I'm upgrading from a model 6416 HD set top box to a 7216.
The installation instuctions show a 5 pin component cable setup.
I've been using a single HDMI plug.
Is the HDMI plug OK to use? Which is better?
HDMI is OK. And better.
thanks Walt, I'd searched for a hour for the answer. Why it's not mentioned in the install instructions concerned me.
There is no "better" in this situatiion, but I avoid using HDMI with any cable/satellite boxes. Why?
-- Never and dropouts/synch issues with Component.
-- There is NO 1080p programming available through FiOS, which is really the only reason you would ever need HDMI.
-- No switching issues due to incompatible AV receivers/TVs.
Connect your box using both, then do an A/B comparison. I'd be shocked if you see any difference. On these forums and elsewhere, you'll rarely find a thread discussing problems with Component connections. But do a search for HDMI synch/dropout/HDCP problems and you'll find a healthy list.
The only instance in which HDMI is better than Component is when using any sources that provide 1080p - only via HDMI. So use HDMI for Blu-Ray players or when wanting to watch 1080p programming, say on Directv.
Thanks Sangs,
I've got the HDMI running - Looks good to me - I don't have a component cable set so I'll have to pass on the trials.
@sangs wrote: There is no "better" in this situatiion, but I avoid using HDMI with any cable/satellite boxes. Why?-- Never and dropouts/synch issues with Component.-- There is NO 1080p programming available through FiOS, which is really the only reason you would ever need HDMI.-- No switching issues due to incompatible AV receivers/TVs. Connect your box using both, then do an A/B comparison. I'd be shocked if you see any difference. On these forums and elsewhere, you'll rarely find a thread discussing problems with Component connections. But do a search for HDMI synch/dropout/HDCP problems and you'll find a healthy list.The only instance in which HDMI is better than Component is when using any sources that provide 1080p - only via HDMI. So use HDMI for Blu-Ray players or when wanting to watch 1080p programming, say on Directv.
You aren't alone in that view. I've read a number of articles which address the issue from a technical standpoint. The general consensus of which is best seemed to be: It depends. The one exception being as you pointed out in your last paragraph.
I just happen to be one who favors HDMI. I've used all available connection types in the past and prefer HDMI. I've done the same with FiOS. I have even tried connecting my TV to the STB (7232-2) with both at the same time so that I could easily switch back and forth. HDMI provided a noticeably better picture quality. Granted this is with specific equipment and the results may differ if I replaced my TV. But with what I have, HDMI wins the battle in my home. The only time I've had a problem with HDMI was with cheap cables. I don't advocate expensive cables, but in my experience the $1.00 cables are a waste of money.
Another consideration is audio quality. HDMI audio is superior to component. Again, with my TV. If my TV had a digital audio input the difference might not be noticeable. But none of my 3 TVs have digital audio input.
A third minor consideration is cable preference. One vs.five. Unless you have a bundled component set, HDMI provides a neater and easier hookup.
