component connection

jab1990 · 08-06-2008, 21:48

Hi, i was just wondering if i will see a noticible change in picture when i change the connection of my v+ from hdmi to component. Futhermore,will virgin provide me with a component cable if i ask them or will i have to provide it myself? Thnaks for all the help

**Matt D** · 08-06-2008, 22:18

Why are you switching from HDMI to component?

HDMI is better, plus using HDMI also allows the V+ to upscale SD channels [no upscaling via component].

IIRC, some HD content is also protected & can only be viewed in HD if HDMI is used.

homealone · 08-06-2008, 22:58

Matt D stuck strictly to answering your question, which was about the picture, but it is also worth pointing out (imo) that using component connectors will require a separate sound connection ...

Matt's points about the upscaling are 'spot on', as well , in my experience ...

**Graham M** · 08-06-2008, 23:05

Also worth remembering that component is Analogue and thus more subject to signal degradation than HDMI which is digital and as has been mentioned some content is protected with HDCP which can only be transferred over HDMI or some DVI connections.

jab1990 · 09-06-2008, 07:11

Thanks for all the responses guys. The reason i am looking to switch the connection is that i am going to get a ps3. I wanted to connect the ps3 by hdmi because then i could also upscale dvds. But since you guys have said the the v+ will not upscale i think i might as well get a component cable for the ps3 instead as most of the time i will be watching tv and not playing games.

Anyway guys thanks for all the help. It has been greatly appreciated.

**Graham M** · 09-06-2008, 07:25

If you've only got the 1 HDMI connection, why not buy a switcher?

jab1990 · 09-06-2008, 07:32

i really can't afford a switcher on top of buying a ps3.Are they not like around £100

**Graham M** · 09-06-2008, 07:46

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Perip...roductId=28284

£40-ish there, I'm sure they can be had for cheaper

---------- Post added at 07:46 ---------- Previous post was at 07:45 ----------

2-porter at Maplin for 30 quid

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...=14&doy=search

higgsfield · 09-06-2008, 19:27

There are some around £25 (I did have a link, but can't find it).

If you are short on funds - it's especially important not to get taken in and spend a fortune on HDMI cable. As long as it's certified 1.3a compliant, you won't go wrong. Suitable cables can be had (e.g. from Amazon) for around a fiver.

**Matt D** · 09-06-2008, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by jab1990

Thanks for all the responses guys. The reason i am looking to switch the connection is that i am going to get a ps3. I wanted to connect the ps3 by hdmi because then i could also upscale dvds. But since you guys have said the the v+ will not upscale i think i might as well get a component cable for the ps3 instead as most of the time i will be watching tv and not playing games.

Anyway guys thanks for all the help. It has been greatly appreciated.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jab1990

i really can't afford a switcher on top of buying a ps3.Are they not like around £100

Don't use component for the PS3 either, use HDMI!

If you use component for the PS3, then it won't upscale DVDs.

I use this to switch between my PS3 & my Sky HD box -

JoyTech Tri-Link HDMI switcher - £17.98 at Amazon

[I actually got it in my local GameStation for £10]

3 ports, powered, remote control.

I have also seen these two recommended on other forums:

4 port manual switch box for £15

http://www.vivomounts.com/4_port_hdm...__splitter.asp

3 port powered switch with remote (& built-in amp apparently) for £30

http://www.vivomounts.com/3_port_hdm...ac_adaptor.asp

EDIT:

Oh, & don't fall for the stupidly overpriced "high quality" HDMI cables. You do not need to fork out £100 for a decent HDMI cable (or even £50, or even £20...). It's not like with analogue cables, where it does make sense to pay more for a top quality one. It's digital. It'll work or not work. Yeah, don't buy something totally cheap & nasty with awful build quality - but don't spend loads, it's not worth it. I think my current HDMI cables were around a tenner each, & that's only 'cos I bought them in store, as I needed them there & then, rather than bought online.

See my post here:

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/34505892-post8.html

karlywarly · 09-06-2008, 23:42

You can get a HDMI splitter for £4.69 from scan computers, postage is a little high but still works out cheap for what you want http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=816048

jab1990 · 10-06-2008, 20:07

Thanks for all the input guys. I will now get a splitter, since so many of you have suggested it. I now just have to find a bundle for the ps3 since everywhere seems to have no stock. Anyway guys all your help is greatly appreciated.

accessjunky · 10-06-2008, 23:29

I have my V+ connected to a projector via component and the signal identified by the projector is 720p on both non-HD and BBC HD, as set in the V+ picture options.

Does this mean that the picture is upscaled via component?

spiderplant · 11-06-2008, 07:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by accessjunky

Does this mean that the picture is upscaled via component?

Yes, it's scaled to whatever you selected in the settings menu.

accessjunky · 11-06-2008, 08:19

So Matt D was incorrect to say:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

HDMI is better, plus using HDMI also allows the V+ to upscale SD channels [no upscaling via component].

and, although the basic principle to use HDMI is justified for the other reasons stated in the thread, upscaling isn't one of them.

That's a relief - I hate to think I've been deceiving myself over picture quality all this time

I use a four port component switch box from Maplin to connect the V+, DVD and Wii to my projector which has component connections but no HDMI.