HDMI or Component?

Answer 1

When using HDMI the signal remains in the digital realm therefore eliminating the chance of signal degradation.

Answer 2

Flapjack has the right response. HDMI MAY be better than component, but it may not. HDMI is highly overrated and NOT the great development it is advertized to be. It does offer fewer cables, BUT the the HDMI connector is problematic, the cables are easily damaged, and at distances over about 20' component will be better. Broadcast engineers use component out to hundreds of feet and at resolutions up to 1080p (another overhyped spec!). Read the articles at the link to get some eye opening facts.

Answer 3

Depends on where you want the image decoded.

Most often I will say component over HDMI since the source devices most often have better demodulation circuitry than your set. HDMI is built on a twisted pair model and is prone to errors, the small ones you won't see but the TV needs the information to properly decode or it will simply interpolate the previous and next image to guess. Not good.

Also I am tired of Sony forcing it on me. If they can prove it is a better format it will win (but they can't). BB and CC perpetuate the myth that componnent can't support 1080p and this is just not true. good cables can.

By the by to the uninformed posters here. Digital is not always better since both the audio signal and the HDTV image are converted into analog format to view and hear.

Yes I know HDTV is suposedly is digital but that is the transport medium when decoded it is analog. The image quality is expressed in lines not pixels of resolution. The image when you see it is analog.

Furthermore audio sampling rates are a expression of the speed/resolution of digital to analog conversion. So if your receiver has better DACs use a digital interconnect but if the Player does ( most do) use the analog audio outs that a not encoded, not compressed or messed with.

Truth is ask a expert what to use and don't fall for the hype that Best Buy and Circuit City try to create to boost sales. Look at the technical data and decide for yourself what is better.

I will say with any system it is the interconnects, that make or break a system. Also look at filtered power.

Answer 4

Nice discussion and debate, but the facts are simple:

If you want to play HD DVD or Blu Ray content you NEED HDMI because of the copy protection requirements.

For Standard definition, very few people can see the difference, between the two cables

HDMI provides the convenience of one cable vs 5.
Some new audio formats can only be carried via HDMI.

Finally, overall picture quality depends very strongly on components used and personal taste. Try them both and pick the one you like best.

Answer 5

HDMI is a digital and component is analog. Digital is always higher quality because anytime you have a digital to analog conversion, you lose quality.

Also, HDMI supports up to 1080p resolution, where component maxes out at 1080i.

HDMI is the way to go!

Answer 6

Use HDMI. HDMI cables are a single cable, so they are MUCH cleaner. Plus, HDMI will provide better video and audio, both digital. HDMI cables can be bought online for so cheap, it only makes sense now.

Answer 7

HDMI
this is the highest quality connection you can make