Do I lose video quality using composite cabes component cables?

Question

Recently I purcheds another LCD TV, and moved my other one into my bedroom. I only had one set of component cables for my DVD player in the living room. I also wanted to watch my DVD in the bedroom with 480p but instead of running out to buy another set of cables I used some old composite cables and pluged YRW into RBG, I made sure they matched up of course, and the picture seems to be fine.

My question is stated above, does component cables contain anything better than composite cables that would make me run out and buy a set to get a better picture?

Answer 1

Yes. Using a Component video cable will of course give you a better picture than when using a Composite cable. But there is nothing wrong with using a Composite cable, though.

Answer 2

You could be loosing some fine-focus and color stability.

For standard def - composite and component cables carry the same frequencies and since they are all seventy-five ohm coax - they are interchangeable as long as they are the same length.

But here are the frequencies involved as you go to progressive or HD video signals:

480i   : 4 Mhz max

480p  : 12 Mhz max

720/1080 : 35 Mhz max

So composite cables were built to carry frequencies up to 4 mhz. Not progressive, not HD.

Even "Component" cables which have been around for years may not be built for modern higher def signals.

(Note: the wrong cables wont damage anything except perhaps a bit of video quality.)

HD Cables:

The cables are NOT more expensive for HD (unless you buy foolishly), but they just have to be built for the higher frequencies.

Good HD rated component cables can be purchased from http://www.bluejeanscables.com  

You can also get cheap cables from www.monoprice.com - buy read the fine print: You want "HD Rated" in the text, or badwidth about 90 Mhz or more to be sure it's compatible with HD video signals.

Answer 3

The cable themselves are made the same. It's basically two wires with RCA connector on either end. Some cables have fancy jackets and thicker wires. Thicker wire is better over all, but fancy jackets just look better. You may notice a difference (if the cables you have now are very thin) switching to thicker better made cables.

The only real benefit that an actual component video cable has, over using 3 individual composite cables, is that all 3 wires are bundled together and the ends are color coded.

Golfer: You should read the whole question.

Answer 4

You don't mention the source or display model numbers or the model of cable.

In most instances the individual cables that make up a component cable (the video or yellow portion) are 75 ohm video cable. Not different at all from the three that make up component. But that will depend on the manufacture( Some ultra high end have bandwidth changes) . I noticed that you indicate that you used red and white as well, note that these are not composite, but AUDIO cables. You should notice slight color and noise issues if you continue to use audio cables for video including the dynamic range of colors you can see.

Just know that you can use three composite VIDEO cables for component. But you can damage the input section of your display if you do not use a impedance corrected cable.  

Answer 5

Yes. You should see a noticeable difference. The component cable splits the chrominance and luminance properly and allows for more bandwidth to be transmitted. HDMI is even better if you have that option.