2. home-theater
  3. 1132422087

Need help with Component vs. HDMI vs. DVI

I recently purchased a Sony XBR LCD 32” TV and am using the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD Cable box (www.astound.net) I am using a component connection (5 wires) from the cable box to the TV. My retailer recommends that I change my cable connections to DVI output on the cable box to an adopter and then to the TV via HDMI. He states that with a component connection, the cable box will convert from digital to analog and the TV will convert back from analog to digital. He claims the picture on my Sony will be much improved using DVI through an adopter box (about $30) and then HDMI (to the TV).

He suggests I contact my cable company to determine if the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD Cable box is available with a HDMI output since this would eliminate the adopter and the audio cables.

Should I switch from a component connection to the DVI to an adopter to the HDMI connection from the cable box to the TV? What are the advantages, picture wise, of changing my cables? Is the picture quality better with a HDMI connection than a DVI connection (with audio cables)? I do not have DVD player or receiver. Thanks..
hgeifman
woodburger's avatar
woodburger
143 posts
 
I believe DVI and HDMI will look the same but your issue is really going through multiple conversions from digital to analog to digital (not a good idea). THAT'S what usually hurts the pictures since all converters are not the same.

Read the cable card section on my site for more on the conversions.http://www.greathometheater.com/CableCard.html

It's the same story for you - multiple conversions can degrade your picture.

HDMI carries sound and video. HDMI carries both.
woodburger's avatar
woodburger
143 posts
 
I believe DVI and HDMI will look the same but your issue is really going through multiple conversions from digital to analog to digital (not a good idea). THAT'S what usually hurts the pictures since all converters are not the same.

Read the cable card section on my site for more on the conversions.http://www.greathometheater.com/CableCard.html

It's the same story for you - multiple conversions can degrade your picture.

HDMI carries sound and video. HDMI carries both.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
You don't have to buy an adapter they make DVI to HDMI cables and Yes the picture will stay all digital this method and should look better.

On a side note the difference at that small size might not be worth it, so try to buy and return it if you don't like it.

On a projector the difference can be huge. Also it depends on how good the scaler is on your TV. If it is good then it won't make much of a difference.
More to discover