HDMI or Compontent on THD?

driverseven · 10-28-2007, 07:30 PM

Just setting up my Tivo HD (after 4 years with a Series 2 with an Sony HD TV using component cable) and I'm trying to decide whether I should spend $99 on an HDMI cable.

I read a bunch of threads about HDMI and saw many horror stories about problems with pay channels (including HBO, which I have).

I can't figure out whether someone with a simple setup -- ie, one TV to a THD with cable cards -- would have a problem watching premium cable (such as HBO) and the occasional on demand movie if I switched to HDMI.

If you do have this setup, I guess the real question is, did the picture improve enough to justify spending $99 for an HDMI cable (which is what they're charging at Circuity City)

chip_r · 10-28-2007, 07:44 PM

First of all, don't spend $99 for an HDMI cable anywhere. Look at the many online sources such as www.bluejeanscable.com or www.monoprice.com and pick out a more reasonably priced cable if you want HDMI.

For HDMI vs. component, there is little difference. You probably won't notice it but HDMI is slightly better. Assuming you have RCA cables around, just use them for now and order yourself a reasonably priced HDMI cable if you want to maximize your setup.

Joybob · 10-28-2007, 07:46 PM

Okay, first of all you're paying way too much for that HDMI cable.

Second, HDMI shouldn't be a problem with pay channels.

Third. On demand movies do not work on a tivo.

Fourth. The picture quality is pretty much equivalent.

chip_r · 10-28-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driverseven

Just setting up my Tivo HD (after 4 years with a Series 2 with an Sony HD TV using component cable) and I'm trying to decide whether I should spend $99 on an HDMI cable.

Just re-reading your email, I'm wondering if there is some confusion here ...

Series 2 has composite, S-video, and RF as output choices, not component. Composite is the single yellow RCA jack while component is the Red/Green/Blue colored jacks for Y/Pr/Pb. DVD players often have component outputs but the Series 2 doesn't.

So, if your question is HDMI better than composite (the yellow video output jack), then a big YES, it's far better. BUT, the component outputs (red/green/blue) of your TivoHD are almost nearly as good as it's HDMI output.

Joybob · 10-28-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip_r

Just re-reading your email, I'm wondering if there is some confusion here ...

Series 2 has composite, S-video, and RF as output choices, not component. Composite is the single yellow RCA jack while component is the Red/Green/Blue colored jacks for Y/Pr/Pb. DVD players often have component outputs but the Series 2 doesn't.

So, if your question is HDMI better than composite (the yellow video output jack), then a big YES, it's far better. BUT, the component outputs (red/green/blue) of your TivoHD are almost nearly as good as it's HDMI output.

Nice catch. High five!

Mars Rocket · 10-28-2007, 08:06 PM

In addition to providing nearly equal quality to HDMI (in fact I can't tell the difference on my TV), component cables will allow the TV to synch up to the signal faster because there's no handshaking going on. If you switch inputs a lot this can be a nice "pro" in favor of component cables.

hkancyr · 10-28-2007, 08:17 PM

I got my hdmi cables at Newegg. They're Belkin and cost about $59 each, which I think is outrageous, but they are 8 ft long. They work with the TiVoHD and the upconverting DVD with no problems.
I thought I read somewhere that people were having problems with the real cheapos, might have been the AVS forum. That's the only reason I went for the slightly higher priced ones.

bareyb · 10-28-2007, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mars Rocket

In addition to providing nearly equal quality to HDMI (in fact I can't tell the difference on my TV), component cables will allow the TV to synch up to the signal faster because there's no handshaking going on. If you switch inputs a lot this can be a nice "pro" in favor of component cables.

There's other reasons to avoid HDMI as well. Copy protection schemes are another reason and it seems that some folks are having issues with HDMI. I don't personally have any HDMI issues, but I think if I had it to do over I probably would have gone with component.

Joybob · 10-28-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkancyr

I got my hdmi cables at Newegg. They're Belkin and cost about $59 each, which I think is outrageous, but they are 8 ft long. They work with the TiVoHD and the upconverting DVD with no problems.
I thought I read somewhere that people were having problems with the real cheapos, might have been the AVS forum. That's the only reason I went for the slightly higher priced ones.

I think the problems are due to HDCP not HDMI itself.

kirk1701 · 10-28-2007, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chip_r

Just re-reading your email, I'm wondering if there is some confusion here ...

Series 2 has composite, S-video, and RF as output choices, not component. Composite is the single yellow RCA jack while component is the Red/Green/Blue colored jacks for Y/Pr/Pb. DVD players often have component outputs but the Series 2 doesn't.

So, if your question is HDMI better than composite (the yellow video output jack), then a big YES, it's far better. BUT, the component outputs (red/green/blue) of your TivoHD are almost nearly as good as it's HDMI output.

Got to disagree with you chip_r
Not all series 2's don't have component connections. I have a Toshiba DVD/Tivo Combo which does have the component connections which maybe driverseven setup.

d_anders · 10-28-2007, 09:21 PM

Get a hdmi cable, and get it as short as you really need.

A 3-6ft HDMI cable online is around $30-$40, if not cheaper.

Cables are the french fries for brick-and-motar stores like Best Buy and Circuit City...Cables are rarely on sale there and there is a major reason why....
...it's major margin city for them and it's where they make up us their profits after selling a HDTV set on a sale. I have a friend that used to work at Best Buy Corporate in Minnesota and you would not believe the "cost" that the stores had on cables (my friend told me never to quote the average margin, but it's outrageous)...it's on the line of french fries if not better (let's just say that)....It's pure profit gravy...even the online stores are making money, so don't feel bad at all getting a deal there too.

