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General discussion

DVI vs. HDMI vs. Component

Sep 8, 2005 3:23AM PDT

I recently bought a Sharp Aquos HD-ready LCD TV. The TV installer claims that a 'special' (non-coaxiol) cable has to run from the wall to the cable box to get an HD picture. I think they are wrong, and that only the cable box to TV connection needs to be with a "special" cable.

1) Who is right?
2) Which "special" cable should I use--DVI, component, or HDMI?
3) What if the TV has a HDMI connector but the cable box only has a DVI connector?

Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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I'm not sure what the installer is....
Sep 8, 2005 3:40AM PDT

talking about "'special' (non-coaxiol) cable has to run from the wall to the cable box to get an HD picture" but It could be special for your area for all I know. As long as your cable box is HD capable that should suffice.

Component adds up to an analog signal from a digital source to a digital receiver(e.g. your tv) that displays the HD picture. Theoretically some signal loss or interference can happen.

DVI is digital source sends digital signal to digital receiver (your tv)

In the first 2 cases you don't get a sound signal.

HDMI carries both a digital video signal and a true digital audio (with discrete 5.1 audio) signal.

you can get DVI to HDMI adapters but obviously you would make 2 connections - both DVI and Digital audio cables - to the one HDMI connector.

I think I got that right but anyone want to double check me on this ?

grim

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TV installer claims that a 'special' cable
Sep 8, 2005 4:14AM PDT

Ahhhh, I think he is full of bull feathers.
HD cable ueses a coax Cable.
Now check with your cable company to find out what kind of connectors their boxes have to connect to your TV. John

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DVI vs. HDMI vs. Component
Sep 8, 2005 8:59AM PDT

I have Comcast HD cable in my area. The way it works out here is simply a coaxiol cable from a junction outside feeds into the cable box, then the connection is made to the plasma using a single 5 piece component cable.

Another option of connecting the cable box to the display, is by using the DVI/HDMI outputs. The main difference is that DVI has no audio and HDMI does.

Be aware, DVI or HDMI cables can cost as much as $200 depending on the gauge.