DVI vs Component for HD Box

[Nehkara]

Hey guys!

I just got a Shaw HD box and I was wondering if a DVI-to-HDMI cable connection or component cable connection would give me a better picture?

I have a 37" Sharp AQUOS 1080P LCD TV. Box is DCT 6200.

Thanks in advance for any insight!

[Option84]

Digital will give you the better picture, but I think you will need a receiver as well for sound if you are going DVI-HDMI since the DVI will only output video.

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by Option84

Digital will give you the better picture, but I think you will need a receiver as well for sound if you are going DVI-HDMI since the DVI will only output video.

Thanks!

I'll give it a shot and fiddle around to see if I can connect up the audio somehow.

[HotHotHeat]

Your sharp TV should have left-right RCA inputs. Just use DVI + RCA stereo. How old is your sharp LCD that it doesn't even have HDMI? Or do shaw boxes not have HDMI?

[Nuje]

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Your sharp TV should have left-right RCA inputs. Just use DVI + RCA stereo. How old is your sharp LCD that it doesn't even have HDMI? Or do shaw boxes not have HDMI?

It's the shaw boxes. The PVRs have an HDMI hook-up, but the non-PVR HD boxes have only a DVI. My 42" Aquos has a few HDMIs, with one that lets you use RCA for audio, so that's what I'm running.

[REDVAN]

I have the same tv, but with a telus box. I use the component rather than hdmi- for a tv that size, unless you're sitting 2 inches away, you won't notice the slight upgrade I don't think...

[Nehkara]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I have the same tv, but with a telus box. I use the component rather than hdmi- for a tv that size, unless you're sitting 2 inches away, you won't notice the slight upgrade I don't think...

Thanks man, I appreciate the insight.

[ma-skis.com]

I've tried both but haven't noticed any difference between the two, my tv isn't as nice as yours though.

[Russic]

I found the difference minimal (I have a 42" sharp). I'd go with whatever is cheaper for you.

[OBCT]

The difference between the analog and digital connections in discussion here is smaller than most people think. Component will look as good as DVI/HDMI at least 90% of the time for television broadcasts (SD and HD), assuming normal viewing conditions and correctly working hardware.

Once you start getting into true 1080p material (ie. Blu-ray), extremely large, precise displays (ie. new 60"+ TVs), and the utilization of HD surround sound audio formats, then HDMI becomes quite useful. Until then, though, it is not worth paying more for digital connections. Don't be fooled by the hype.