Interconnect cables

[andyw715]

I'm sure there is some technical explaination that I'm not aware of but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Instead of HDMI and Component (w/fiber optic or coax audio) interconnects, why don't they just use the regular old coax type cable to carry the signal?

The capability to carry all the channels with whatever flavor of audio you like, plus PPV and VOD, plus internet and digital phone all via the same coax cable is already thier either via cable co or sat.

Can't it also be used as an interconnect between componets to deliver the same high quality audio and video signal?

[JimSpence]

They could, but analog RF doesn't do HD. If they did do it, they would have to re-digitize it and then the other room would need a decoder.

[rodbac]

Can't it also be used as an interconnect between componets to deliver the same high quality audio and video signal?

Not for high-def. Once it's decoded (I guess that's the right term), you need either HDMI/DVI or component.

[RonDawg]

In addition to the above responses, RF gives the worst picture quality of all the available interconnect options.

[RoyK]

Good grief.

[mikebridge]

I'm sure there is some technical explaination that I'm not aware of but I thought I'd ask anyway.

Instead of HDMI and Component (w/fiber optic or coax audio) interconnects, why don't they just use the regular old coax type cable to carry the signal?

The capability to carry all the channels with whatever flavor of audio you like, plus PPV and VOD, plus internet and digital phone all via the same coax cable is already thier either via cable co or sat.

Can't it also be used as an interconnect between componets to deliver the same high quality audio and video signal?

in theory, yes (composite/component cables are basically coax w/ different connectors). in practice? no, as an interconnect, a single cable would be carrying too many uncompressed channels which would cross talk their signals, degrading quality.

[andyw715]

Maybe im misunderstanding but is RF the only available transport when utilizing coax?

Is this how current cable modems work, delivering thier digital content via RF signal?

[Stephen Tu]

Yes it's how cable modems work. No, you can do baseband, doesn't have to be RF.

The gist of the thing is that you can use a simpler cable but make the electronics more complicated to decode a more complex signal, or a more complicated cable with simpler electronics with simpler signals, and the second way is cheaper. Extra wires are supposed to be relatively cheap (at least if you don't fall for the Monster et al high-priced cable scam!)

[classicsat]

There is no currently no secure way to send HD video from an HD STB to a display on coax.

Sure they could have a QAM or ATSC modulator, but they are costly, and do not protect the digital content from piracy. Encrypting that would further complicate things.

On consumer level equipment that the studios will let be manufactures and sold, the only interface they really like is HDMI, because it carries a high bandwidth uncompressed signal, and is secure. For coax, you will find only analog video formats, or digital audio.