Component Switching and TV Input

[Keith]

My Pioneer 49TXi provides upconversion of composite and S video sources so that you can use the receiver for component switching and run a single component cable out to the TV. However, the Hitachi 57S500 allows for the separate calibration of each input.

By restricting yourself to a single input on the TV, rather than using separate inputs for each source, you lose the ability to adjust the TV to allow for variations in PQ from the individual source. Such adjustments would have to come from the source itself. Some DVD players are capable of that.

At least thats how I understand the above to work. I currently use separate source inputs on the TV with no video going thru the receiver, but I think I'll experiment.

I would be interested in your opinions on the procedure. What does everyone else do?

[57U]

What you say about the input sources on the TV is correct.

When I have a composite input source, it's usually an SD 4:3 signal, so I also like it to be "stretched" to fill the screen. So by changing inputs, my TV also automatically changes the stretch mode (Hitachi does this, some TVs do not).

My DVD player, which goes along the component video path to an "HD" input is left in "Full" which is good for all anamorphic DVDs and HDTV forces the "Full" mode anyway.

BTW, your A/V receiver doesn't actually "upconvert" the signals, it just allows basically the same "resolution" to flow along a new path. The signals are still 480i. (even if your receiver says "upconversion" no actual upconversion, like would occur in an HDTV, takes place.)

[Keith]

I understand your last paragraph, just didn't know another word to use. I really hadn't considered using a single component cable from the receiver to the TV, but the fellow's thread below got me to thinking about it.

I believe it would simplify life, if I don't give up PQ. I wouldn't mind the adjustment for differing aspect ratios.

Do you separately calibrate each input on the TV?

[Keith]

It occurred to me that it may be necessary to use a second input, ie not the HD input. Is that right? I had to run a svideo cable to the TV to forstall the upconversion of SD occurring from the TW box when output thru component.

[57U]

Most TVs do not allow stretching of 1080i signals and that's all that some STBs send out their component connection, so yes, it is often an advantage to have a second connection (S-video) for your SD channels. Some STBs also have an "issue" with converting SD channels to component video signals.

See the FAQ on "Cables & Connections" for more details.

I believe most TVs allow for separate (typically professional) calibration of each input.

[Keith]

Please let me clarify. I am going to make the following connections:

STB to Receiver: 1. component to carry HDTV
2. svideo to carry SD
VCR to Receiver: composite
DVD to Receiver: component

Receiver to TV: a single component cable

I will try this and post the results.

Thanks for your help. Its very easy to get confused in this maze. The forum has been a great assistance.

[mikehbkwm]

the receiver you have actually lets you take any signal and have it come through component from the receiver to the tv........

[Keith]

Mike, I was just curious whether the PQ on the combined input would equal PQ if each component were connected to a separate TV input. Whether it was better to individually tune each TV input to accomodate the source?