DVI-HDMI vs. Component

LordCloud · « **on:** 28 Jan 2005, 08:59 pm »

I just got a dvi to hdmi cable to replace the component connectin I was using previously from my HDTV cable box. I've noticed a drop in black level withe the "better" connection. Does this happen to anyone else? I have a Comcast stb and a Panasonic 30" hdtv.

JeffB · « **Reply #1 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 09:29 pm »

By drop, do you mean a drop in quality or that blacks are blacker?

Jon L · « **Reply #2 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 09:35 pm »

First, you must recalibrate your TV with the digital connection. Often the best setting for component is wildly different from DVI.

Second, it's very hard to predict compatibility between DVI equipment and HDMI equipment. There are many reports of incompatibilities when using DVI/HDMI adapters or DVI/HDMI cables, causing "black crush." Which means worse black levels, not passing blacker than black, etc.

Thirdly, the more "digital" your TV is, the more improvement you will see with DVI or HDMI. For example, DLP, LCD>RPLCD>CRT.

LordCloud · « **Reply #3 on:** 28 Jan 2005, 11:47 pm »

I would imagine black crush is what I am experiencing. The picture is better in most ways, but the blak level is not as high. The image doesn't "pop" like it does with component.

AphileEarlyAdopter · « **Reply #4 on:** 29 Jan 2005, 02:28 am »

With the digital connection, you should see less noise. Atleast, that is what I noticed between the component cable given by Dish versus the AR DVI cable I bought at BestBuy. Just turning the contrast a little bit more, might make the picture better. Like Jon L, it is probably a matter of tuning, the DVI/HDMI surely seems to be better.

LordCloud · « **Reply #5 on:** 29 Jan 2005, 04:36 pm »

The picture is definately cleaner with more fine detail, I do believe with some time and fine tuning I can get it to look great.

Wayne1 · « **Reply #6 on:** 29 Jan 2005, 06:11 pm »

The calibration set-up for DVI is quite a bit different than for component inputs.

I had my Hitachi RPTV ISF calibrated about a month after I bought it.

Input one was set up for DVI, input 2 for component and input 3 for s-video.

While it may seem expensive at first glance, ISF calibration is worth every penny. It is the ONLY way you can know for sure that your monitor is set up correctly. The factory does NOT calibrate the sets to any standard.