Foo - Component Video Cables?

The Parents just bought a freakin' huge HD plasma screen and the little weenie RCA cables don't do it. I've read Component Video is the way to go, but what kind of cables should be used? Are there special Compontent Video cables?

I would recommend an HDMI cable. They're pricey but worth it.

Actually, don't fall for the pricey myth of HDMI cables. Check out http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp.

Other than that, crackerjab is right... HDMI is the way to go to get the most out of your new TV.

A nice set of component video cables is the same physical cable as a set of composite cables, except all three are used for the video signal instead of one for video and two for audio.

Component is the best analogue video interconnect out there, and works great if you can't or don't want to use something digital like DVI/HDMI. Check out Monoprice (http://www.monoprice.com/) for the cables (no matter what you end up using). Great quality and very good prices.

HDMI/DVI > VGA > RCA component RGB > S-video > RCA composite

if using component, get the shortest possible cable for the setup. less lossy

Ok, I think we figured it out. Thanks for all your help, guys.

I would recommend an HDMI cable. They're pricey but worth it.

This report seems to say otherwise.

YouTube - CBC Marketplace - HDMI Cables

Plus Erica is a juicy hottie.

Fast forward to 5:38 for the real testing.

Oops...one more thing. Does HDMI send the audio signal as well as video?

Oops...one more thing. Does HDMI send the audio signal as well as video?

Yes

yes, but only if the devices support it.

The whole point of HDMI was to get 1080p dual link DVI video + 6 channel sound in a single cable.

Haha, that video is excellent -- I love the oscilloscope testing. On a similar note:
http://consumerist.com/362926/do-coat-hangers-sound-as-good-monster-cables

HD plasma noob myself, bought one a couple of weeks ago...

As said by previous posters, monoprice for the cheapo HDMI cables... they do transfer audio... I like having everything in one cable, simple/elegant.

Component do use the same connector as RCA. ATM I'm still using 2 sets of RCA cables, one for the video (3 cables) and one for the audio (using 2 out of 3). It does work... not the way it should be but will do till the HDMI cables arrive.

PS: Plasmas make people happy...
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn53/RubenX_Longwood/Other/pose-AS-Shadiyah-1.jpg

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

HDMI is a digital standard so the analog signal quality is a lot less important. The only time it is useful to buy a better cable is when you are doing a very long run where the attenuation and characteristic impedance become a factor.

Keep in mind that better and "more expensive" may not be the same thing.

I just switched my cablebox setup and blueray player to HDMI and got rid of like 10 wires. Much nicer. That alone was worth it for me.

Actually, don't fall for the pricey myth of HDMI cables. Check out http://www.monoprice.com/home/index.asp.

Other than that, crackerjab is right... HDMI is the way to go to get the most out of your new TV.

totally agree. digital is digital. it either gets transfered or it doesnt. never buy expensive fancy calbes from the big box stores. i know of folks who use Monoprice Cables to feed some very high end home theaters. later.

I make my own cables. Have spent months at the soldering station (back when I built my recording studio).

For HDMI I would not make my own cable but I would buy the cheapo brand. The cable is too complicated to work with.

For component video cables I would make them using RG-6 coax and gold plated connectors. It will work as well as your high-zoot brands.

totally agree. digital is digital. it either gets transfered or it doesnt.
Digital is digital, but the source hardware as well as that in the TV also plays a role in what works best. I have seen cases where hooking up a computer to an LCD TV via analog cables looked better than going the HDMI route. I presume this has to do with the video card/drivers in the computer