What's the Difference Between HDMI Cable and Component Cables?

Over a short length, the cables don't make a difference. What is different is that in the case of the component cables, the TV has to convert the component analog signal to digital. In the case of the HDMI cable, the signal is already digital. So there may be a perceptible difference if the TV doesn't do the conversion well.

Putting aside picture quality, the reason you should use the HDMI cable is that it carries the HDCP signals, component does not. If the source device, say a cable box, looks for the HDCP handshake, and doesn't get it, it Will not output an HD signal. So if you want to watch HBO in HD from a cable box, you have to use HDMI or DVI.

I use the component cables. Then again, I spent about $60 on them (gold plated ends, large conductors, thick shielding, etc) for both the video components and audio channels. And, I bought them a few years ago, before HDMI cables were even around. The difference in performance between top-end component video cables and HDMI cables is negligent. But, if you just use standard RCA cables - like the cheap ones the cable TV company gives you - you won't get as good of quality as the HDMI cables.

As HDMI cable connections become more and more widely used, we are often asked: which is better, HDMI or component video? The answer, as it happens, is not cut-and-dried.

First, one note: everything said here is as applicable to DVI as to HDMI; DVI appears on fewer and fewer consumer electronic devices all the time, so isn't as often asked about, but DVI and HDMI are essentially the same as one another, image-quality-wise. The principal differences are that HDMI carries audio as well as video, and uses a different type of connector, but both use the same encoding scheme, and that's why a DVI source can be connected to an HDMI monitor, or vice versa, with a DVI/HDMI cable, with no intervening converter box.

The upshot of this article--in case you're not inclined to read all the details--is that it's very hard to predict whether an HDMI connection will produce a better or worse image than an analog component video connection. There will often be significant differences between the digital and the analog signals, but those differences are not inherent in the connection type and instead depend upon the characteristics of the source device (e.g., your DVD player) and the display device (e.g., your TV set). Why that is, however, requires a bit more discussion.

Several people a day are searching for an interconnection solution by trying to connect HDMI to Component outputs through a cable for their high-definition equipment. Unfortunately, this isn't a matter of rearranging wires and having the right type of connector. There is a fundamental analog versus digital incompatibility problem similar to the upcoming digital broadcast TV switchover versus your current rabbit ears that receive analog broadcast signals. They aren't compatible and leave people confused just like the poor fellow in the commercial.

Component video is based on an analog format. With analog signals, the voltage signal on the wire is in a wave format and how the wave changes in height is what is important. Theoretically it has an infinite number of values between zero and the maximum, somewhat like the variable windshield wipers I had on an old Thunderbird. With the HDMI or DVI format, these are based on digital signaling. Digital as you probably have heard, uses ones and zeros with a series of pulses all at the same height and they are either present or missing. At the other end, processing equipment reassembles the information. In a 4-bit binary coding, you can have 1 of 16 different values as 4 1's and 0's assembled as a group can have 16 different combinations. So equipment at the other end of the cable that is detecting signals and looking for analog sine waves would put out total gibberish if it just received pulses of 1's and 0's.

Some solutions are very easy. If an HDMI or DVI output is available on both boxes, use those. The difference between DVI and HDMI is that HDMI caries the audio in addition to the video signals. But DVI is just as good and other than the expense of an extra audio cable, that will solve your problem. If you were trying to use the Component outputs because you already had the HDMI port tied up, they make HDMI switch boxes that are fairly inexpensive where you can plug multiple HDMI cables in on one side with one output on the other.

Via component cables an analog signal is transferred. HDMI is digital. Among other things this has the following advantage: As long as the data is transferred correctly you have the perfect image data arriving at your TV. There won't be a single pixel difference in what the 'sending' device puts out and what reaches your TV. Component signals (as all analog signals) can vary in quality and you can get disturbances.

So actually: At first glance HDMI cables might appear more expensive than component cables, but that's not entirely true. For HDMI the required quality of the cable is related to the length you need. If you only need to cover a short distance (two or three meters) a cheap cable will give you the best possible result that could ever be achieved by any means ... it's digital ... the cheap cable has no influence on the image quality ... just like the network cable your computer uses to hook up to the internet has no influence on the image quality of videos you download / stream.

Of course this doesn't mean component is bad: Among affordable analog video connections it's probably by far the best, but HDMI just has the advantage of not having to care about the signal being unintentionally "affected" by outside influences during transfer. So if you can: HDMI is the better choice.

Source: http://bit.ly/2129598

See How The DTV 2009 Digital Cable Conversion Will Affect You

If you're like most people, you're probably wondering what is going to happen to your TV's and your TV service when the DTV 2009 Digital Conversion kicks in February 19th 2009. Well, guess what? You're not alone.

It really comes down to some basic and easy to understand concepts.

What it means: Starting this Feb., cable will no longer be available directly from the outlet in your wall directly to your TV. Why? Because the Federal Government, for emergency services, is taking over the analog signals that cable companies use to transmit TV signals to their customers.

