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Need help with Component vs. HDMI vs. DVI

I recently purchased a Sony XBR LCD 32” TV and am using the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD Cable box (www.astound.net) I am using a component connection (5 wires) from the cable box to the TV. My retailer recommends that I change my cable connections to DVI output on the cable box to an adopter and then to the TV via HDMI. He states that with a component connection, the cable box will convert from digital to analog and the TV will convert back from analog to digital. He claims the picture on my Sony will be much improved using DVI through an adopter box (about $30) and then HDMI (to the TV).

He suggests I contact my cable company to determine if the Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250HD Cable box is available with a HDMI output since this would eliminate the adopter and the audio cables.

Should I switch from a component connection to the DVI to an adopter to the HDMI connection from the cable box to the TV? What are the advantages, picture wise, of changing my cables? Is the picture quality better with a HDMI connection than a DVI connection (with audio cables)? I do not have DVD player or receiver. Thanks..
hgeifman

Showing 2 responses by cytocycle

cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
You don't have to buy an adapter they make DVI to HDMI cables and Yes the picture will stay all digital this method and should look better.

On a side note the difference at that small size might not be worth it, so try to buy and return it if you don't like it.

On a projector the difference can be huge. Also it depends on how good the scaler is on your TV. If it is good then it won't make much of a difference.
cytocycle
1,043 posts
 
Sulloj: if your XBR34 is a Tubed TV then a digital connection is not the way to go, and upscaling won't necessarily buy you anything. Tube TV's are analog by nature so handing them a digital single and making them convert it back to analog is not the way to go. Stick with Component connections, and just because something offers 1080i doesn't mean it the best fit for your TV. Try 480i (your tv might have a better scaler) but if 480p looks better then your TV has a crappy scaler, trye 720p or 1080i depending on the preference of your tv.

I totally agree my Cox HD box didn't work over DVI to My projector but the Coax looks great (once I added a scaler others Cox Cable has been pretty poor looking) I run my DVD and my HTPC DVI, and my Cable and my Xbox over Component HD.
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