HDMI vs. component video
2/12/2008
Q. I recently purchased a 50-inch plasma television. Component video cables were included. Would HDMI cables provide a better connection than the component video cables? Also, Im confused by the pricing of HDMI cables. Ive seen them for $5. Ive seen other HDMI cables that far exceed $100. What should I look for when selecting HDMI cables?
A. Is HDMI or component video better? At the risk of sounding ambivalent, there are two answers to this question: It depends and HDMI.
One type of cable isnt inherently better than the other. There are several factors that affect the quality of a connection.
Lets start with a description of each type of cable.
HDMI is a digital connection. It transfers video and audio between gadgets like DVD players and televisions. It is capable of transmitting high-definition content. It separates video into three different channels: red, green and blue.
In contrast, component video is an analog connection. Like HDMI, it is used on a variety of gadgets. It only transmits video. However, it too can transfer high-definition signals. Video is separated into red, green and blue channels.
Most people believe that analog is inferior to digital. Digital gadgets must convert signals when sending and receiving them over an analog cable. For example, the signal from a DVD player is converted from digital to analog. The television receives the signal and converts it back to digital.
In theory, digital signals dont need to be converted when sent and received over a digital cable. However, the information can be encoded in different ways. Also, the signal may not correspond between gadgets.
For example, DVD recordings have non-square pixels. A televisions pixels are square. So, a television needs to scale the signal from a DVD player.
You may assume that digital-to-digital conversion is better than analog-to-digital conversion. This isnt necessarily true. It could be worse. The quality depends on how your gear processes the signal. It isnt easy to judge the conversion without actually viewing the end result.
You also need to consider the length of a cable. Analog cables are good at transmitting signals over a relatively long distance. On the other hand, as a digital cable gets longer, data loss is more likely. This can result in pixel dropouts. The picture will look sparkly.
Both HDMI and component video cables are capable of transferring high-definition signals. Theoretically, you could use either to connect a Blu-ray player to an HDTV and get a full-quality picture.
Consider HDCP
In practice, though, youll probably run up against HDCP. This copy- protects content by encrypting it. HDCP-compliant gadgets cant transmit high-definition content over analog connections.
So, for HDCP-compliant gadgets, HDMI is a better choice than component video.
The quality of the cables is important, no matter which type of cable you choose. You want the cable to connect solidly to a gadget. The cable should also be well constructed.
But do you need to spend a lot to get a quality cable? Well, Ill tell you one thing: Im not spending $100 on a cable!
Do not overspend
Seriously, dont break the bank on a cable. I wont name any names, but manufacturers use marketing fluff to promote so-called premium cables. These cables wont provide a better picture than less expensive, quality cables.
Judging the quality of a cable can be difficult. But you could just rely on common sense.
I found HDMI cables for less than 50 cents on one Web site. No matter how good the reviews, I wouldnt trust these cables. Rather, I would just look for a reasonably priced cable from a trusted manufacturer.
For a component cable, youre looking at about $10. For HDMI cables, shoot for $20 to $30.
By the way, have you considered hooking your computer up to your new TV set? Youll never look at the Internet the same way again! I have a tip that will help you make the connection.
, but I'm open to everyone's input:
