hdmi vs. component cables how much better is hdmi?

Answer 1

sirbobx has it mostly right.hdmi Carry's a separate signal encoded to stop video piracy.it is also a compacted form of carrying the digital form of rgb/ypbpr component with audio.in my opinion the better picture quality is on the analogue rgb/ypbpr component but that is my own personal preference.digital for me is to pixalated and loses its clarity after 5meters.but digital is the new word about town and a lot of people think it must be best yet dont have a clue what they are talking about.try hdmi and component you can get a component cable for next to nothing so why not.

Answer 2

I think the truth of things is hidden in some details.

Component cables rated for 90-100 Mhz are capable of handing even 1080p video. Broadcast studios & production houses have used these for years.

"Only HDMI can carry 1080" - No and Yes.

Hollywood is afraid of video pirates getting a HD-DVD, BluRay or CATV High Def program and using them to cutting thousands of high-quality tapes, video CD's or home brewed DVDs and flooding Asia, Europe, South America.

Built into the use of HDMI cables is copy-protection features. It allows the HDTV program to drop to standard-def video quality if you DONT use HDMI with High Def Content Protection (HDCP) 1.2 or 1.3 or whatever is next.

This is where the idea: "You must use HDMI to carry 1080p video" comes from.

Note: I predict that eventually everything HighDef must use HDMI. If you are considering a big purchase like a TV/Projector - get the current gen with as many HDMI inputs as you can, or a receiver with as many HDMI inputs as possible.

Answer 3

Component cables are strictly video, where as HDMI is audio/video at a much higher quality. It also means less bulk in cables as it is only one cable.

Digitaldealz.net has some great prices on HDMI cables if you are concerned about cost.

Answer 4

HDMI vs Component

Well to start you will need HDMI to transport 1080p video quality. You will also need HDMI 1.3 if you want the latest greatest digital audio format like DTS True HD.

Component video is good enough for most people. It can carry high definition signals up to 720p? I'm not sure but I'm definitely sure that I cannot transport 1080p.