HDMI vs Component
Written: 07-28-2011
Which is better, HDMI or Component Video? I get asked this question a lot! Here are a few details on the differences between HDMI and Component video cables and which is better.
HDMI delivers both high definition video and digital audio in a single cable. It is a pure digital signal. HDMI cables are specifically designed for HDTV (High Definition Televisions) and cannot be used on standard TVs.
Component Video can be used for both HD (High Definition) and standard video signals. Component video is an analog signal which consists of red, blue, and green video cables. Component cables deliver video and do not carry sound.
Which will deliver better HD picture quality, HDMI or Component Video? The answer is most people will not notice the difference between the two. However, HDMI is able to deliver 1080p while component cables can only deliver 1080i. Most Blu-ray DVD players and HD satellite receivers have both HDMI and Component Video outputs. Most HD Televisions have the ability to accept both HDMI and Component video. With that said component video cables are usually cheaper than HDMI cables, so my recommendation is to go with the component cable for HD televisions. The only reason to use HDMI cable is if you want to feed both video and digital sound into your television or you want 1080p. Since most home theater systems have a separate sound system, you typically send the sound to the audio receiver and the video to the television separately, so in this case there is not a need for an HDMI cable.
So in summary go with Component Video cables when you have the ability and do not need to deliver sound to your television. It is the least expensive option and will still deliver excellent HD video quality.
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01-10-2012 by Andrew, Saint Peters MO
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Comment: Component cables can do 1080 HD image but it's only 1080. Yes most people won't notice, but it only can do 60HZ, and most TVs today do 120Hz if not 240Hz. Playing Blu-Ray movies through component is just plain stupid. Furthermore, HDMI version 1.3a is required for 3D movies, and HDMI is not just to have audio with your video, it allows one device to control others, so you don't need multiple remotes, and version 1.4 introduced HDMI Ethernet Channel to share the internet connectivity between digital devices.
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12-30-2011 by Heather, New York NY
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Question: My new DVD player only has a HDMI connection. How do I connect my older Sony HDTV (model KZ-42TS1U) that has no HDMI connection to my new HDMI DVD player?
Answer: You would have to buy a HDMI to component converter. Just search for HDMI component converter on Google. They will cost between $30-$50. In my opinion your money is better spent towards a new HDTV that can accept HDMI input. This will give you a much better picture.
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07-28-2011 by Mike, Omaha NB
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Question: I have a satellite receiver that only has S-video or Composite red, white, and yellow hookups. The TV has no S-video input, so I am running it with the composite cable. The TV has Component, VGA, and HDMI connections. My question is there any way I can get a better connection to my TV? Possibly with a an up-converting DVD player to increase my picture quality?
Answer: Yes! With an up-converting HDMI DVD Player you can use either an HDMI or Component video cable and get a better picture than you are currently getting with the composite video cable.
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