Component video vs HDMI?

Question

I currently have a comcast box that supports HDMI. It is hooked up to an amp (which handles video and the surround sound) which is then connected to a Plasma screen in the wall via a tunnel in said wall. The cable box is connected to the amp by using component video cables (3 for video and 2 for audio). I am thinking about hooking up HDMI. The Box does not support HDMI so I would have to string it through the wall. Before I do that, I want to know if it is worth It. The audio cables would still be hooked up to the amp but the HDMI cord would be going through the TV.

I don't want HDMI if there is no difference, because of the hassle and money for the cables

Any advice?

Answer 1

Most professional HT installers still use component in preference to HDMI simply because in most cases there is no discernable difference ... particularly for HDTV ... and component is much more reliable at distance.

I'd stick with component unless/until forced to HDMI (For example, see link).

As to cost of cables ... if you decide to try HDMI you don't need expensive cables (like Monster), but for in wall installation you do need cables rated for the use (CM rating) ... such as the BJC Belden Series-F2 from Blue Jeans Cables (Link 2).

Answer 2

I just went through the same problem, what I found out was that the HDMI is worth the trouble.  If your watching HD TV the HDMI will bring you the best picture and sound that you can get. Thats the way I went and I still think it was the best choice.

Answer 3

You HAVE to KNOW your Amplifier was designed to convert COMPONENT over to HDMI signals FIRST.....

Take a careful look at your INSTRUCTION BOOKLET.....especially the First Welcome page and especially the Video /HDMI/Component chapter....

Price should NOT be an issue if you want HDMI 1.3a cables...

http://www.monoprice.com

These work fine, you don't NEED Monster cables to keep a signal pristine in the DIGITAL signal realm....

And the BEST thing....you can run HDMI FARTHER....and it's MORE DETAILED....and it' carries Audio and Video TOGETHER.....on one line.....

And you can pull it easier......

SO....if your amp CONVERTs component signals, you can use the Component cable to pull the new HDMI cable thru the wall....

If it doesn't convert, leave those lines there for FUTURE adaptations.....

Answer 4

hey, i am in the same situation, i just found the website monoprice.com and purchased some cables, HDMI, for a lot less than the big box stores.   when i receive them i'll answer back whether they worked or not.

at the price i'm paying, i figure why not try the HDMI cables and see if they are better or not.

currently i am using S-video for picture to the tv, and have the digital box from comcast.

so, we'll see.

Answer 5

Personally Grant;  If you had a controlled situation, one with your setup, and another with hdmi... I would bet even money that 5 out of 10 people, if all things were equal, would pick the wrong one, if asked which one had the hdmi.  It is difficult to even get two identical HDs, again all things being equal, to emmulate the same picture.  I went with HDMI cables this past January, on two Phillips big screens.  a 42" and a 47".  Went to a friends house last week who had bought the same model # at my recommendation and had component cables running.   We have the same satellite company.  Dish.  I saw no advantage to my cables.   I've found that after the 200 channel package. the HIDEF package, two receivers ( because you only get HIDEF to one television per receiver..a little fact they failed to tell me when I jumped on board)  That there are in fact very few channels that actually send a 1080i my way.  My Phillips jump it up to 1080p, but I am truely disappointed in my sat company.  Truly.  So, if you are happy with the pic.... stay with what you have.  Spend the money in the freakin gas tank to get to work to pay your comcast bill.  My vote is for the status quo.  Let well enough alone...But, the only true way to find out is to spend the dough to see if you would be impressed.  I wasn't, but since the money is over the dam on my HDMI cables...Ill let it rest.  Happy CSI Miami, and Crossing Jordan to ya.