I have a question for knowledgeable types out there: I remember reading long ago that for my DirecTV Tivo HD box, it would be preferable to use composite cables, because using HDMI to connect resulted in a poor picture, so I initially connected as such. I tried out HDMI later, and the difference was clear: the DirecTV picture was pretty bad with HDMI, really blotchy for lack of a better term.
Now it's been a year and my mom went out and bought a new plasma and a new upscaling DVD w/ HDMI to go along with it. I told her to ignore the Best Buy sales guys' pitches about needing a $50 HDMI cable, but she forgot and buckled when they told her she "needed" one to get a really clear picture. I told her to return it, but remembered that my experience with HDMI was limited to my DirecTV Tivo box.
What is the consensus on using HDMI vs composite for upscaling DVD players? Anyone have experience with both? Is the picture better with HDMI, and if so, is the difference worth $50? If it matters, her DVD player is made by Philips.
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I have a question for knowledgeable types out there: I remember reading long ago that for my DirecTV Tivo HD box, it would be preferable to use composite cables, because using HDMI to connect resulted in a poor picture, so I initially connected as such. I tried out HDMI later, and the difference was clear: the DirecTV picture was pretty bad with HDMI, really blotchy for lack of a better term.
Now it's been a year and my mom went out and bought a new plasma and a new upscaling DVD w/ HDMI to go along with it. I told her to ignore the Best Buy sales guys' pitches about needing a $50 HDMI cable, but she forgot and buckled when they told her she "needed" one to get a really clear picture. I told her to return it, but remembered that my experience with HDMI was limited to my DirecTV Tivo box.
What is the consensus on using HDMI vs composite for upscaling DVD players? Anyone have experience with both? Is the picture better with HDMI, and if so, is the difference worth $50? If it matters, her DVD player is made by Philips.
Thanks for any help or comments -Mark B in LA, CA