Will component video provide a NOTICEABLE improvement over S-video on an analog RPTV?

[Fightguard]

My aunt and uncle have Hitachi 50" analog RPTV, with their Sharp dvd player connected via s-video? they didn't have a component cable to try out, though I made the suggestion to them. Yes, I am aware that, generally speaking, component should provide better picture quality. I know it's not really a big investment to buy the cable, but if they won't notice the improvement, why bother? Personally, I've noticed the improvement going from s-video to component on an analog direct-view set, but I haven't seen an s-video/component video comparison on the same analog RPTV, all else being equal.
Anyone?

[Iguana Man]

Well first of all, if the DVD player & TV can do progressive, you'll have to use component cables to utilize that option (if I'm not mistaken). As far as going from s-video to component; generally speaking, the difference is not as great as going from composite to s-video. My suggestion would be to try them and if it's not that great of a difference, return them.

[tomdkat]

This is really a subjective question since my definition of "noticable" is different from yours or your Aunt and Uncle.

For example, to some the chroma upsampling error is VERY noticable and to others it is not. If BOTH parties are viewing a movie with a player that has the problem, the problem IS there but one party just can't see it or can't readily see it.

Component cables are inexpensive enough for you to just try out. Don't get $100 component cables. Get some inexpensive ones and see if you or they can tell the difference. If you get the cables from a place with a good return policy, you can always return them.

Peace...

[Wirehed]

Originally posted by tomdkat
This is really a subjective question since my definition of "noticable" is different from yours or your Aunt and Uncle.

..This is the truth.

I think my definition is quite a bit stronger. I noticed a HUGE difference going from S-video to Component. I also notice a pretty big difference between various component cables.

Many stores and just about all specialty HT stores, will let you take home a few cables to test drive. I suggest trying out a few and see for yourself what kind of difference it makes, and more importantly, if it's worth the money.

[tomdkat]

Originally posted by Seamonkey
I also notice a pretty big difference between various component cables.

Maybe he should try some inexpensive component cables FIRST and if they notice a difference, ANY difference, then invest in "better" component cables (not necessarily the "Better" brand... ).

Peace...

[Iguana Man]

Originally posted by Seamonkey
I think my definition is quite a bit stronger. I noticed a HUGE difference going from S-video to Component. I also notice a pretty big difference between various component cables.

This is interesting (to me anyway ). May I ask what kind of display and cables you've used, or are using ? I've seen huge differences between composite and s-video, but marginal ones going from s-video to component. Oh, and what component cables gave you the -most- improvements? Thanks.

[Wirehed]

My display is a Plus Piano DLP projector at 100 inches. Source is, well...I have a lot of things plugged in. Best picture is with a HTPC via DVI, but that's another story.

I try to use Transparent Cables everywhere I can. They are surely the best, but pretty darn expensive. I did notice a huge improvement with these over all the other cables I tried.

Right now I have Transparent S-video (laserdisc) and Component cables(for my main DVD player).

I'm using Ultralink component for my secondary (region free Malata) DVD player. These seem to work quite well, especially for the money (just under $100).

The difference between S-video and Component is pretty huge --I would say equal to Composite to S-video.

But it is all pretty subjective. I was playing some divX anime fan-subs on the projector the other night and people thought that quality was good, so

[Iguana Man]

Originally posted by Seamonkey
My display is a Plus Piano DLP projector at 100 inches. Source is, well...I have a lot of things plugged in. Best picture is with a HTPC via DVI, but that's another story.

Cool, I run a projector as well; Sharp/LCD - 86" screen. Are you effected by DLP's "rainbows" ? (they get me BIG time unfortunately)

I try to use Transparent Cables everywhere I can. They are surely the best, but pretty darn expensive. I did notice a huge improvement with these over all the other cables I tried.

I had thought of upgrading to better cables, but my cable runs are long, and it would be very expensive. For instance, all runs between my receiver and projector require at least 10', so I'm stuck buying the standard 12' lengths. Currently, my "component" connection is 3 AR cables (2 of which are audio cables) and I guess that in itself might be the problem as to why I think my S-video input looks better than the component input(?).

I'm using Ultralink component for my secondary (region free Malata) DVD player. These seem to work quite well, especially for the money (just under $100).

I'm assuming that's just under a 100 smackers for a meter? If so, you can see how expensive this could get for me. However, if the differences are as great as you claim, I'm interested. These Ultralink cables online -only- or do they sell them in Audio Stores?

[Logan 5]

I think you will definitely notice a wider range in color. I asked this question at a Sony Sound Center a few years ago before purchasing component cables and the sales dude threw in a copy of CONTACT (the opening scene with the nebula). First, he played it via S-Video ... nice blacks and contrast. Then he played it via component cables and I noticed a huge difference in the color spectrum. I agree with Seamonkey ... the difference is as noticeable a jump as composite to S. You don't have to buy the most expensive cables ... just something better than shoestrings.

[airjosh]

Originally posted by tomdkat
Maybe he should try some inexpensive component cables FIRST and if they notice a difference, ANY difference, then invest in "better" component cables (not necessarily the "Better" brand... ).

Peace...

I have to agree here with others on the quality of the cable affecting what you may see as an improvement. If you went out and bought cheap cables, you may not be getting an accurate picture of just what switching to component can do. As I have stated elsewhere in this forum I have been a convert to just what high quality cables can do even in a fairly standard consumer system, while doing some work for TARA Labs.

I have seen dramatic differences on my own system in everything from switching power cables to digital, and especially video cabling. Now if only I could afford to buy the ones I got to demo.

[Iguana Man]

This is pretty amazing to me. Everything I've heard, read, (and from personal experience) prior to this thread, says Composite to S-Video = extreme picture improvement. S-Video to Component = improvements, but subtle. Responses in this thread are threatening my beliefs !!

I think you guys just want to see me go and spend MORE of my hard earned cash Shame on all of you!

Oh, and by the way, I've set up a "Iguana Man Cable donation" fund. Please feel free to send cash only.

Thanks.

[Wirehed]

UltraLink cables should be available at your local high end shop. I bought mine locally. My cable run from DVD player to projector is over 12'.

You should be able to demo just about anything you want from a good audio/video store. Just ask. Get something in your budget, something cheap and something expensive. That way you can see what kind of a difference it makes.

Transparent will let you trade up for a better cable at any time --pretty nice feature, although this can get REALY effing expensive.


EDIT: ooops, forgot to answer about the DLP rainbow. No, I don't see it. At least not on the Piano. I did see it on the other projectors I looked at though. DLP is not perfect, but for the money, I like it better than a smaller screen.

[Fightguard]

Thanks for the replies
Next time I head out there, I might be able to borrow a friends cable to test out.