Is HDMI cables give you a better picture quality than component cables?

Answer 1

It may, but it may not.

It depends on the equipment, cables, distances involved, type of source, etc.

Read the article at the link for details, but in brief unless digital video (DVI or HDMI ... DVI is identical to the video portion of HDMI (which carries both video and audio)) is done right analog component can give a cleaner picture. And DVI and HDMI are prone to all sorts of problems, particulalry with poor cables at longer distances. So, while video over DVI or HDMI can be as good or better than component, it isn't a given.

In fact, in most cases you won't see any difference. The sole advantage of HDMI is it allows a single cable for video and multi-channel audio ... but this is a convenience feature, not performance.

The only time you can say definitively that HDMI will be better is if HDCP is involved. High-bandwidth Digital Copy Protection is an industry imposed mechanism to prevent copying of high definition programming. It only allows HD signals to be passed by a cable if a 'handshake' is passed. While not universally used --- yet -- If HDCP is active (based on a 'token' embedded in the original program material (e.g. HD DVD, Blu-Ray disk, HDTV programming)) an HDMI cable won't pass any signal (blank screen) unless all connected devices are HDCP compliant. In the case of a component cable a reduced resolution signal will be passed (low res picture). See the 2nd link.

There is a lot of misperception out there that HDMI is wonderful. It isn't. Cable manufacturers are slowly making it work, but it's a flawed standard and it's being pushed to the limits by requirements of HDMI 1.3. The facts are that component was and is a good approach (the broadcast industry still use it so it must be good).

Answer 2

It doesn't matter if the Xbox 360 doesn't have "blue ray" which by the way is spelt "Blu-ray" it is still capable of processing high definition games like the Playstation 3. In my opinion I have seen games on the 360 that have comparable graphics to the Playstation 3. With that being said, to get the best resolution out of the 360 it is necessary to have the HDMI cable hooked up to your HD TV. From experience, I have two 360's in my house one hooked up to a high definition TV with component cables and one hooked up to a high definition TV with HDMI. The difference is very noticeable to me, the HDMI really does make a difference.

Answer 3

Using proper component cables, and HDMI - I cannot see the difference on my screen.

But I am converting my system over to HDMI. It is the future, the cables are cheaper, video & audio in 1 cable is very handy.

There are some issues, but things are getting better.

Answer 4

I've seen a side-by-side comparison of Component and HDMI cables....

HDMI has MORE DETAIL and you can see the difference....

But you do not need a $100 HDMI cable either....
Get one that only costs $30 up to $70 and make sure it's NOT HEAVY...

You don't want Monster-Cables® it's overkill, and too much weight for the HDMI connectors...

Answer 5

HDMI is not necessarily the best and only way to receive High Def Pictures.
You can also receive High Def pictures by connecting with component cables. You could learn more about this if you
go to FAQ at :
www: HDMI.com

Answer 6

HDMI/DVI are digital connections. Digital tv signal from your cable/sat/dvd/etc is sent to TV, and TV displays it.
Any other connection, including COMPONENT are analog. Digital signal from cable/sat/dvd is converted to analog, sent to your tv which converts the analog signal to digital to be displayed.
ANY conversion degrades the signal.

Answer 7

You won't be able to see it. But there's another advantages it's digital and with one cable it transmit both video and audio.

Answer 8

They sure do - high definition media interface will give you a better DVD pic if you connect it to your player provided it has upscaling.