Got a new HDTV - need help understanding some stuff.

The_Continental

The_Continental

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Picked up a brand new 34" HDTV.

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Unfortunately, it has only two component cable inputs. The PS2 is taking up one of them. I need to decide whether the X-box, or the DVD player should take the second spot.

I've got a couple of questions, and I hope some CAGs might be able to help me out here:

1. Are component cables necessary for an HDTV to render 480i, 480p, or 720 etc... or will s-video do the job?

2. How good is the PS2 as a progressive scan DVD player?

3. With a dvd player, are component cables necessary to run "progressive scan," or will s-video cables do the job?

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

BTW - MVC2 is stiill up for grabs in this trivia contest:
http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=34556
 
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Component cables are needed for HD signals

BTW gamestop is coming out with a HD system selector w/ 4 imputs for $25, you might want to look into that
 
You may be able to get an HDTV system selector for your component cables.

Also, yes, you will need to the component cables to display the 480p (almost positive on that)

Third, you may want to invest in a decent progressive scan DVD player. It is almost pointless not to have progressive scan with an HD set.

Fourth, if you ever get digital cable, you will need another set of components for that (unless you are using HDMI or DVI input for the cable box)

Football season is GREAT in Hi-Def
 
Unfortunately, it has only two component cable inputs. The PS2 is taking up one of them. I need to decide whether the X-box, or the DVD player should take the second spot.
Click to expand...
Hook your PS2 up through S-Video and then put both your Xbox and DVD player in the Component jacks (I'm assuming your DVD player is a progressive scan model).

1. Are component cables necessary for an HDTV to render 480i, 480p, or 720 etc... or will s-video do the job?
Click to expand...
Component cables are necessary for 480p, 720p, and 1080i...480i is standard definition and it will work through a standard composite(yellow) or s-video cable.

2. How good is the PS2 as a progressive scan DVD player?
Click to expand...
If you have a stand-alone progressive scan DVD player that's not made by Cyberhome or Apex, stick with that.
 
Yeah - I can imagine.

I have a old PS2, circa 2001 - will that run dvd's in progressive scan?

[quote name='doubledown']
Football season is GREAT in Hi-Def[/quote]
 
If you are looking at getting a surround sound receiver, many of them will have multiple component inputs for switching. S-video will NOT get you any 480i, 480p, or 720 etc..
 
Is that because the PS2 doesn't support HDTV?

[quote name='Ugamer_X']
Hook your PS2 up through S-Video and then put both your Xbox and DVD player in the Component jacks (I'm assuming your DVD player is a progressive scan model).

[/quote]
 
Cool - good idea.

[quote name='Pizzicato Five']If you are looking at getting a surround sound receiver, many of them will have multiple component inputs for switching. S-video will NOT get you any 480i, 480p, or 720 etc..[/quote]
 
[quote name='The_Continental']Yeah - I can imagine.

I have a old PS2, circa 2001 - will that run dvd's in progressive scan?

[quote name='doubledown']
Football season is GREAT in Hi-Def[/quote][/quote]

I don't believe it will run in progressive scan even with the driver updates...I'm not certain on that, but I think you need the latest model for progressive scan.
 
Yes you need component cables to get 480p, 720p, or 1080i. S-video does not support progressive scan although you do get a better picture than with standard composite cables. 480i is just your standard ordinary tv grade, so by default everything is running at 480i even when run through an RF adaptor.

My recommendation would be to definitely have your XBOX hooked up to one of the component hook-ups (it actually has games that support 720p and 1080i, and almost all of them support 480p), and leave the other component hookup for your PS2 or DVD player. I would actually lean toward putting the DVD player through an S-Video input as it may look just as good depending on your player.

I have an older PS2 that doesn't support progressive scan DVD playin' so can't help you there.

Good luck! :D
 
[quote name='The_Continental']Yeah - I can imagine.

I have a old PS2, circa 2001 - will that run dvd's in progressive scan?

[quote name='doubledown']
Football season is GREAT in Hi-Def[/quote][/quote]

Only the newer ps2's, that came in the boxes with the yellow + in the corner support progressive scan DVD playback. It was not included in the original model
 
[quote name='The_Continental']Is that because the PS2 doesn't support HDTV?

[quote name='Ugamer_X']
Hook your PS2 up through S-Video and then put both your Xbox and DVD player in the Component jacks (I'm assuming your DVD player is a progressive scan model).

[/quote][/quote]

Only a handful pf PS2 games support 480p...Meanwhile, 99% of the Xbox games support 480p or higher resolution modes...
 