So, that means that if you currently have analog cable, meaning NOT Digital Cable Converter boxes on your TV's, your service will be shut off. If you would like to stay with cable, you may apply for up to 2 vouchers ($40 ea.) from the cable company for Digital Converter boxes. In many areas, only low income residents will be able to receive the vouchers for 2 Digital Converter boxes. To have cable service on more than 2 TV's, you will be required to buy your own Digital Converter boxes for each TV.

Also, when considering if you're going to stick with cable, be sure to find out what their Digital Cable prices are for all of your TV's. I've seen commercials, and have spoken to people that say "My cable company says that I will be fine if I stay with them when Feb. 2009 comes around." WARNING: There's a lot more to it than that. Let me ask you this. Do you have Digital Cable? If the answer is "yes", let me ask you another question. Do you have Digital Converter boxes on ALL of your TV's? Or, maybe just one or two. How much will it cost you to buy Converter boxes? Just be sure to check out the prices for Digital Cable on ALL TV's. It may surprise you. Also, do you know how to program a Digital Converter box to work on your TV? You'll need to learn, or guess what? You can pay the cable guy to come out and program your TV's to your new Digital Converter boxes. So, when the cable company says you'll be "fine", just remember, they still run commercials that say that Satellite TV charges extra for LOCAL Channels. ( That hasn't been the case for over 5 years)

People ask: "Will I have to go out and buy a Digital TV?"

Answer: If you're getting your TV signal with rabbit ears, and you haven't purchased a new TV in the last 5 years, chances are (about 99%) that you WILL have to buy a Digital TV. Why? Because even off-air analog (rabbit ear) signals are being taken over by the government, too. So, to even get a signal from an antenna, you will need to have a Digital TV.

Now, some good news: Satellite TV service has been 100% All-Digital for 15 years. So, no one has ever had to go out and buy a new TV just to get Digital Satellite TV service. And, unlike cable, Satellite TV service does not CONVERT a poor signal into a Digital signal, they use Digital Receivers. Meaning, the signal is pure Digital.

More good news: With both DISH Network and DirecTV, the equipment and installation for up to 4 TV's is 100% FREE. Pretty cool, huh? You can even compare DISH Network and DirecTV to see who's the better value.

Source: http://bit.ly/1187713

Finding the Most Practical Cable Internet Plans for Your Home

In the digital era, it pays to be always connected and updated. Communication via the internet has become a major necessity in our lives, not only in business but also in personal correspondences that we share with friends and loved ones. In this regard, cable and internet plans at home are a must to enjoy unlimited and convenient internet browsing experience. There could be a lot of providers and features to consider when choosing plans to keep everything in-sync and up to date, hence the need to compare plans wisely.

Australia, a vast piece of land located at the bottom part of the world, is one of the countries with citizens spending more of their time online. They conduct their work, communicate with family members, or even run their businesses via the World Wide Web. It's no surprise that an increase in the demand for stable internet connection and reliable service providers in the country has been observed throughout the years. A total of more than 60 providers are already present in the country, so it is only practical to compare internet cable plans prior to securing one in your area.

In order to provide assistance with respect to choosing the most suitable and practical cable and internet plans to utilize at home, here are some of the options or providers to appraise, in no particular order:

Optus Yes

Unlimited broadband bundles and entertainment on NBN, ADSL, and Cable are what Optus Yes can provide. From basic data and phone packages to various entertainment bundles, Optus Yes has something for everyone. These plans start at $70 to $115 a month.

Telstra

Telstra, for one, is the biggest name in the country when it comes to internet service. If you need power and superb online experience, Telstra claims that they have it. They also offer newest bundles such as the Telstra Premier Bundle Collection and Telstra Bundle Collection that offers 300GB bonus data for each plan. Starting at $89 a month, customer can never lose.

Foxtel

Foxtel is having a Christmas Promo that allows its clientele to save up to $175 on the upfront cost. For as low as $95 a month in a direct debit plan with a huge amount of data usage, home phone and Foxtel TV; it also includes applicable equipment, its installation, and activation fees. This is just the starting bundle for Foxtel, there's still an array of other options up to 1TB with 45 channels of brilliant TV.

iiNet

With iiNet, clienteles can connect better. iiNet upgraded its service to various cable and internet bundles and thus renders a fully loaded naked bundle for everyone. It connects people to a broadband of at least 1000GB. They also allow local + standard national calls for as low as $79.99 a month. Numerous cable and TV bundles are also being offered at very reasonable amounst.

However, even with the numerous promos and deals that comes with the popular internet connection service companies in Australia, it all goes down to the kind of service that they offer. The bottom line still lies on the type of customer service they provide, after securing an internet line. The after sales service of the ISP providers, whether on Australia or in other parts of the world, still remains as the most important factor to consider when getting the best cable and internet plan for any home.

Before securing a cable and internet plan for your home, it is important to compare internet cable plans to get the best service possible for your needs at home and for work.
Source: http://bit.ly/9237782

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