Quote:
Originally Posted by Thremp
citanul,
Have they (anyone?) done any studies on the different kinds of cabling?
Yes. Heaps of stuff on this is accessible via Google.
Here's a drastically abbreviated version. Basically, in order of desirability:
1. HDMI/DVI
..
2. Component
3. VGA
..
..
4. S-Video
..
..
5. RCA/Composite
HDMI and DVI are basically "perfect" digital transmission mediums - they control each pixel individually and perfectly - it is either on or off. There is virtually no difference in the overwhelming majority of practical applications - people don't spend extra on their DVI cable to hook up their PC monitor, 'cause it's a waste of time. Do the same for your entertainment stuff.
The only practical difference between DVI and HDMI is that HDMI includes an audio channel to send sound down the tube.
Component is the best pre-digital technology. It has three pipes sending information to the screen, so it can carry more information. Quality of cable makes a slight difference, but check it out for yourself and compare the actual results on your screen.
VGA is pretty good. We've used it for high-res monitors on our PCs for decades.
The lesser cables are still an option if you're limited in the plugs into your screen and out of your DVD player etc. There, a higher quality cable is likely to make a difference, and may be worthwhile. Try some different options - my local electrical store is pretty good about refunds for a change of mind.