Ahh - I see - I may do that then

[quote name='Ugamer_X'][quote name='The_Continental']Is that because the PS2 doesn't support HDTV?

[quote name='Ugamer_X']
Hook your PS2 up through S-Video and then put both your Xbox and DVD player in the Component jacks (I'm assuming your DVD player is a progressive scan model).

[/quote][/quote]

Only a handful pf PS2 games support 480p...Meanwhile, 99% of the Xbox games support 480p or higher resolution modes...[/quote]
 
Sounds like a great excuse for me to buy a PStwo.

[quote name='hutno'][quote name='The_Continental']Yeah - I can imagine.

I have a old PS2, circa 2001 - will that run dvd's in progressive scan?

[quote name='doubledown']
Football season is GREAT in Hi-Def[/quote][/quote]

Only the newer ps2's, that came in the boxes with the yellow + in the corner support progressive scan DVD playback. It was not included in the original model[/quote]
 
[quote name='The_Continental']Ahh - I see - I may do that then

[quote name='Ugamer_X'][quote name='The_Continental']Is that because the PS2 doesn't support HDTV?

[quote name='Ugamer_X']
Hook your PS2 up through S-Video and then put both your Xbox and DVD player in the Component jacks (I'm assuming your DVD player is a progressive scan model).

[/quote][/quote]

Only a handful pf PS2 games support 480p...Meanwhile, 99% of the Xbox games support 480p or higher resolution modes...[/quote][/quote]

Just out of curiosity, what do you have for a DVD player?
 
Daewoo 5900 region free:

DAEWOO_DVD5900.jpg


[quote name='Ugamer_X'][quote name='The_Continental']Ahh - I see - I may do that then

[quote name='Ugamer_X'][quote name='The_Continental']Is that because the PS2 doesn't support HDTV?

[quote name='Ugamer_X']
Hook your PS2 up through S-Video and then put both your Xbox and DVD player in the Component jacks (I'm assuming your DVD player is a progressive scan model).

[/quote][/quote]

Only a handful pf PS2 games support 480p...Meanwhile, 99% of the Xbox games support 480p or higher resolution modes...[/quote][/quote]

Just out of curiosity, what do you have for a DVD player?[/quote]
 
And it seems to me that the 480p implementation of the PS2 is somewhat awkward, unless I'm doing it wrong.
You can find component video switchboxes, they range anywhere from 20 bucks to 100 or much more.
RCA jacks < S-Video < component < component HD/ED.
i've currently got my HD cable box and DVD player hooked up to the one component input on mt tv through a switchbox, and I have the Ps2 hooked up via component cables to the CVI input [not HD/ProgScan, but better picture nonetheless.]
Enjoy the tv :)
 
Any component video switchboxes that anybody would recommend?

[quote name='dtcarson']And it seems to me that the 480p implementation of the PS2 is somewhat awkward, unless I'm doing it wrong.
You can find component video switchboxes, they range anywhere from 20 bucks to 100 or much more.
RCA jacks < S-Video < component < component HD/ED.
i've currently got my HD cable box and DVD player hooked up to the one component input on mt tv through a switchbox, and I have the Ps2 hooked up via component cables to the CVI input [not HD/ProgScan, but better picture nonetheless.]
Enjoy the tv :)[/quote]
 
I use the pelican system selector pro, I think you can get it for about $70.00. This thing is great, allows the component hookups, but also lets you do digital audio, which is nice.
 
I've got the Pelican as well, it doesn't feel all that sturdy, but it does the job. Has hookups for everything, like vrs1650 said; component, s-video, regular, audio, optical audio, ethernet, etc. 8 inputs, 2 outputs, I think. Bought it brand new, right as it came out for a hundred bucks. It was worth it, but there are certainly cheaper alternatives out there. But I can't attest to their quality.
 
[quote name='vrs1650']I use the pelican system selector pro, I think you can get it for about $70.00. This thing is great, allows the component hookups, but also lets you do digital audio, which is nice.[/quote]

I tried one of those and then everything looked like shit, so I took it back. Maybe there was something wrong with the one I tried though if it works well for you
 
Huh - that's sounds bad. Anyone else have an experience like that?

[quote name='Rodego'][quote name='vrs1650']I use the pelican system selector pro, I think you can get it for about $70.00. This thing is great, allows the component hookups, but also lets you do digital audio, which is nice.[/quote]

I tried one of those and then everything looked like shit, so I took it back. Maybe there was something wrong with the one I tried though if it works well for you[/quote]
 
I know other people have answered your questions, but I’ll recap and give some other explanations.

