New HDTV- need to connect to a DirecTV DVR- new component cable?

Question

Our new HDTV has 3 video input options, and one is made for the normal yellow-video, white/red-audio setup while the other two have red/green/blue video inputs. I have found a component cable for our playstation so that our picture will be of greater quality while playing games/watching movies, but I do not know if they make a component cable for the DVR without having to get a HD box and upgrade to HD channels. I know that I should be able to pick up the component cable for the playstation2 at any store really, but would I be able to get one for the DVR at, say, a circut city? Any help would be great, as I am relatively technologically dumb :)

Answer 1

from what i understand, digital boxes can only be hooked up by using either coaxial cable, composite (yellow, white and red) or s-video cable as the digital boxes transmit analogue signal.

component cable (red, blue and green) or the HDMI usually are for HD boxes as they have to transmit the signal up to 1080i which exceed those analogue capacity.

Answer 2

"and am using the regular red/yellow/white cables for the DVR"

Bad - those cables can only send standard def video to that HDTV.  This is like buying a speedboat and putting it in your backyard pool.

Your standard def signals usually look like c**p on a HD display.

You really want to upgrade your DVR to a HD unit.  Then get a inexpensive HDMI cable from www.bluejeanscables.com or www.monoprice.com

Or get a $25 UHF antenna, hook it to the TV and have it scan for channels.  You should be able to get ABC, NBC, CBS for free and you will be shocked at how much better HD looks over standard def.

Type your address into the webpage below and it will show you where the antennas are around your home:

http://www.antennaweb.org

Answer 3

If you have just a standard dvr, then the cable hdmi or component doesn't do you any good.  Use the standard connection for the dvr - the resolution is only as good as the lowest res point in the "chain".  

If you have a 1080p tv and HD DVR, then use HDMI (a video cable would reduce the signal to 480i).  If you have a 1080p tv and standard dvr, you're only going to get 480i from the receiver, so the connection doesn't improve anything.

Answer 4

They do not make dvr's with component connections unless they are HD/DVR's. The back of your Dvr probably only has composite (yellow, white, and red) connections and coaxial (regular cable that you have to twist on and looks like a bolt or s***w).

You will have to upgrade, but it's COMPLETELY worth it.

Also, your TV should have one or two of another kind of connection called HDMI.