component video blurrier than S Video on SD channels

[jckatz]

I just purchased a Samsung 19" LCD TV 720P (LN-T1953H) of course. At first I used the S Video because my amplifier doesn't have component inputs.

I was concerned that I would have an audio video lag if I didn't feed my video though the receiver. My friend said I was insane so I hooked up the Component cables.

This is where it gets strange, the VIDEO color quality is 10X better with component but, I swear the screen it self looks out of focus.

Comparing the "legal fine print" at the end of a show using both S-Video and then component the white text was impossible to read in component but crisp as a bell in S-Video.

This effect is much more noticeable in Standard Definition programing than it is in High definition.

My friend says I'm still crazy, but I would love someone to explain what is going on here.

Thanks.

EDITED:

BTW why does the screen flicker and distort in component when changing from TIVO screens to video feed?

[wmcbrine]

BTW why does the screen flicker and distort in component when changing from TIVO screens to video feed?Presumably you're seeing a resolution change. You could try setting the Tivo's output to a fixed resolution.

[RonDawg]

It could also be a problem with the TV or it settings. Try hooking up a DVD player to those same inputs, using the same cable, to see if it still occurs.

[wmcbrine]

It could also be a problem with the TV or it settings.He says it's happenning when he changes between menus and video. That's a very specific symptom. When not set to a fixed resolution, the TiVo uses 720p for the menus (although they're really upconverted from 480p). If you really want to test it, switch to a 720p channel (the HD versions of Fox, ABC, ESPN, or Nat Geo), then go to the menus. There should be no flicker then.

Try hooking up a DVD player to those same inputs, using the same cable, to see if it still occurs.The DVD player would output a fixed resolution, so that wouldn't really clear up the issue.

[RonDawg]

He says it's happenning when he changes between menus and video.

That's one of the problems, which he mentions at the very end.

His first concern (the one I was addressing) is that the TiVo's picture quality is "blurry" when using Component. I know it's not between the menus and video because he specifically mentions the credits and the end of the show, which he says is unreadable on Component but crisp on s-video.

[moyekj]

The difference may be due to a lot of things, but keep in mind first and foremost:
1. S-video Tivo output is ALWAYS 480i
2. Component Tivo output depends on what video output setting you have setup, so it could be 1080i, 720p, 480i or 480p depending on your settings

As a test, if you force set your Tivo to put out 480i (which affects component output) do you then get a similar picture as S-video?

[Moebius]

Could be the display has a good comb filter in it (or the TiVo, can't remember which end that happens on with S-Video).

[jckatz]

I will have to try forcing the output to 480i.

I don't understand, are you saying on my $400 HD TV (all 19 inches of it) I've been watching at 480i, and actually find it better quality than 720p....

I already know that my old CRT was better quality than Standard Def on the new TV, this will just make me an even happier camper.
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