DVI to Component Cable

A few people each day are looking for an interconnection solution by attempting to connect HDMI to Component outputs via a high-definition equipment cable line. But it's not simply a matter of straightening out your cables or buying a new type of wire. It has been found that a fundamental analog versus digital incompatibility problem exists which is identical to the growing digital broadcast TV switchover against your existing rabbit ears that accept signals from analog broadcasters. They are incompatible and hence tend to make people confused, just like the guy in the advertisements.

Analog and digital signals are fundamentally not the same. Component video signals are analog, based on completely different principles from digital signals. Analog signals in a wire can be thought of as waves, and the height of each wave indicates the voltage of the signal. There are an infinite number of values between zero and the maximum, theoretically anyway.

In HDMI or DVI formats, digital signals are used. As you may know, digital signaling is comprised of ones and zeros, conveyed in pulses at the same height in a pattern in which the symbols are either present or missing. The equipment at the receiving end takes the pulses and translates them into the original signal. When these ones and zeros are assembled in four-bit binary coding, there can be up to sixteen different values, as there are sixteen separate combinations. If the equipment at the receiving end of the cable is expecting to interpret analog sine waves, digital pulses of ones or zeros would be interpreted as gibberish.

So, what can you do instead? It may surprise you how quickly some problems are solved. Use the HDMI and DVI outputs if available. DVI and HDMI are functionally equivalent, with the only difference being that HDMI also carries an audio signal. Using DVI is still a good solution and less expensive than getting an extra audio cable. If you were planning on using Component outputs because the HDMI port is busy, you may want to look for an HDMI switch box. They don't cost much, and you have the option of plugging in several HDMI cables.

Keep in mind, however, that it will not always improve the quality of your picture or signal to convert from Component to HDMI, despite claims to the contrary. Many sources claim that HDMI cables or other digital carriers increase the quality of the signal and therefore the picture, but Component connections can actually be superior because many imperfect conversions between various resolutions and formats can degrade digital signals. This occurs more often when the cable is longer than 25 feet. If available, try both cable types and then compare the results to see which delivers a superior picture.

If you absolutely need to convert from a Component to an HDMI cable, you can find converter boxes; however, these are expensive (usually over $200). If you are trying to convert in the opposite direction, it is possible that with these boxes you may run into High Definition Content Protection restrictions, which can keep you from viewing HDCP protected sources.

With HDMI or Component cables, your connections should become easier to make. If these suggestions don't work, at least you'll have a great reason to purchase some new equipment.

As a home theater system installer, Vic Metten knows that there is a fundamental different between an HDMI cable and a component video cable. However, there are many work-arounds for those who desire to use DVI cables or HDMI cables instead of component video cables and vice versa. All it takes is a little information. For more visit http://www.bestdealcables.com