Boot · 10-28-2007, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d_anders

A 3-6ft HDMI cable online is around $30-$40, if not cheaper.

You can get a 6ft HDMI cable from monoprice.com for under $5. It will work just as well as the $99 one at Best Buy. But even if you somehow aren't happy with it, you're only out $5. Definitely worth a try.

Graymalkin · 10-28-2007, 10:47 PM

I have three HDMI cables from monoprice.com, and they work just fine. I also have a $12 component cable combo from monoprice.com, and the picture quality was indistinguishable.

To me the major difference was clutter -- using a component cable requires FIVE cables -- three for video and two for audio. The HDMI does all that in one. Also, my Samsung TV has three HDMI inputs and only one component input, so I went with HDMI for both TiVos and the DVD player.

gweempose · 10-28-2007, 10:53 PM

I'm another happy monoprice customer. I've bought six HDMI cables from them and they all work great!

fred2 · 10-29-2007, 12:26 AM

Monoprice, here, too. A 35 foot hdmi cable at a reasonable price. I also got a hdmi switch box from them (I don't think it is their label????)

richsadams · 10-29-2007, 12:34 AM

Agreed that you don't need to pay big bucks for a good HDMI cable. Also agreed that the difference in PQ between a component connection and HDMI will not be noticeable...might even be better depending on your TV's capabilities. Here's a link to a good very article on the subject:

DVI vs. HDMI vs. Component Video -- Which is Better?

Here's a link to a very good article about HDMI and why it isn't always the best choice:

Connecting A Home Theater - HDMI

We have both HDMI and Component out from TiVo directly to our HD LCD TV and optical audio to our HT. Just for fun I switch between HDMI and Component now and then just to see if there's a difference...at this point component is winning, but just barely.

chip_r · 10-29-2007, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kirk1701

Got to disagree with you chip_r
Not all series 2's don't have component connections. I have a Toshiba DVD/Tivo Combo which does have the component connections which maybe driverseven setup.

I forgot about the DVD models. Thanks for bringing that up.

aaronwt · 10-29-2007, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkancyr

I got my hdmi cables at Newegg. They're Belkin and cost about $59 each, which I think is outrageous, but they are 8 ft long. They work with the TiVoHD and the upconverting DVD with no problems.
I thought I read somewhere that people were having problems with the real cheapos, might have been the AVS forum. That's the only reason I went for the slightly higher priced ones.

I use over 30 HDMI cables ranging in length from 6 inches to 15 feet. They cost between $3 and $8 a piece from Monoprice. I've never had any problems and I run resolutions up to 1080P60. Monoprice is the best deal.
All the cables are the 28AWG size with the Ferrite cores at the ends. They have performed flawlessly. I use HDMI for everything since one cable carries audio and video. And with all my components it also makes for less clutter.

I just looked and the prices are even lower than before. A 15 foot 28AWG cable is below $7. http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240

driverseven · 10-29-2007, 09:03 AM

You're right -- I was mistaken to say I was using a Series 2 with component. I was using S-Video.

After reading all this, I won't mess around with HDMI until I see a good reason. I wouldn't want to wait when switching from the DVD to Tivo, for one thing.

One question to JoyBob -- if I order an On Demand movie (i'm using Cablevision), are you saying that I can't even watch it on TV (my TV is plugged into Tivo with cablecards)? Or are you saying that it won't record on Tivo?

eaglecrest · 10-29-2007, 09:27 AM

If you happen to have a "Big Lots" store near you they have 6 foot Phillips brand HDMI cables for about $10.00.

A few weeks ago they also had a stack of Series 2 Dual Tuner Tivo's for about $70.00 each.

Graymalkin · 10-29-2007, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by driverseven

One question to JoyBob -- if I order an On Demand movie (i'm using Cablevision), are you saying that I can't even watch it on TV (my TV is plugged into Tivo with cablecards)? Or are you saying that it won't record on Tivo?

While you directed your question to JoyBob, I think I can answer it. The answer is: No. You cannot get OnDemand movies or any pay-per-view with CableCards, because they aren't two-way interactive. You will need the Cablevision cable box for that. And unfortunately, the Series 3 and THD units will not work with cable boxes like the Series 2 could (with the IR blaster).

richsadams · 10-29-2007, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graymalkin

While you directed your question to JoyBob, I think I can answer it. The answer is: No. You cannot get OnDemand movies or any pay-per-view with CableCards, because they aren't two-way interactive. You will need the Cablevision cable box for that. And unfortunately, the Series 3 and THD units will not work with cable boxes like the Series 2 could (with the IR blaster).

Not true in all cases. We can order any Pay Per View movie or event from Comcast at any time. They will tell you the schedule, what channel it will be on and you just set a manual recording.

gilbreen · 10-29-2007, 12:58 PM

Realize it is anecdotal but for my specific TV (Panasonic CRT HDTV) if I use HDMI one one of our THDs and try to watch a show via MRV from another THD, I get a message saying that HDMI is unavailable.

Was having the same issue with the Comcast DVR so I think the Panasonic's handshake HDCP implementation is not working properly.

So on that TV, I use component, but our other two THDs use HDMI.