The obvious choice is that you will run whatever connectors you have.  You can’t easily convert one to the other.   But, if you have a choice here are some guidelines. 

Over short runs in your entertainment center, you probably will not be able to see much of a difference (at least I can’t) Both are high definition connections, capable of 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, or 1080p. HDMI however is much cleaner, sending HD video and audio over a single cable with a USB sized connector.  Component uses three video connectors for video only, and audio is run separately as stereo (red and white RCA) or surround sound audio with a digital coaxial or toslink connection.

For the boring details about the differences, keep reading… 

This goes back to the digital VS analog battle.  Component is analog, and HDMI is digital. 

Since most devices process HD video as a digital signal, HDMI doesn’t need to convert to analog and back for the cable.  Any digital to analog conversion will introduce some loss, so this can maintain a better quality.

Second, besides sending an amazing video signal, it can also send up to 8 channels of digital audio (perfect for a 7.1 surround sound)–All that over a single, small connector. 

HDCPis supported on all HDMI connections, which can be a blessing and a curse.  HDCP is technically a content protectionmeasure.  It will check that every frame sent is a perfect signal transfer, ensuring that there is no loss over the cables, connectors, or interface.  However, in order to get an HDCP license, the product has to meet some copy protectionrequirements.   For most situations, it won’t interfere, but it can have its drawbacks–for instance HDMI and DVI-D use identical video signals (DVI doesn’t support audio)(And yet, the connector is like 4 times the size)  So you should be able to connect an HDMI source to say a digital widescreen monitor, but many DVI displays don’t support HDCP, so it will not play copy protected content.  Some legitimate video splitting or switching functions are disabled as well.

The HDMI specification states that a repeater is required for cable runs over 15 feet.  In practice I haven’t seen that always necessary.  HDMI was originally designed to run longer distances (45 feet) but was changed just before release.  Under 50 feet, there is rarely need for a booster, especially if you are using a high quality cable.  However if you are pushing a high resolution, (Like 1080p) you might notice some sparkling.  You can get an HDMI booster, which will clean up any sparkling or loss you might find.

Component doesn’t necessarily have it’s own features, but it doesn’t have some of the drawbacks of HDMI.  (I guess it does have some drawbacks of its own)

Since component is an analog signal, it handles long distances much better.  Over long or low quality cables, there might be some loss, but it will generally just be a slight loss of clarity or signal intensity, often unnoticeable.

Component video doesn’t support/require HDCP.  You can run full HD content without restrictions (Assuming your source will feed it to you)

This entry was posted on Thursday, April 5th, 2007 at 8:36 am and is filed under Technical Marks, Pseudo Semantics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.