HDMI versus Component (1 Viewer)

[Pat Donleycott]

Two Questions:

If I have a really fine DVD player that upconverts to higher resolution with Faroudja etc, will I see the improved resolution if I use a component connection or must I use and HDMI?

I have seen only one receiver that inputs/outputs and switches HDMI (the Panasonic SAXR series) are there any others or are there some scheduled to come out soon?

thx
Pat

 

[Eddie Horton]

The only DVD players that I know of that will up-convert over component is the Zenith DVB-318 and I think some older Bravo and Momitsu units. As for the second question, I'm sure HDMI switching will be coming out on more receivers next year. The Panny doesn't do switching, just input/output. The Onkyo flagship receiver has HDMI switching, and I think the Pio Elite 59txi, but don't quote me on that one.

 

[peter m. wilson]

Hi Pat and Eddie,
HDMI when it is the norm (and it will be) has 3 distinct advantages over component. 1: since it keeps the signal digital all the way to the display, (no A/D D/A conversions)and if your display or A/V processor probably has such an input and if your display is ISF calibrated (goes for all HD capable inputs) gives you a chance for a great picture.

2:You can have a much longer cable run if necessary without signal degradation the fact that it's digital all the way technically gives you the chance to get a better picture than component. Whether this is also true for normal 6' runs on calibrated inputs is a subject for another time.

3: Where it also has an opportunity to shine and cut down on you overall cost for cables is that unlike it's digital also cousin DVI (same thing applies to longer cable runs)it can also carry the audio portion of the signal.

As Pat pointed out there are a few (rather inexpensive players) that will actually make proper use of the Faroudja DCDI scaling chip and allow you to scale ANY dvd, copy protected or not to 1080i and 720p, (a review of the LG Canadian version of the Zenith 318 is available at the hdtv section of www.keohi.com.) If you subscribe to the daily www.ilovehdtv.com HDTV broadcast schedule the review of the Zenith 318 is available there. I wouuld suggest anyway taking out a trial subscription to check out the wealth of HD info available.

Personally I use the HOLO3D PCI computer card scaler which scales all 480i inputs from outboard equipment like vcrs cble/sat bxs and dvd players set to interlaced (480i) to any rez your display can handle. Immersive used to make the HOLO but has moved on to other things.

You may indeed have an excellent player and if you set is properly calibrated a progessive scan 480p picture is still excellent. If all you Faroudja processing can do is up rez a home made dvd of you New years eve party, its a shame.

Peter m.

 

[Pat Donleycott]

Peter thanks for the info - I cant find the Zenith review??

Do you know if the upscaled DCDI output is available on the component lines, many DVD players make it available on a HDMI or full digital output only.

Pat

 

[peter m. wilson]

Hi Pat,
If you PM me at [email protected], I'll send you the review.
Scaling to a higher rez than 480p of regular dvds is not allowed on all but a few players through Digital DVI or HDMI which comply with HDCP copy protection.
My set only has component and if you read the review of the LG player at keohi theres a mention of a 65" Tosh that ISF'r Michael TLV (Michael Chen) used to A/B the LG through component. That was my tv.

Peter m.