Component Video Switching

[Sidious]

What is the minimum bandwidth rating for component video switching, so as there is no signal degredation, in an HT receiver??

Thanks

[Ratman]

I could be wrong... but I believe it's around 30MHz.

Oh yeah... and any 'break' in the signal path (as opposed to going directly from point A to point B will cause degradation).

Whether it's noticible or not depends on the cables, connectors, components and your keen eye.

[57U]

I think you're right Ratman. Interesting that some of the older HDTVs only had a wideband amp rated at something like 20 MHz, so don't place too much emphasis on the numbers...just get yourself a good receiver rated to handle HD switching.

[spaceman_spiff]

Does anyone use component switching on their recievers, if you do, is your reciever hdtv compatible, I mean rated more than 37MHz ?

Here is a good link for video bandwidth
HDTV bandwidth (http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/ajaynejr/bandwid.htm)
Another LINK (http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes.cfm/appnote_number/750)

[laveller]

I use component switching on my R-1300 yamaha all the time, with no problem...bought the unit because of the top-art hdtv compatability.

[keltymd]

I had the same question.....

for 1080i or 720P you need 30-35mhz per leg so that is a total of 90-105mhz. Most of the amps on the market (save the highend stuff) allow for 30mhz total! that will do 480p, but there will be some signal loss with true HDTV.

Matt

[IOStinks]

Direct, Direct, Direct...... Always go direct. I am with Ratman on this one.....Your TV should have plenty of inputs....Point A to point B....the only route to go..

[MrGibbage]

Let's see...... I have so far
STB
XBox

and am planning on adding
Home Theater PC
(eventually) HD TiVO

Are there any TV's out there that take at least 4 component inputs? Realistically, I'd want at least 6 for expansion.

I think that the reality is, we will be forced to find high quality ways of doing hte switching, because manufacturers won't put that many inputs on most tv's.

[guzzi]

I bought my Onkyo TXSR600 simply for the high bandwidth (50mhz) video switching. The Onkyo is about the only reasonably priced A/V receiver(499.00 at C.C.) with a "HIGH" enough rating to handle HD switching without any loss of signal. Most A/V receivers in this price category range from 15MHZ up to 25MHZ!!! Be careful when purchasing a A/V receiver for HD switching, as you may not get enough bandwidth to work well!! The ONKYO has 2 component HD inputs and (1) output; so I use the one input from my DVD progressive scan JVC player and the second input from my Zenith HD-SAT520 HD receiver component out. The component HD output goes to my SANYO PLV-Z1 HD projector. This way I can both watch HDTV and DVD on my projector; switching thru the Receiver. Works very well. To use a receiver as a switching device, and get more than (1) output you will have to go up into the $2000 and up range!! I also have a Zenith 36" HD ready TV with a RGB input. I use the RGB output on the HD-SAT520 STB direct to the RGB input on the TV so I can still watch Satellite SD/HD on the smaller set. All DVD movies are shown on the projector, and not the 36" TV. This setup works well for us and eliminates a couple of remotes and getting up to switch cables around!

[AdminJoe]

like guzzi, I have the onkyo 600....
I would recommend at least 35mhz for passing hi-def signals through component inputs...

[keltymd]

How bout this for a question.....

When they talk about the bandwidth 25,30,35,37,50,MHZ, etc..... are they talking per leg (3 for component) or are they talking total bandwidth. I have read that you new 37 for 1080i, but I did not find anywhere that said if that was total or per leg.

Thanks

[dano257]

I have the Yamaha HTR-5550 and use the component switching all the time with no problems. Real nice receiver and less than $300.

[57U]

Originally posted by keltymd I have read that you need 37 for 1080i, but I did not find anywhere that said if that was total or per leg. Many switches will "pass" a good HD signal with 25-30. See link below, which was also given earlier in this thread for more details:

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/ajaynejr/bandwid.htm

[FrugalRacer]

How do you find out the bandwidth that a receiver will carry? I looked at the Panasonic and Onkyo web sites, but didn't see any mention of this in their product specs.

[keltymd]

one of the best places I have found it www.crutchfield.com and they have all the specs on there recievers

[Skram0]

Originally posted by keltymd
for 1080i or 720P you need 30-35mhz per leg so that is a total of 90-105mhz. Most of the amps on the market (save the highend stuff) allow for 30mhz total! that will do 480p, but there will be some signal loss with true HDTV.

Matt
So you're saying a signal source of 30MHz (1080i) split 3 ways gives you 3 30MHz signals? How can that be? It seems to me you'd get 3 10MHz signals. (Y Pb Pr)

Would if you split that 30MHz signal 5 ways, like RGBHV, do you end up with 5 30MHz signals, totaling 150MHz bandwidth for people using RGBHV?

So you really do get something for nothing. ;)
It all just doesn't add up.

edit: Found a site with a $45K (1080i/720p) studio video product stating its frequencies as "Y: 20 MHz, Pb/Pr: 10 MHz". Add them up and you get 40MHz.
http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/Products/vtrs_vcrs/specs/s_aj-hd150.html

But, here's a $27K unit which states "Y: 74.25/1.001 MHz, Pb/Pr: 37.125/1.001 MHz" totaling 148.5MHz. Hmm.
http://www.panasonic.com/PBDS/subcat/Products/vtrs_vcrs/specs/s_aj-hd130dc.html

[keltymd]

Check most of yuor highend receivers, they claim 100 MHz. that breaks down the about 33Mhz per leg. Now, I have the Yammy 5560 with 30Mhz bandwidth and have the XbOx and DVD hooked up to it. I could not see a differance between going direct to the TV with the Xbox or going in the Receiver first, That was using Dragons Lair for the Test Xbox's only 1080i game. But that is again a game, cartoons will always look clearer than real life.

[KlineKR]

I believe the bandwidth specifications for most equipment is for each component. You don't need to divide the componemt bandwidth by three.

[Skram0]

KlineKR, that's what I'd guess.

Here's an interesting site: Analog Component Video (http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/compon.htm)

Looks like the Y carries the full bandwidth, and the Pb and Pr each carry about half of the Y bandwidth. For RGB, each carries the full bandwidth. So for a 1080i signal, I guess the Y would be about 37MHz, and the Pb = 18.5, Pr = 18.5. They don't seem to add together or divide apart. I say 37 cause some references say 37, and some 30. May as well pick the high number to be safe. Also I think 37 accounts for the "extra" information/scan lines that you don't see in the picture.

If anyone has $30, you could buy the High Definition TV Analog Component Video Interface standard, EIA-770.3 (http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/search_results2.cfm?document_no=EIA-770.3).
This would be an interesting document to show the exact specification and bandwidth of the HD analog interface.

It would be real nice to see a receiver conform to the EIA-770.3 standard, like this (http://www.orbitsat.com/cyberstore/product.asp?PID=VHDC-300) product does.

[57U]

Here's the one that shows the bandwidth requirements:

http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/ajaynejr/bandwid.htm

This is the 3rd or 4th time this link appears in this thread...

[clapple]

Does anyone know of a component video switch that will switch digital ( 0ptical) audio as well? Or any suggestions on combining the outputs of two satellite receivers, with a one input TV and A/V receiver?

[57U]

Audio Authority have several switches that do Component and Optical. They are not cheap.

You could consider "upgrading to" an A/V Receiver that has wideband component switching. I'm sure it'll have several optical/coaxial inputs. If you decide to get a new A/V receiver, check out the FAQ "If only I'd have known". There are hints at the bottom of that post. Sell, or hand down, your "old" A/V receiver.

[clapple]

Thanks. The AA 1154 looks perfect. I could just do it all manually; but it would drive my wife crazy.