Component Cables and HD Content?

[ofield1]

Hi,
I have a HD Cable Box if I hook it up via Component Cables instead
of HDMI to a Sony Wega KDF-E60A20 will I still be able to receive Hd
content, or will it just be 480p, not 720p, or 1080i?

Thanks for all the help guys...

[adcvideo]

Component cables are capable of sending up to 1080i (rarely 1080p, but cable boxes don't output that resolution anyhow).

I use a Motorola DCT 6416 HD cable box, and there is no difference in picture quality via HDMI or component. I have both cables attached. The HDMI sends more info to the TV which may prevent manual adjustment of things like contrast and/or zoom/stretch of 4:3 video programs.

You may have to access your cable box service menu to ensure that 1080i is being sent. For some reason, my Motorola DCT 6416 HD was factory set to output 1080i via HDMI but only 720p via component. Careful you don't void your warranty.

Does your TV have a display option to report what resolution is being sent via your cable box?

Cheers
adcvideo

[edDV]

Hi,
I have a HD Cable Box if I hook it up via Component Cables instead
of HDMI to a Sony Wega KDF-E60A20 will I still be able to receive Hd
content, or will it just be 480p, not 720p, or 1080i?

Thanks for all the help guys...

1. 720p and 1080i are HD content.

2. Cable boxes don't offer 1080p/24 directly. Not to worry, 1080p/24 can be derived from 1080i/29.97 depending on the HDTV processor. The Wega processor will extract 1080p/24 from 1080i/29.97.

3. Your HDTV has a native resolution of 1366x768p. The Wega processor will convert 1920x1080i to 1366x768p using analog component or HDMI cables. Set the cable box to 1080i if you favor movies. If you favor sports, set the box to 720p.

4. HDMI is a digital connection. Component is an analog connection. HDMI might have a small advantage but not enough to matter.

[RLT69]

One thing to remember: HD content providers are going to limit the resolution of HD content via analog connections such as component. I believe the limit is 720p. So if you have content resolution higher than 720p you will not see it. You will need the HDMI connection.

HDMI cables also eliminate the need for audio cables.

[edDV]

One thing to remember: HD content providers are going to limit the resolution of HD content via analog connections such as component. I believe the limit is 720p. So if you have content resolution higher than 720p you will not see it. You will need the HDMI connection.

HDMI cables also eliminate the need for audio cables.

Not for cable or sat tuner boxes or ATSC tuners. They all send full 1920x1080i over analog component. The analog component resolution reduction only applies currently* to upscaling DVD and BluRay players. Many players still pass full 1080i over component unless the specific DVD disc is content protected.

HDMI will be resolution reduced as well unless an HDCP encryption handshake is maintained. This is often a problem from PC graphics cards that don't have working HDCP.


* The MPAA is hard at work to get HDCP extended to broadcast and cable in law using the "broadcast flag". This has failed in US Congress for the past 5 years but if we elect enough Hollywood friendly Congressmen in Nov, it will pass. ATSC tuners, cable and sat boxes are already prewired for HDCP. It only takes a firmware download. Those outside the US need to worry about their legislatures as well.