HDMI/DVI vs. component(again)

[cygnus7070]

I was in an electronics store today and I overheard a converation between a salesman and a customer. The customer had only one DVI input on his TV and was curious how he should connect his STB and an upconverting DVD player. Apparently, they never discussed a HDMI/DVI switcher.

Anyway, the salesman recommended connecting the STB via component cables and the upconverting DVD player via HDMI/DVI. His rational intrigued me and was something I had never thought of before. He stated that since the material coming out of the STB was already in HD, there was no need to use a digital connection;using a good quality analog connection would produce the picture quality desired. However, he said, the material that is on a DVD is not in HD(which we all know) and that using a HDMI/DVI cable is the better way to go(again, questionable). The more I thought about his reasons, the more it made sense to me(at least from a theoretical point of view).

I currently am debating if I should purchase a HDMI splitter(for 20 million dollars) because my TV only has one HDMI/DVI input. I have an upconverting player that is connected via component inputs and my STB is connected via HDMI. I know the answer is based on preference of picture, and I'm not asking anybody how I should set my display up. However, I am curious what the experts think about what the salesman had to say. Thanks in advance.

Gregg

[57U]

1. Most DVD players only upconvert to 720P/1080i via the DVI/HDMI connection.

2. Therefore most people use that connection for the DVD player, while using CV for the STB, if they have a limited number of inputs.

3. Component video can look as good as DVI/HDMI - see the HDTV FAQ on "DVI/HDMI information for more on that subject.

4. You can buy an HDMI switcher for about $40. See below:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=21690&highlight=HDMI+switch

5. Also, some TVs have DVI and CV on the same input. Since many STBs are always sending a signal (even when "off") if you hooked it to the DVI, it would always override the CV input, but a DVD player is "off" when turned off, so you get an "additional input"...

Smart Salesperson - few and far between.

[Spottykat]

Just recently purchase a hefty priced HDMI cable for my HDTV. The picutre is 10000x better and full of rich color. Image degradations during action sequences are slim to none now. I recommend HDMI anytime, but I guess it depends upon your display. The only problem I see when using HDMI is adjusting the overall horizontal position of the screen-oh well i just think its my TV.

[57U]

Be aware that there is no need to by a "hefty priced" HDMI cable. See the following:

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=21206

http://www.hdtvoice.com/voice/showthread.php?t=1788

You can by an HDMI cable for about $1-$20.

Question - 10,000 times better than what????

[Spottykat]

10000x better than component. The reason I bought a hefty priced HDMI cable is because I like all my brand names to match. I am wierd like that. Price doesn't bother me. I used to buy budget parts and cables, but they didn't do the trick. There is a difference between manufactures.

[Ratman]

This will be fun... :)

[57U]

There is a difference between manufactures.Yes there definitely is. If you read the first link in post 4, you'll find that some cost a lot more than others. ;)

The application in question is also important, as cheaper is not always the better route obviously, but not everyone has money to throw around like a man with no arms... ;)

[Spottykat]

You are absolutely right, but I save up for what I really want (or need) and purchase the best I can get. I never buy cheap things when I can't afford the best. The best or nothing. If I have to wait, I do, but as in this case I saved up for the cable and I am glad I did.

[abeas]

With the money I have saved over the past year from buying Walmart or internet store cheap cables, I bought my girlfriend a digital camera for Christmas. The "PQ" quality in my girlfriend's happiness is much greater than the PQ difference between Mon$ter verses Bob's basic component cables. I know you like the best cables and feel that it is behooving they all match, but think of the extra money you would have if you sold your $100 cables for $20 cables. I doubt you would see a difference greater than 50¢.