HDMI better than Component?

[Se7en_]

Has anyone compared the picture quality of HDMI and Component?

I know the component cables are pretty crisp,
but I've never seen HDMI.

I'm getting my HD sat. box installed and I don't know if it's worth it to
shell out the extra $$ for HDMI if the picture quality is the same as the free component cables.

[57U]

Please read the HDTV FAQ "DVI/HDMI Information", especially point 2.

For about $20, you should be able to see if HDMI is better in your particular application.

[Se7en_]

Yeah, the FAQ says there's no difference, but I'd like to hear from anyone else who may have compared the 2.

It's not worth $20 to me test, especially when I have a great forum like this!

:cheers:

[57U]

As mentioned in the FAQ, any differences are more the result of calibration of the two types of input. Therefore it's likely you'll get responses saying HDMI is better, as well as some saying component video is better.

If you have a fixed pixel display, you're more likely to see an improvement via HDMI, but it's not a hard and fast rule..

[Se7en_]

thanks 57U,

btw, which do you use?

[57U]

No choice, my TV's a 2001 model, so component video was the only thing around.

[HT Fan]

if you have a fixed pixel display, you should probably go with HDMI.

If you have a CRT, it depends on whether your STB or your TV has a better D/A converter. If the TV's is better, go with HDMI. If the STB's is better, go with component. How do you know which one is better? Compare for yourself. If you can't tell the difference, go with whatever is cheaper. You can use a cheap HDMI cable, but I wouldn't recommend cheap component cables.

[Se7en_]

if you have a fixed pixel display, you should probably go with HDMI.

If you have a CRT, it depends on whether your STB or your TV has a better D/A converter. If the TV's is better, go with HDMI. If the STB's is better, go with component. How do you know which one is better? Compare for yourself. If you can't tell the difference, go with whatever is cheaper. You can use a cheap HDMI cable, but I wouldn't recommend cheap component cables.

Here's my tv: Samsung DLP 56" (http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?prod_id=HLR4667WX%252fXAA) (fixed pixel ?)

and I have the direct tv HD DVR.

what do you suggest?

[leevitalone]

Go HDMI.

Comp. signal is changed to analog then back to digital. HDMI is all digital and I think it offers the best picture! The TV maker put the HDMI input there for a very good reason! Use it. and buy a good cable(s).

[Se7en_]

go HDMI comp. signal is changed to analog then back to digital, HDMI is all digital and I think it offers the best picture! the tv maker put the hdmi input there for a very good reason! use it. and for chs sake buy a good cable(s)

whoops.
Wrong model.

Mine is this one (http://product.samsung.com/cgi-bin/nabc/product/b2c_product_detail.jsp?prod_id=HLR5667WX%252fXAA)

although, I don't see the differences in the 2 models...

[Kenetics]

My fixed pixel tv gets a slightly better picture on SD with Component vs DVI to HDMI cable. Fewer artifacts or noise in the picture, although this is probably due to signal quality - I have a long run of buried cable and it is split. BTW, I see no difference in pq whether using a 3 ft. monster component cable ($40) vs a 6 ft. Phillips ($18).

[jwr1]

on my set, the HDMI input appears slightly sharper, the colors slightly brighter.

[Se7en_]

okay,
I've tested them both out.

In conclusion... there's no real difference.
I'm sticking with HDMI, for 3 reasons:
1. It looks cool, when I change my imput on my tv, and "HDMI" comes up on the screen.
2. It gives me a free component imput, so now I can connect both my DVD player and my playstation through component!
3. One cable sure beats 5.

[jud]

I currently have my HDMI cable running from my HDDirectTV Tivo to my HDMI jack on my HD Panasonic LCD. I subscribe to DTV HD program package and receive all local HD stations with the exception of FOX. Where I can clearly see the difference between HDMI and Component Video is with my Denon DVD-2910 Super Audio player which has outputs for HDMI and Component. I tested a DVD with SVideo, HDMI, and Component switching back and forth between the three and I could clearly see a difference with HDMI being the winner. I get better quality SD program picture with HDMI. Most of the SD channels that I watch with the 4:3 aspect ratio (not stretched) look very good. I was expecting to be disappointed and on the contrary, very pleased. Even the NFL games that are not broadcast in HD look very good. My LCD TV really brings in great color and resolution. I'm very happy. The HD Tivo recordings I've made are spectacular and you absolutely cannot detect the difference between the live program and the recorded. Hope this info helps.

[videobruce]

Yes if it works;
http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=22050

[lingen]

I had to switch from HDMI to component on my DILA because of compadibility problems with DVR and I can not tell any difference at all.

[videobruce]

What model DVR?
Do you have a HTPC hooked up or plan to?