What are the advantages of using HDMI over component?

Question

I'm about to buy a Blu-Ray player, but I'm confused about HDMI vs. component cables. HDMI cables are expensive, so I'd like to know if they offer higher video quality than component.

Answer 1

Its a confusing issue.

Short answer: buy short HDMI cables from www.monoprice.com

For a run pushing 15 ft or more, get a good cable from www.bluejeanscables.com ($38 for 10 ft)

Component and HDMI both carry 1080p signals just fine.

HOWEVER:

- Cheap televisions do better with HDMI because one place they saved money was the analog electronics that process the component video signals.

- Make sure to adjust the brightness/contrast for the HDMI input. Some people replaced component cables with HDMI and saw "tremendous improvement"  when in reality the brightness/contrast was turned up to 100% on the HDMI input.

- There are some FUTURE enhancements to video with HDMI that .. nobody supports yet.  (You will have to replace your TV and HD source if/when these become available.)  If you are burying a cable in a wall - go for a name brand ($$$) cable that is 1.3b certified to make sure you are future-proof.  If you are just running along the floor - get budget cables for now.

Answer 2

HDMI are digital where component are analog. The digital signal doesn't degrade (it's either there or not) and you will get a better picture from an hdmi connection. Hdmi cables aren't that expensive if you buy them online. You can get quality cables at monoprice.com

This link is a 10' hdmi for $12.64 plus shipping. I have used monoprice a lot and they are high quality cables.

Answer 3

Advantages:

Only 1 cable to carry audio and video signal (provided your devices are all HDMI v1.3 compliant)

1 Cable means simpler hook-up, less overall cable weight, and easier to fish through small openings between equipment, between walls, etc.

Digital signal carried on the signal means little to no "interference" (fuzzy audio or picture).

Cons:

Not all devices sold today are HDMI v1.3 compliant.  You have to read the specs carefully to insure that you're getting what you really need.

Answer 4

Aside fromthe Digital vs Analog benefit the biggest advantage for most people is the ease of installation. 1 cable click click you are done. Component cables can be confusing for some folks as there are 5 cable to connect and two of them are red.  Connect the wrong red to the wrong input and things don't work properly.

Answer 5

HDMI is better than component. Do research.

Answer 6

Yes HDMI,  they offer a better picture digital vs. analog. Depending on where you shop for your cables either HDMI or Component do your research and figure out what you want to spend. In the end it's your choice