is there a significant benefit to getting a DVI or HDMI output on a DVD player?
b. what are some good, affordable ones?

2. If I do get a DVD player with a DVI or HDMI output, which should I plug into my TV?

In another thread, someone pointed out that not all cable is HDTV so plug in the DVD player, but are ANY DVD's HDTV?

Anyway, this place looks pretty cool I have a feeling I'll be spending many hours here now that i've re-entered the world of home theater with my new HDTV.

 

[Balthazar_B]

Why not both?

http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressreleases/Gefen4x1HDMIswitcher.php

 

[tomdeleo]

I'm in the same boat. I have a 57" Toshiba with HDMI input and I've read great things about HDMI. I have a Comcast 6200 box and was told by Comcast that that the DVI output is inactive. I didn't necessarily believe the tech, she did not sound as if she understood any of it. I've seen switches that would allow input from two HDMI sources (e.*.: cable box and DVD player) and input to TV's HDMI. I have not been able to find a DVD player with HDMI output. Toshiba has (or had) a SD-5960 which was apparently recalled for some compatibility issues. I haven't had the guts to simply plug the cable box into the TV and wait for brilliant picture or brilliant flash. The cable box is highly sophisticated and we're only using a few of the features. The has to be a lot more in there.

 

[djoxygen]

1. a. Is there a significant benefit to getting a DVI or HDMI output on a DVD player?
b. what are some good, affordable ones?

Vinc has a DVD player that upconverts. Haven't seen it with my own eyes, but it's cheap enough to give it a shot. http://www.vinc.com/product.asp?ID=56&PID=21&SEQ=2

2. If I do get a DVD player with a DVI or HDMI output, which should I plug into my TV?

You could certainly get a switcher for a little extra $$ if you want both. If you must choose one, choose the one that you'll get the most enjoyment from. For myself it would be DVDs, but I have no desire to watch football in any resolution.

In another thread, someone pointed out that not all cable is HDTV so plug in the DVD player, but are ANY DVD's HDTV?

True enough in both cases. Actually, very little cable is HD. Some locals, a couple premiums, and a handfull of other channels like ESPN and DiscoveryHD in most markets. No DVDs are HD, but they'll probably benefit at least a little from having a direct digital connection, even if you don't try the upconverting.

 

[izub]

I just bought the Panasonic CT-32HL44 HDTV and I wrangled a Motorola 6200 from Comcast. The TV has 1 HDMI input and then component video and the cable box has DVI output. I guess I have 2 questions:

1. a. Is there a significant benefit to getting a DVI or HDMI output on a DVD player?
b. what are some good, affordable ones?

2. If I do get a DVD player with a DVI or HDMI output, which should I plug into my TV?

In another thread, someone pointed out that not all cable is HDTV so plug in the DVD player, but are ANY DVD's HDTV?

Anyway, this place looks pretty cool I have a feeling I'll be spending many hours here now that i've re-entered the world of home theater with my new HDTV.

HDMI will carry video and sound in the one cable The new Denon 3910 has that. The Gefen switcher is a good alternative dvd ,cable box into TV No dvd player as of yet is HD

 

[tsteves]

Either. It does not matter all that much since the tv is analog.
OK, it also depends on the dvd player and the comcast stb, some have issues with dvi or hdmi (white crush or hdcp issues).
Whichever causes less problems is the better answer.

 

[Gezman]

The new Pioneer Elite 59avi has an HDMI out (this is Pioneer's new flagship DVD Player). It also plays just about everything else (SACD, DVD-A, MP#, etc.). This unit upconverts the DVD image to 1024 on my Pioneer Elite 730hdi RPTV and it really rocks!!!! The nice thing about that particular TV is that it has two HDMI inputs so I can connect the HDTV receiver as well. If it fits your budget (the DV59 can be had for about $950 on the Internet), I highly recommend it. Be sure to check compatibility with your TV.