Guess who makes a $4000 HDTV with only one component input?
By Matt Burns 
posted Apr 22nd 2006 9:15AM
posted Apr 22nd 2006 9:15AM
Why is this so hard to do? Remember last
year when every one was saidng one HDMI was not enough? Well, no one thought that by adding one more HDMI that
manufacturers would take away a component input. Take this Samsung
46-inch LCD for example. Fine lookin' set but for 4K you get two HDMI inputs but only one component input.
Astounds us too. So, here it is manufacturers. Sit up and listen. We need two or more HDMI inputs, two or more component and 2 composite inputs. More is fine but no less. GOT IT! Good. Or and one more thing. Start putting component input on the front jacks like Sony's A10 series.
Actually I disagree with a built in tuner, 2 HDMI for your upconverting dvd or you next generation HDDVD/BD player. Why would you need more than one component?or even composite inputs?
I will say, if you have a TV like that, you better have a HT system with a HT receiver with some component video switching.
I would rather have 1 component and 2 HDMI than vice versa.
BTW, if you have not seen the picture quality on this TV, check it out. It blew me away (I thought it was a good plasma until I saw it was a 46")
He must have wires going everywhere! Multiple tvs, dvds, and pc connections?
I would be in heaven with 2 HDMI ins! But my current DVD is so far behind, I don't even have an optical out. Let alone a HDMI out.
I disagree with the writer. Demanding All types of inputs only makes the unit more expensive.
(But it's fun to bitch about expensive stuff that we would have made differently...)
I won't be satisfied with anything less than 3 HDMI inputs (PS3, DirecTV HD, Blu-ray).
In the future, when ALL dvd players and other similar devices are using HDMI then we can do away with other inputs.
On the other hand, at $4000 for an HDTV perhaps $200 for a new DVD player with HDMI isn't that much to spend?
I just purchased a great HDTV (Sony XBR 32") and got suckered into spending $300 in cabling just for my DVD player (which cost $80) because I was told that I NEEDED the good Component cabling. Since my HDMI input was already being used by my HD Cable box I broke down and bought the cables.
If I had two HDMI inputs on my TV that is ALL I would be using (one DVD player, one Cable box). I HATE the ugly Component cabling and it's more expensive (although I don't think I needed to spend $300 CDN). There is still talk of limiting the High Definition to 960x540 if you do NOT have HDMI/DVI output because of Piracy.
Long story short, two HDMI and one Component cable inputs would serve me just fine. But in the highly competitive area of multi-thousand dollar HDTV's one must ask "how much would it really cost to add in an extra input?" Now that I think about it, THREE HDMI inputs might be the best way to go (High-Def DVD player, second possibly divx dvd player and Cable box). There will be the option of HDMI switch boxes for people like me with only one HDMI input. (The pro is that only ONE HDMI cable is required to the TV, the CON is that you may need an extra remote for the switch box)
Whatever the solution, you can be sure that it will cost you just a few hundred dollars more. I mean, why do it right the first time when the consumer can PAY extra all along the way?
$4000- wow this is equal to one year salary of many people in South Asia. I really wish that the price of HDTV becomes some affrodable to people in our part of the world and then it will have real good future.
to #5 you should have put cable box/component and saved ur HDMI for dvd player and saved a bundle. Most cable boxes have better signal via component IMO.
Case in point: just set up a friend's TV - Sony A10 series as mentioned,
Xbox360 - Component
Gamecube - Component
PS2 - Component
Thats all three components used and none of them have HDMI as options. The A10 only has one HDMI input anyway which will likely be used for the HD DVD drive, whether it ends up being the 360 addon or a standalone. Now all of a sudden all the HD inputs are (potentially based on HD DVD case) used. I'm all about including extra inputs! And while we're at it, make sure you publish unique discreet remote control codes to access each input distinctly.
Give us our inputs!!! So, contrary to most everyone else - I agree with the poster, if a $1500 (you can find it on sale at that price for the 42") can had 3 component, ATSC OTA/Cable tuners, CableCard support, 1 HDMI input and digital out, plus a variety of composite/S-video inputs, a $4000 set should be able to provide more inputs.
Quick example - take a look at home theater receivers, aside from the multitude of other features and enhancements that increase proprionately to price, the one constant is that number/variety of inputs increases with price as well. I think its a worthy request despite what some people feel is necessary for their own use.
I was going to purchase the high-end LN-S4696D 1080p 46" this coming August and knowing this makes my decision alot easier., now i know Samsung is a NO GO! aswell as LG's 47" 1080p set with the integrated PVR. My last choice will be the Sony 46" or 52" LCD Bravia X-series also coming in August.
At $4,000 and $5,000 {LN-S4696D} these Samsungs ARE pricey to be having a single set of component inputs. NO discussion in that!
Here in the UK there's no need for more than one component input (for the XBox 360) as all other Hi-def stuff (will) use(s) HDMI, otherwise the SD stuff can use RGB SCART
Have to agree with what most people are saying, Component inputs are old analogue technology - A Big Screen HDTV is a purchase that most people hope will last them 5-10 years at least when digital inputs and video switching technology will be the norm.
Why bother making a $4000 TV set for the lowest common denominator. Seriously, people are talking about PS2's and other legacy devices which in the next few years will be phased out for digital devices. Its silly to base your initial thoughts on this gorgeous looking TV on its component inputs, For $150 or so you can buy a multitude of devices that can switch components, spend a bit more on a surround sound amp and it will upscale the image AND transform any number of component outputs over 1 DVI/HDMI cable.
HDMI technical specs
I noted that there was some misinformation so I'll clear up a few points. HDMI is the BEST cable you can get and will replace all current cabling because:
1) You only need one cable for High Definition Video and 8 channels of audio
2) It is almost the same as DVI, except it includes the audio and some miscellaneous data
3) HDMI is digital and sends the raw digital data whereas all the Analog (composite, S-Video, Component, coax) signals in a DVD player, for example, are converted to analog JUST TO TRAVEL ALONG THE CONNECTING CABLES then are converted back to digital again in the newer HDTVs. Some data information is lost.
4) HDMI may be required in future High-Definition DVD players or else the video signal will be designed by law to not exceed 960x540 via an analog ouput such as Component Video (copy protection).
5) An increasing number of newer TV's and Cable-boxes (and other devices) recognize the HDMI cable and set up the appropriate display settings automatically.
6) HDMI switch-boxes will be used to connect multiple devices and will further cut down on the "mess" of too many cables.
7) Prices for HDMI will be cheaper than Component Cabling because of supply and demand, because it has less raw material and transportation/storage costs will be cheaper.
HDMI is the future for connecting Display devices to Video sources. It is likely that even computers will migrate to the ability to output HDMI to the monitor(s) to cut down the number of cables required. Monitor speakers will be used, and/or an output in the base of the monitor will be available for auxiliary speakers.
(I once thought that a fiber optic cable would be used instead of HDMI. Perhaps in the future it will replace HDMI but that is a long way off)
For more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HDMI