1. You need a component cable for 480p, 720p and 1080i. DVD players can also use DVI and HDMI cables, but there aren’t any consoles that output to DVI or HDMI.

2. Any $100+ DVD player will beat the PS2 as a 480p player. It’s a mediocre DVD player at best.

3. S-Video will only output 480i, but it does look better than composite (RCA)

My opinion? Your DVD player should be better than the PS2 for DVD playback. If you really want to get the best picture possible from your TV, get a DVD calibration disk like Avia or Digital Video Essentials (DVE) from a site like Amazon. Once you calibrate your TV, you’ll notice an even bigger difference.

If you aren’t using the PS2 as a DVD player, I would think about using a S-Video cable instead. There aren’t very many PS2 games in 480p, so there isn’t a big reason to use component cables. www.hdtvarcade.com has a listing of games and their resolutions.

The www.avsforum.com has a few reviews in the Home Theater Gaming section on the Pelican component switcher. Try doing a search on “Pelican”. Many posters have said that there is a loss in picture quality because the switcher doesn’t have a high enough bandwidth to give the full resolution. There aren’t any good component switchers that are under $200. Audio Authority makes a nice powered switcher that guarantees no signal loss, but it goes for $250.
 
That is some very solid information - thank you. I think I will do as you suggest, and move the PS2 over to the S-Video slot. Although, I am currently playing through Star Ocean, which supports 480p and 16x9, according to HDTV arcade.

You say that the PS2 is a mediocre DVD player - is that true even of the newer progressive scan models?

Thanks for the help!

[quote name='tokerblue']I know other people have answered your questions, but I’ll recap and give some other explanations.

1. You need a component cable for 480p, 720p and 1080i. DVD players can also use DVI and HDMI cables, but there aren’t any consoles that output to DVI or HDMI.

2. Any $100+ DVD player will beat the PS2 as a 480p player. It’s a mediocre DVD player at best.

3. S-Video will only output 480i, but it does look better than composite (RCA)

My opinion? Your DVD player should be better than the PS2 for DVD playback. If you really want to get the best picture possible from your TV, get a DVD calibration disk like Avia or Digital Video Essentials (DVE) from a site like Amazon. Once you calibrate your TV, you’ll notice an even bigger difference.

If you aren’t using the PS2 as a DVD player, I would think about using a S-Video cable instead. There aren’t very many PS2 games in 480p, so there isn’t a big reason to use component cables. www.hdtvarcade.com has a listing of games and their resolutions.

The www.avsforum.com has a few reviews in the Home Theater Gaming section on the Pelican component switcher. Try doing a search on “Pelican”. Many posters have said that there is a loss in picture quality because the switcher doesn’t have a high enough bandwidth to give the full resolution. There aren’t any good component switchers that are under $200. Audio Authority makes a nice powered switcher that guarantees no signal loss, but it goes for $250.[/quote]
 
I think the issue with the PS2 as a DVD player is 'jack of all trades.' The more things almost any hardware tries to do, the fewer things it can do well. Dedicated devices, as a whole, almost always perform better than all-in-ones.
 
Yeah - honestly the DVD player I have kinda sucks. Frequent image freezes force me to stop and resume the DVD to get the movie going again.

The PS2 has to be better than that. I guess the issue is that I wanna avoid buying a system selector (ummm. I'm a cheapass), but be able to watch DVD's, play xbox and PS2 in HDTV quality with only 2 inputs.

The PS2 wouldn't even be an issue were it not for Star Ocean 3 - which I insist on playing at 480p and 16x9.



[quote name='dtcarson']I think the issue with the PS2 as a DVD player is 'jack of all trades.' The more things almost any hardware tries to do, the fewer things it can do well. Dedicated devices, as a whole, almost always perform better than all-in-ones.[/quote]
 
Kicking a dead horse. It’s not that the PS2 is a bad DVD player, it’s just not great. It's components are cheaper because it's made for more than just movies. However, if your normal DVD player is worse and freezes up, then keep on using your PS2 or buy a decent DVD player. Although a lot of people have problems with the PS2 and DVD compatibility. I’d go with the latter, because every time you use your PS2 as a DVD player, you’re basically putting additional wear on the system. But I’m also VERY biased, as I am using a Marantz DV-6400 universal player ($600) as my DVD player.

I can definitely understand you wanting to keep Star Ocean 3 in component. Just note that with any of the cheaper switchers you buy, you’ll probably lose resolution, especially with 720p and 1080i games. With 480p games, you might not notice a difference because of the lower video bandwidth requirements.

You can always buy a switcher and see if you notice a drop in quality. If you do, return it.
 
