Cable Changes

Cable Changes

Hdmi to Component Cable

Every day many people are searching through their high-definition equipment for an interconnection solution by trying to connect HDMI to Component outputs. Unfortunately, this is not a matter of rearranging wires and then having the correct type of connector needed. There is a basic problem with incompatibility in analog versus digital. This problem is much like the transition to digital broadcast TV, which is coming soon, versus rabbit ears which receive analog signals. They are not compatible and leave individuals confused like the poor person in the TV commercial.

Component video is based on an analog format. With analog signals, the voltage signals with the system's wire are in a particular wave format, and how the wave changes in height is what is important. In theory, it has an infinite number of values between zero and the maximum allowed, like the variable windshield wipers I used to have on an old Thunderbird.

The formats based on digital signaling are HDMI or DVI. Digital data, as you might have heard, just has ones and zeros with a sequence of pulses all at the same level, and they are either totally present or totally missing. The data is then reassembled on the other side using processing equipment. In a 4-bit binary code, you can have one of sixteen different values as four 1s and 0s assembled with a group could be sixteen different combinations. If the pulses received are 1s and 0s, the equipment that detects signals for analog equipment and looks for analog sine waves cannot function properly because they are speaking two different languages.

Often solutions to this problem are quite simple, however. If an output is available, you should use an HDMI or DVI on both boxes. The difference between HDMI and DVI is HDMI carries the audio as well as the video signals. A DVI cable will resolve the issue just as well, with the added expense of an audio cable. In the event that you fall back on component outputs because your HDMI ports are already occupied, you might want to consider using inexpensive HDMI switch boxes that take input from multiple HDMI cables.

If you want to convert Component to HDMI because you heard HDMI is better than Component cables, you need to think twice. There is data backing the assertion that, although HDMI cables in theory offer a superior picture, in reality, given the conversions between resolutions and display formats, component connections often end up delivering a better signal to the television. This is particularly true when dealing with cables longer than 25 feet. So, if you have the option, try both kinds of cables to find out which one delivers the best picture available.

If you're completely stuck for some reason and must change from Component to HDMI cable, they do make converter boxes, but those boxes usually sell for $200+. However, if you go the other way, you can run into High Definition Content Protection restrictions and not see HDCP protected sources.

With any luck, your HDMI to Component solution will be an easy fix using one of the solutions discussed above. If not, at least you have a good reason to purchase better gear!

About the Author

Vic Metten spends his days finding the best HDMI cables and Dvi cables for his clients. As a home theater system installer, Vic can hook up any system with an HDMI cables, a component video cable, or a dvi cable. He even knows the best places to buy an hdmi cable or component cable. After all, it’s all part of the job.

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