DVI and HDMI

Shotty · 21-02-2006, 06:21 PM

Hey, since the xbox 360 might come with HDMI I have a question. The TV that I have is
http://www.samsung.com/ca/products/t...n4365wxxac.asp
My TV only has DVI, so my question is, is there a difference in video quality between DVI and HDMI. I know HDMI also has sound, which is still useless to me since even if my TV supported it I still would route the sound to my sound system to enjoy 5.1 opposed to the TV speakers.

Italia_NYC · 21-02-2006, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shotty

Hey, since the xbox 360 might come with HDMI I have a question. The TV that I have is
http://www.samsung.com/ca/products/t...n4365wxxac.asp
My TV only has DVI, so my question is, is there a difference in video quality between DVI and HDMI. I know HDMI also has sound, which is still useless to me since even if my TV supported it I still would route the sound to my sound system to enjoy 5.1 opposed to the TV speakers.

There is no difference in video quality between dvi and hdmi. If you wanted to use an hdmi connection and your tv only supports dvi, simply buy an hdmi-to-dvi converter and be on your way.

The only real difference between the two as you noted, is the fact that hdmi also carries a digital audio signal as well. This is a real “convenience” factor, but more geared towards those who have a 5.1 surround system with a receiver capable of using an hdmi connection.

Shotty · 21-02-2006, 06:44 PM

I think I'm missing something but if I had a receiver that was hdmi capable then what the point of the video component since the receiver only sends out the sound. Since most people that adopt the hd-dvd player are serious about there movie experiece wouldn't it make sence to include a DVI input on it so the DVI wire would go to the TV for video and an optical wire would go to the receiver for the sound. Instead of sending the xbox hd-dvd to a receiver for the sound via hdmi and then sending the video again via hdmi to the TV .

Italia_NYC · 21-02-2006, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shotty

I think I'm missing something but if I had a receiver that was hdmi capable then what the point of the video component since the receiver only sends out the sound. Since most people that adopt the hd-dvd player are serious about there movie experiece wouldn't it make sence to include a DVI input on it so the DVI wire would go to the TV for video and an optical wire would go to the receiver for the sound. Instead of sending the xbox hd-dvd to a receiver for the sound via hdmi and then sending the video again via hdmi to the TV .

Excellent question. Now for the answer;

Whether you are aware of it or not, just about every receiver today is capable of outputting video to your tv. It is usually labeled "monitor" on the back of your receiver. The purpose of this, is to address the issue you raise. Newer receivers have dvi/hdmi, or component "monitor" outputs, so you would install an hdmi cable from the 360 (or dvd player, etc...) to an hdmi input on your receiver, then install a dvi/hdmi or component cable from the "monitor" output of your receiver to your television. Your audio receiver can essentially be used as a video switcher. Not many people realize this.

Shotty · 21-02-2006, 06:56 PM

Ohhh, I get it but its gonna be a lot of HDMI caples in the back which equals to $$$$. Do you believe it the future that all A/V components are gonna be wireless like bluetooth. Where they all just sync with each other even the speakers so there is no need for wires.

Italia_NYC · 21-02-2006, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shotty

Ohhh, I get it but its gonna be a lot of HDMI caples in the back which equals to $$$$. Do you believe it the future that all A/V components are gonna be wireless like bluetooth. Where they all just sync with each other even the speakers so there is no need for wires.

No. The reason? Audiophiles wouldn't buy it. No wireless technology in the world, could match the quality and signal strength (and thereby bandwidth; 20-20000Hz) that a wired solution can provide. Forget about video.

Sharky · 22-02-2006, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Italia_NYC

No. The reason? Audiophiles wouldn't buy it. No wireless technology in the world, could match the quality and signal strength (and thereby bandwidth; 20-20000Hz) that a wired solution can provide. Forget about video.

Sharky · 22-02-2006, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Italia_NYC

Excellent question. Now for the answer;

Whether you are aware of it or not, just about every receiver today is capable of outputting video to your tv. It is usually labeled "monitor" on the back of your receiver. The purpose of this, is to address the issue you raise. Newer receivers have dvi/hdmi, or component "monitor" outputs, so you would install an hdmi cable from the 360 (or dvd player, etc...) to an hdmi input on your receiver, then install a dvi/hdmi or component cable from the "monitor" output of your receiver to your television. Your audio receiver can essentially be used as a video switcher. Not many people realize this.

It's a great feature. It means you're receiver is loaded with cables... but luckily my entertainment center is big enough to hide them all.