A/V tech question

[russholio]

Question for the audiophiles/videophiles out there:

I finally broke down and got an LCD TV so of course I had to get a cable box to be able to get HD reception. I haven't had a cable box in years. Anyhow, here's the question: The cable box doesn't have HDMI ports but it does have a DVI port (and component ports). Is DVI better than components? And is digital optical audio better than the RCA L/R plugs?

Thanks for any info.

 

[beakjones]

DVI isn't technically better than component, but your TV MIGHT process it differently, effectively giving you better quality.

I'd use component with optical or coaxial (It's and rca type plug) for audio. Optical and coax are digital connections and will be needed if you hook it up to an A/V receiver and want dolby decoding.

PSA: DVI is the same thing as HDMI, just without the audio.

I'd also see about just testing a DVI cable and seeing if there's a difference between that and component on your TV.

 

[russholio]

Thanks for the quick reply. Here's the situation and what I'm trying to accomplish:

My DVD player and VCR (the latter rarely used) both have component outputs. My cable box has both DVI and component outputs. The TV has four HDMI, two component, one DVI, and one composite input(s).

Currently, my cable box and DVD player are using the component inputs on the TV, while the VCR has been relegated to using the composite input. I figure if I switch the cable box to using either the DVI input or an HDMI input (through an adapter or adapter cable) on the TV, it would free up one of the TV's component inputs for use by the VCR.

 

[snocrazy]

Thanks for the quick reply. Here's the situation and what I'm trying to accomplish:

My DVD player and VCR (the latter rarely used) both have component outputs. My cable box has both DVI and component outputs. The TV has four HDMI, two component, one DVI, and one composite input(s).

Currently, my cable box and DVD player are using the component inputs on the TV, while the VCR has been relegated to using the composite input. I figure if I switch the cable box to using either the DVI input or an HDMI input (through an adapter or adapter cable) on the TV, it would free up one of the TV's component inputs for use by the VCR.

I would ask your cable company if they offer a more current box that has the hdmi. They should have them. Maybe you can avoid buying a converter.

 

[russholio]

They don't, I already asked why their box doesn't have HDMI. They said it was because there were too many compatibility issues, or something to that effect.

 

[Marty P]

The real answer on the HDMI and cable company...”No we are the cable company, we just collect outrageous fees and provide lack luster marginal service with everything we do...you don’t have a problem with that do you, and by the way that outdated box is $5.00 a month.”

 

[russholio]

Marty, that may be true....and ordinarily I'd agree with it 100%. But my experience with this company (who shall remain nameless since I don't want to violate any board rules) has been nothing but positive since I got them back in '03 or '04. Any time I've had a problem, which is rare, it's always been solved quickly and easily. They are a vast improvement over my previous cable company, at least as far as customer service, and who we still use where I work (said company shall also remain nameless).

So while I always cast a wary eye on cable providers, I'm willing to give mine the benefit of the doubt for now.

 

[frnash]

”No we are the cable company, we just collect outrageous fees and provide lack luster marginal service with everything we do...you don’t have a problem with that do you, and by the way that outdated box is $5.00 a month.”

So I guess Ernestine the telephone operator …

"'Fair'? Sir, we don't have to be fair. We're the phone company."

… left the phone company and went to work for your cable company?

 

[Marty P]

Nice, very nice…especially when I thought of the Earnestine quote in character, old school humor, love it… “we” are showing our age.

 

[mjkaliszak]

The real answer on the HDMI and cable company...”No we are the cable company, we just collect outrageous fees and provide lack luster marginal service with everything we do...you don’t have a problem with that do you, and by the way that outdated box is $5.00 a month.”

I just got shivved for 7 + 3 a month for NEW equipt for HD. I kicked the old supplier to the side, and brought in a new 1. They must of thought I was joking when I said I wouldn't pay them a nickle more and I needed a 4th TV hooked up. After 10yrs of them making money on me it was time for them to go. Change is a good thing. Just bought a couple led TV's and letting them digest. I can remember when HBO was it and only 1 channel.

