What would be better?

Question

So what is better? to run 1080P through Componant cables or run 1080I through HDMI cable?

Answer 1

Better in what sense? And under what circumstances? You don't say.

In objective tests people cannot reliably distinguish between a 1080i and 1080p input to a 1080p HDTV -- the TV simply deinterlaces the 1080i signal -- so from a video quality perspective there is no appreciable difference.

There are differences between the two technologies that might matter for other reasons.

Both cables are able to pass 1080p (someone will thumbs down this response because they belive 1080i is the limit for component. Not true). Both will allow (with good quality cables) long cable runs (100ft or more). That said, HDMI is more problematic at distance than component, requiring particular care in cable design.

Component requires three matched cables plus one or more connectors for audio (if required). HDMI will carry HD video and multichannel audio on one cable. So component is a bulkier, more unweildy connection mechanism.

The physical connection is more secure with component, since normal HDMI plugs do not have any form of locking device. That said, HDMI connections are available with a locking pin from some suppliers (locking component RCA plugs can also be obtained).

HDMI is digital, so if using a digital signal can reduce digital-analog conversion .... potentially resulting in better video quality. That said, component can be indistinguishable, or even better than HDMI, depending on relative cable quality and the quality of the video processing electronics.

HDMI will eventually be superior (due to legal constraints, not technical limitations of the two cable technologies). In a couple of years when HDCP is actived (e.g. the ICT (image constraint token) flag is set), if HDCP compliant devices are present at both ends of an HDMI connection the HD video signal will be passed (but if either device are non-HDCP compliant the signal will be cut off). Under similar circumstances all HD analog signals (e.g. a component connection) will be down sampled to subHD resolution. In this case you would be better off with HDMI.

So ... which is better? It depends what factor matters. Today, either can give as good an HD picture. HDMI is less bulky and more convenient and in the long run will be the preferred choice. But if it comes down to not having sufficient hDMI inputs and wondering whether a component input could be used ... go for it.

Answer 2

Probably 1080P through Component cables.

Answer 3

Hook it up and see. No one can really answer this but you.

Your TV could have a really good deinterlacer that takes the 1080i signal and makes it 1080p. Or you could have a crap one.

For most people component is beautiful. HDMI may give you more vibrant color but it is unlikely that you could see the difference.

Again there is no concrete answer saying which one is better. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Answer 4

Is that it's very hard to predict whether a digital DVI or HDMI connection will produce a better or worse image than an analog component video connection. There will often be significant differences between the digital and the analog signals, but those differences are not inherent in the connection type and instead depend upon the characteristics of the source device (e.g., your DVD player) and the display device (e.g., your TV set).
Doodad