Is DVI significantly better than component? (1 Viewer)

[Norris]

I just got a Samsung HD tuner (for OTA broadcasts) that only has component instead of DVI. Model SIR-T151. I was told that I can't really see a difference between the 2 connections, so save the $ and get this one. It was the last one they had, so maybe they were trying to push a sale. For the price ($248) do you guys think it wasn't a good deal, and should I return it and spend a little more to get a tuner with DVI?

Thanks!

 

[Don_Berg]

No, you don't need DVI. You won't notice the difference with component video and you save money too!

 

[Bob McElfresh]

Samsung makes a DVD player with DVI and component. People have hooked it up both ways and not seen much difference between the 2 connection types.

 

[Norris]

Thank you for your answers. Now I'll feel better and go look for an antenna.

 

[John Kotches]

The improvement of DVI is directly relevant to the type of display in use.

Those using fixed pixel displays (Plasma, LCD, DLP, LCoS) are likely to see the biggest difference. I was watching ESPN-HD last evening (Duke vs. Maryland) and the PQ between the DVI input and the component input was quite apparent, with the DVI input looking far better. I use a fixed pixel display. There is one exception, where a certain brands current generation plasmas perform an A/D of the DVI input, followed by an A/D which will be fixed in the next generation.

For CRT based displays, it can be a wash, but using the digital path prevents an extraneous A/D conversion. HDTVs use digital for signal processing. Depending on the sets architecture you might see a better picture with DVI, and you might be hard pressed to see a difference.

Cheers,