This will very likely be what I do... It doesn't really seem like there are any other solutions.

Damn - I should've checked how many component inputs there were before I bought the damn TV. :?

[quote name='tokerblue']
You can always buy a switcher and see if you notice a drop in quality. If you do, return it.[/quote]
 
[quote name='The_Continental']This will very likely be what I do... It doesn't really seem like there are any other solutions.

Damn - I should've checked how many component inputs there were before I bought the damn TV. :?
[/quote]
> Bah, there's nothing you can do about that. Most TVs only have 2 Component inputs, 3 at the most. I just bought a JVC D-ILA and it only has 2 component inputs. My receiver (Marantz SR-7400) has 2 more, but that still only makes 3 total. I'm juggling a ton of systems, so I'm used to running out of inputs. Currently have the Xbox (broken), PS2, GCN, DC, Saturn and NES hooked up to my TV. I did have the PSX hooked up, but I decided to move that to another room.

Just wait until DVI and HDMI become standard, you'll have even more problems since most TVs only have one digital input.
 
[quote name='The_Continental']This will very likely be what I do... It doesn't really seem like there are any other solutions.

Damn - I should've checked how many component inputs there were before I bought the damn TV. :?

[quote name='tokerblue']
You can always buy a switcher and see if you notice a drop in quality. If you do, return it.[/quote][/quote]

You don't need a system selector.

I have a Zenith 32" HDTV with only 2 component inputs. I use (3) RCA Y- connectors for each input (6 total) to hook 4 devices into 2 component banks. You can get the Y-adapter at any radio shack, I got mine at target on clearance for $0.98 each. It's 2 female RCA inputs wyed into 1 male RCA plug that plugs into the back of the TV. You'll need extra to wye the audio into the TV, but I route mine through my receiver.

I have the Gamecube and PS2 hooked into 1 set of inputs,
and my DVD and ATI-video card from my PC hooked into the other. I find it much easier to deal with than having to flip another switch every time I want to change devices, and I'm a lazy fucker who doesn't like to get up off the couch.
 
Should this method reduce image quality at all?

[quote name='bmulligan'][quote name='The_Continental']This will very likely be what I do... It doesn't really seem like there are any other solutions.

Damn - I should've checked how many component inputs there were before I bought the damn TV. :?

[quote name='tokerblue']
You can always buy a switcher and see if you notice a drop in quality. If you do, return it.[/quote][/quote]

You don't need a system selector.

I have a Zenith 32" HDTV with only 2 component inputs. I use (3) RCA Y- connectors for each input (6 total) to hook 4 devices into 2 component banks. You can get the Y-adapter at any radio shack, I got mine at target on clearance for $0.98 each. It's 2 female RCA inputs wyed into 1 male RCA plug that plugs into the back of the TV. You'll need extra to wye the audio into the TV, but I route mine through my receiver.

I have the Gamecube and PS2 hooked into 1 set of inputs,
and my DVD and ATI-video card from my PC hooked into the other. I find it much easier to deal with than having to flip another switch every time I want to change devices, and I'm a lazy shaq-fuer who doesn't like to get up off the couch.[/quote]
 
I've found no noticible picture degredation with the split cable method.
DVD's play crisp and clean with no interference or static. And I'm pretty picky about my picture quality which was the reason for getting the HDTV in the first place.

The only thing you can't do is have both sources sending at the same time. If I turn on the PS2 while the Gamecube is on the picture tears in half and flipflops between sources until one is turned off.
 
I dont know what your HDTV set is but something to watch out for on cheaper models (like the one i have, 30" 600 bucks delivered!) is that the HD capable component inputs wont display regular 480i signals, so for games that dont support 480p you have to manually switch the cables around. My set has 3 sets of component inputs 2 of which are HD capable, Right now I have my xbox and progressive scan dvd player hooked up to those two, my gamecube to the third and my ps2 and dreamcast hooked up via svideo. When i put in a game like metal slug 3 which doesnt support HD i have to pull the cables and then put them back for another game, which means I don't play metal slug very often.

They have 2x4 matrix component switch boxes but they cost like a 100 bucks, they let you have 4 devices and switch back and fortth between 2 component inputs on the same TV or on different TVs, i've been meaning to pick it up (has a remote) but the price is hard to swallow.
 
That sucks. You could buy the Light Gun A/V adapter. It plugs into the AV port and has s-video, standard composite outputs which you can hook up to ports on the TV, PLUS another AV port to plug in your component cable to run to the TV. Then you'd only have to switch the output modes in the PS2 setup menu instead of physically removing and re-inserting a different type cable. That's a lot of wear and tear on your AV port.
 
