HDMI and Component Video

mikem317 · 09-01-2007, 09:28 PM

I have no experience with HDMI technology. When I was really in to audio/video, S-video was all the rage. Then came component and I quickly upgraded. But my new TV now has HDMI and I've only heard good things. Both of my home theater receivers do not have HDMI and I'm not sure if I should upgrade one of them or just stay with the component video (with PCM audio).

Anyone?

rdsii64 · 09-01-2007, 10:20 PM

depending on your input signal your eyes will not be able to tell the difference between HDMI and component video. If your current recievers are giving you a clean HD signal through your component video inputs then I would suggest that you keep them. I have a 42 inch HD pannel in my bed room with HDMI and a 52 inch HD rear projection in my living room. Most days my living room picture is better. My living room tv doesn't have HDMI.

kevin_stevens · 09-01-2007, 10:29 PM

HDMI will handle full 1080p, which is not a huge issue right now as there is almost literally NO 1080p source programming. Component is only good to 720p/1080i.

More than the technical advantage is the political one. Content providers are incredibly paranoid about controlling content delivery, and HDMI, as a digital interface, supports their massive push to close the "analog loophole", otherwise known as "letting users view content how and where they want".

The actual "content protection" part is HDCP, but HDMI is a necessary enabler, and HDCP compliance is part of the HDMI specification.

This ship has sailed, so if you have any concerns over fair use rights, or other consumer issues, pay more attention next time. Wikipedia has more info if you need it.

KeS

mikem317 · 09-01-2007, 10:35 PM

I did some research through Google and Wikipedia. I was just trying to get input if anyone is using the latest technology, HDMI.

rdsii64 · 09-01-2007, 10:35 PM

there is no way to use technology to stop me from doing what I want with video. What they can do is make it a royal pain in the a$$. case in point the ACSS code has been cracked. and getting around broadcast flags is childs play after a trip to radio shack. this is not to say that I condone theft. the cronies in hollywood have the right to be paid for their efforts. the problem is the solution isn't in technology and it never will be.

kevin_stevens · 09-01-2007, 10:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikem317

I did some research through Google and Wikipedia. I was just trying to get input if anyone is using the latest technology, HDMI.

I've just bought a new 65" 1080p HDTV with both HDMI and component inputs, and I'm not going to bother upgrading my component video receiver and other components until I have some other reason to do so (BluRay/HD-DVD would be the nearest on horizon). YMMV.

KeS