Please help me with Component?

Question

I have a question. I have an Akai 27 inch with component slots. I bought the component av cables for ps3 and hooked them in. It has 2 extra cables for sound as well. I can now play 720p and 1080i. But, if I have all the wires (video and sound), will it be the same as an HDMI setting?

Answer 1

For all practical purposes, a component video cable + its stereo cables, or a HDMI cable, will give you an identical picture and sound on your TV.

HDMI differs from the component cable pack in that it's a purely digital signal, unlike component which is still analog.  HDMI also carries a HD video signal, AND a surround sound signal.  A common configuration using HDMI would be to connect your PS3 to your receiver that supports HDMI in and outputs, then connect the receiver to your TV using HDMI.  The receiver will use the audio signal for surround sound, but pass the video signal to your TV.

The PS3 has a separate optical audio connection that you can use in parallel with the other A/V cables.  This means you can connect your PS3 to your TV with the component video and stereo cables, AND get surround sound out of your receiver with the optical audio cable at the same time.  This is nice if you can't always use the surround system due to neighbors or sleeping babies.