DVI vs. HDMI vs. Component Video

Hi Howard, here's my take. All three do video, but only HDMI 'transports' both video and audio, so if you want a single cable solution, HDMI is your only option at present. Audio is typically output via a separate set of cables, from either the digital or analogue outputs.

DVI and HDMI are practically the same on the video side of things. Being digital, many feel they might present a better image than component on a digital screen due to matters such as fewer digital/analogue conversions. My experiences has been the differences between them are just that: differences, rather than one being better. This is my view, and many prefer one over the other. I am currently in the component camp for a variety of reasons, including: waiting for DVI/HDMI to mature, and (currently) greater options for callibration on a screen with component.

For audio, I'm currently using analogue stereo, to reasonable effect (what I haven't heard, I haven't missed). However, since there seems to be some signals lost in the stereo mix-down track on DVDs (subwoofer LFE stuff for example), I'm curious to hear the full 5.1 output over digital to a processor e.g. AV2, into a stereo pair (2.0) to begin with.

Cheers,
-Mark.

Howard,

component can hold its own against DVI/HDMI in most cases. The displays except DLP are analogue anyway so the differences may be whether the source pumps out component better or vice versa. HMDI once used I believe shuts down all the other outputs on source equipment. This sucks if you want to sell later for upgrades!

Like most things in HT and hifi you need to test it for yourself.

Dave

Keep the audio separate, to begin matters....

As for video, it depends on the projector/TV in question: how good the processing in the TV is, the video DACs in both the source and the TV, the processing/no processing signal path in the TV, etc. etc.

Unfortunately, as with anything else, you must experiment, as there are plenty of situations I've seen where DVI (which is absolutely superior IMHO in the personal computing realm, esp. over long distances) falls short of good-quality analog interconnections.

This is, of course, independent of any consideration of display calibration, which, in some instances, can polish a turd.

Thanks to all for these responses. Audio is separate now and in the future be kept separate as well. So, I will probably experiment between the DVI and Component and make the choice for Video. I am happy with Component now but have heard a lot about DVI so I was curious what others had experienced. Dave, I agree with you about calibration. My old Toshiba was calibrated and it was outstanding. I guess I will look into calibrating the Plasma since as you suggest it will probably be a big improvement.

quote:

HMDI once used I believe shuts down all the other outputs on source equipment. This sucks if you want to sell later for upgrades!

Indeed this would suck. Is this for real? Surely they wouldn't do such a ridiculous thing, for fear of everyone taking back their players for replacements under warranty?

Can anyone confirm?

John

quote:

HMDI once used I believe shuts down all the other outputs on source equipment. This sucks if you want to sell later for upgrades!

Er, not with my Arcam DV29. I often swop back and forth between HDMI and Component, simply by going into the appropriate menu.

In buying a Pioneer DVD868i, Pioneer HD434 plus a Pioneer AX5i I was one of the first on the all digital wagon. The system uses just two cables, one HDMI and Firewire for audio. Ala Naim Pioneer supplied all the leads but as the technology was so new (all units bought day of UK release) I had to wait a two weeks for the HDMI cables to be manufactured.

After viewing via good quality component leads (loaned by dealer) I made the switch to a small little "free" black cable that looks like it could of been made for mere pence and all I can say is wow! one of those great AV moments

In comparison HDMI is vastly superior to component and I for one wouldn't go back.

On my DVD player all other outputs are shut down when HDMI is selected, audio isn't though even when firewire cable connected.

I'm new to this too, can anybody help,
I have a Infocus 4805 DLP projector and it accepts DVI input. I am currently looking for a DVD player has DVI out, is it correct that a DVD player that can upscale HDMI via HDMI to DVI will yield better picture quality than component?
I am after a budget player and some Chinese made players can upscale up to 1080. Any opinions?

HDMI and DVI can be converted between each other by an appropriate cable or converter. They are virtually the same except a HDMI cable/socket can also carry audio as well as video (if you really want to do that) if the device supports it. Look for a DVD player with HDMI or DVI, I don't think one is technically any better than the other. An appropriate cable or converter to convert from HDMI to DVI or vice versa will not do any upscaling, ie. convert a standard definition picture (576i) into a high definition picture (720p or 1080i). By the way, on many DVD players, especially cheaper models, HDMI or DVI is not implimented as well as component so the picture may actualy look worse via DVI/HDMI.

In terms of budget players that do HDMI, has anyone has any experiences with the Toshiba SD-350E or the OPPO OPDV971H?