HDTV Connections
Just as important as buying a HD compatible TV and purchasing components to feed your HDTV can be the way that they connect together. There are a few different types of connections, but understanding them can be a simple process which will make you a more educated buyer.
Component
The basic HD connection is known as Component (can also be shown as YPbPr). A component connection is made up of 3 connectors that are Red, Green, and Blue. The connectors are standard looking RCA connectors (like used for audio and a normal composite video connector) and are usually combined with two more RCA connectors (a Red and White) for audio. Component is video only so it is combined with RCA audio or other types of audio connections. Pretty much every HDTV on the market will come with component connections and most devices that provide HD content (upconverting DVD players, cable and satellite set top boxes, etc.) will provide component outputs.
A component connection is an analog connection which means the signal is sent without any security or protection. It can provide 480i, 480p, 720p, and 1080i resolutions (no 1080p (or at least not as a standard)).
DVI
Digital Video Interface (DVI) is very similar to the VGA connection that your computer monitor uses with your computer. DVI though is used widespread on HD televisions and sources. It is not as common as component, but may be provided in addition to component connections on your HDTV or source. DVI is video only so it is usually used with RCA audio or other types of audio connections.
DVI is a digital connection and can be secured so it cannot be pirated or recorded on non-official devices. It can provide 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions (currently all HD resolutions). Currently DVI is not on many devices and usually HDMI is more common.
HDMI
HDMI is the newest HD connection type that is also becoming one of the most popular. Unlike the other connections, HDMI combines the Video and Audio into one single connection and cable. This makes setup and installation much easier for consumers. Most newer HDTVs and sources provide HDMI in addition to component connections, but still some do not. HDMI is something you should look for when buying a HDTV as it will soon be the standard and is the preferred method of connecting HD-DVD and Blu-ray players.
HDMI is a digital connection and can be secured so it cannot be pirated or recorded on non-official devices. It can provide 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p resolutions (currently all HD resolutions).
Summary
Currently in the United States and most of the world Component, DVI, and HDMI are the only HD connection methods for the public (some other methods exsist for movie studios). Component is on pretty much every HDTV and is the basic universal HD connection. HDMI is the newest, yet will probably be the main, HD connection that is not on all HDTVs but something you should look for when purchasing a new HDTV.
Read on for more HD info:
- Intro to HD
- Types of HDTVs
- HDTV Sources
CategoryHD
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