Jill_S

Hi. Could someone please explain the uses of component video inputs and outputs on a receiver? Several receivers I've looked at (such as Denon AVR-1603) seem to have inputs but no outputs. Or am I just reading the specs wrong?

What would be the use of having inputs but no outputs? If there is no output, does that mean I can't run a high definition video signal through the receiver? I don't have an HD tv now, but would like to in the future (wouldn't we all?).

If I understand correctly, I could run the HD signal directly to the TV without going through the receiver, and some seem to think this is best. My question is, how much of a pain is this, user-wise? Could I still use one remote?

I'm new to this, so I hope my questions make sense. Thanks.

Michael Reuben

Welcome to the forum!


In the case of the Denon, yes, you're reading the specs wrong. It has 2 component inputs and 1 component output. Here's a link to the spec sheet. Look at the second page:

http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/avr1603.pdf


You're right -- there'd be no use. I've never seen a receiver with such a configuration, and I strongly doubt that one exists.

It's not a pain to run a direct connection to the TV. At some point, the component signal has to go there. Unless you have an unusual room arrangement, there probably won't be much difference between running the component cables to the TV from the receiver or from the HD tuner.

To use one remote, you'll need to have one that can be programmed to control your TV, because the TV has to be switched to the HD/component input. This is true regardless of whether or not you have a receiver that switches component sources.

M.

"Most people never have to face the fact that, at the right time and the right place, they're capable of anything." -- Chinatown

"What kind of movies would there be if everyone in them had to do what we thought they should do?" -- Roger Ebert

HTF Beginner's Primer and FAQ

Jill_S

Thanks for your response. In my defense, the spec sheet I looked at from Denon was here: oops it won't let me post a link. Well, you go to the Denon site and click on "Products" then "Receiver" then the little icon next to "Full Line Product Comparison Chart".

The chart compares the various models and shows nothing under component video out for the 1603. I thought that was kinda screwy! Thanks for providing the other link which clarifies things.

One more question: are there ANY advantages to routing the component video signal through the receiver?

Michael Reuben

Only if you have multiple sources components that need to use the TV's component input. For example, I have a progressive scan DVD player and a DVD recorder that also outputs a progressive signal. I run those through my pre/pro, because the TV only has one set of progressive inputs.

Those comparison charts are a great idea in theory, but I'm often astounded at how carelessly they're prepared.

M.

"Most people never have to face the fact that, at the right time and the right place, they're capable of anything." -- Chinatown

"What kind of movies would there be if everyone in them had to do what we thought they should do?" -- Roger Ebert

HTF Beginner's Primer and FAQ

Tim K

As Michael mentioned, the advantage is in a situation like this...

say you are watching a DVD on your progressive scan DVD player. You have component out to the TV for video and Digital Coax to your receiver for Audio. Now suppose you want to pause the DVD and flip to monday night football in HDTV to check the score. Suppose your Cable box is connected by component to your TV and by Optical cable for your audio. To switch from DVD to HDTV you would have to change the input on your TV from input 1 to input 2 to get video, and change the input on your receiver from DVD to TV to get the sound.

If you use the receiver to handle video switching as well, you only have one set of component cables from your Receiver to your TV input 1, and when you switch the input on your receiver to TV, it switches the audio and video thus saving you from switching it on your TV.

Of course, if you have a programmable remote that does macros, this convenience loses its appeal as the remote simply switches TV inputs as part of the macro. That's what I do....plus it saves me from buying an extra set of cables!