 

[booondocker]

You do understand that you do NOT have to have cable/sat to get HD tv, right?

Best HD comes over the air waves for free...via a tv antenna....everything else pales in comparison. Since there are few things worth watching on the tube these days, put the money you would spend on the worthless services, that advertise MORE...and go buy another sled in a few years.

As far as switching, it seems like all insurance companies, the only way to get the best rates is to switch every now and again, and then switch back, since THAT is when the company you HAD will treat you the best....strangely not while they already HAD you, but when you leave and want to come back.

 

[dfattack]

I tried to get HD boxes with HDMI from my cable company in Florence, WI and they couldn't get me any, only component. They were also used and dusty to top it off! It would have been easier go this route since I was already pre-wired and all I needed was the boxes. Oh well.

I then decided to do a little extra work and set up for DirecTV and was very happy with that option. IMO, Satellite HD has slightly better picture quality than cable HD. That's based on me being able to compare two different cable companies to DirecTV. I'm not sure if you are considering satellite as an option, but wanted to put it out there.

 

[mjkaliszak]

Boondocker tell me more. I'm not into the A/V stuff like I was 20 years ago. I just got tired of DISH and when I asked them for another reciever for a 4th tV their was a charge and then they said they couldn't help me unless I could give them 1 of my reciever #'s. That was the start of the end for them. I told them I was the Overlord of ##### TC ave that has been paying them $80 month X 12 X 10 years.... ( I of my better moments , I'll tell ya ) and blah, blah ,blah. But since I didn't have a security code they couldn't help me ??? They said and I quote " someone could break into my house and order up some free DISH movies" ??? I told them that was the stupidest thing I ever heard , which then infuriated me more. I told them that they should try that and see if they left my house IN 1 PIECE. Never the less I ordered up some Direct with new HD recievers and the picture is hard to beat with the new led TV's I bought yesterday. Normally I just watch the Science channel, discovery chanel & history chanels & fox news. I just can't get the science channel unless I pay..... The 3d tv's looked good for movie watching but the " glasses " thing won't fly, I needed glasses 4 years ago so I just bought a 55" sony. Not 1 of my brighter moments, I had to eventually get eye glasses too. The Google TV's were impressive but the remote was too much. Seems like video technology is flying ahead by leaps & bounds.

 

[polarisrider1]

Boondocker tell me more. I'm not into the A/V stuff like I was 20 years ago. I just got tired of DISH and when I asked them for another reciever for a 4th tV their was a charge and then they said they couldn't help me unless I could give them 1 of my reciever #'s. That was the start of the end for them. I told them I was the Overlord of ##### TC ave that has been paying them $80 month X 12 X 10 years.... ( I of my better moments , I'll tell ya ) and blah, blah ,blah. But since I didn't have a security code they couldn't help me ??? They said and I quote " someone could break into my house and order up some free DISH movies" ??? I told them that was the stupidest thing I ever heard , which then infuriated me more. I told them that they should try that and see if they left my house IN 1 PIECE. Never the less I ordered up some Direct with new HD recievers and the picture is hard to beat with the new led TV's I bought yesterday. Normally I just watch the Science channel, discovery chanel & history chanels & fox news. I just can't get the science channel unless I pay..... The 3d tv's looked good for movie watching but the " glasses " thing won't fly, I needed glasses 4 years ago so I just bought a 55" sony. Not 1 of my brighter moments, I had to eventually get eye glasses too. The Google TV's were impressive but the remote was too much. Seems like video technology is flying ahead by leaps & bounds.

Wow, and I was just about to tell Direct to take a leap and go with Dish. Cut Direct back from the $80 a month to the min. (for the local channels) and got Netflix with the Roku box for $8, covers all I want for a total of $28 a month.