Sweet,

Then that's what I'll do. First, I'll swing by Target to see if I can get 'em on clearance like you did.

[quote name='bmulligan']I've found no noticible picture degredation with the split cable method.
DVD's play crisp and clean with no interference or static. And I'm pretty picky about my picture quality which was the reason for getting the HDTV in the first place.

The only thing you can't do is have both sources sending at the same time. If I turn on the PS2 while the Gamecube is on the picture tears in half and flipflops between sources until one is turned off.[/quote]
 
I bought 2 at Meijer for 3.99 each before I found the cheap ones at target. If you can't find them for cheap then it's probably going to be about $24 + to do the cable method (not including audio).

Just FYI, if you'[re going to spend that much, I just saw a HD system selector at Walmart for 24.95. It has component, s-vid, & audio inputs for up to 4 systems. I just don't like an extra black box in my entertainment center that I have to keep switching.
 
[quote name='bmulligan']WOW.

I think my wife would kill me...[/quote]

lol. Its a crazy deal. Its one of those that you really need to jump on. I should call and make sure I will be getting my unemployment check this week first...
 
[quote name='bignick']Should have waited!

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...vision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No#tabs

Only $675 on black friday. adn the following sat and sun.

1000 - 50 MIR - 250 IR = 700

Buy now for 1000 and PM on Sat and get the %110 of the difference. So thats 725, then the 50 MIR. Im on my way there tomorrow morning to pick one up.[/quote]

Yeah, but look at the BRAND....you get what you pay for usually w/TV's. I'm sure it may be passable for that price though
 
Totally. Plus I can't stand projection TVs - Of what I've seen, you can't get a decent view unless you are standing directly in front of the thing.

[quote name='doubledown'][quote name='bignick']Should have waited!

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/prod...vision.session.new=Yes&BV_UseBVCookie=No#tabs

Only $675 on black friday. adn the following sat and sun.

1000 - 50 MIR - 250 IR = 700

Buy now for 1000 and PM on Sat and get the %110 of the difference. So thats 725, then the 50 MIR. Im on my way there tomorrow morning to pick one up.[/quote]

Yeah, but look at the BRAND....you get what you pay for usually w/TV's. I'm sure it may be passable for that price though[/quote]
 
I've honestly have had NO problems with my viewing angle on a projection TV. I mean what, do you plan to sit at like a 70degree angle when watching.....

Everyone in my living room can see it fine....MOST people do put a TV in front of the sitting area anyways.

I've always thought projcetion is the way to go.....IF you have the space. Cheaper, just as good as picture (especially if you get it calibrated by a professional)....lasts longer than plasma.

But anyways....one day I may upgrade mine...but who knows.
 
The idea behind a projection TV is to get one large enough that you dont HAVE any off-axis seating. :)

My 65" Mits is perfectly suited to my 14' wide room, as there is essentially no off-axis seating. The ones that are off to the side offer no noticible image brightness drop, although your mileage may vary with brand.

Panasonic makes a very well reviewed CRT based RPTV....personally I still wouldn't jump on DLP or LCD at this point due to size and price. Plus, neither technology will produce blacks as deep as CRT.

Its big and bulky, but it still produces the best quality picture...and its cheap. Its just not Trendy.
 
[quote name='HeadRusch']The idea behind a projection TV is to get one large enough that you dont HAVE any off-axis seating. :)

My 65" Mits is perfectly suited to my 14' wide room, as there is essentially no off-axis seating. The ones that are off to the side offer no noticible image brightness drop, although your mileage may vary with brand.

Panasonic makes a very well reviewed CRT based RPTV....personally I still wouldn't jump on DLP or LCD at this point due to size and price. Plus, neither technology will produce blacks as deep as CRT.

Its big and bulky, but it still produces the best quality picture...and its cheap. Its just not Trendy.[/quote]

well said....that is what I was TRYING to say ;)
 
Agreed - I wasn't trying to *insult* projection TVs - just that there's no way I could configure one well in my current living room set-up.

[quote name='HeadRusch']The idea behind a projection TV is to get one large enough that you dont HAVE any off-axis seating. :)

My 65" Mits is perfectly suited to my 14' wide room, as there is essentially no off-axis seating. The ones that are off to the side offer no noticible image brightness drop, although your mileage may vary with brand.

Panasonic makes a very well reviewed CRT based RPTV....personally I still wouldn't jump on DLP or LCD at this point due to size and price. Plus, neither technology will produce blacks as deep as CRT.

Its big and bulky, but it still produces the best quality picture...and its cheap. Its just not Trendy.[/quote]
 
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