That has to do with HDMI being processed through different chips on the source or the display. Since HDMI is digital and is more involved (DRM, audio, etc...), it is not processed the same as component on both ends of the equation. Almost all TVs does not share the same video settings on their HDMI inputs as they do on their component. These factors lead to different looking picture on the same TV. It is not a good thing or a bad thing, just different. HDMI's ability for picture quality at the same resolutions is no better than component, they are the same and I have seen cases where either one looks better than the other. This can lead to people proclaiming HDMI looking better, however I think a good chunk of the time it is just the placebo affect because people think digital is better.
The best thing people can do for themselves though, is get DVE or DVE HD and calibrate their TV on all inputs. Then test to see what input they think looks best, I guess if that kind of matters to them or they are able to do it with DRM and all that crap.
I like HDMI for the most part. I don't like HDCP/DRC that they are forcing on us. I have a love hate with the moving target spec of HDMI. In one aspect, it makes spending money on home theater products harder since they can become outdated, but on the other hand it is nice that it is getting upgraded and we don't (yet) have another connection being forced down our throats (Firewire, DVI anyones?). I also am both sides of the fence on the single connection for audio and video. It is nice because it is one connection. However it sucks unless you have a receiver and device that supports it. On top of that, what about sending the video to the TV, but just the audio to the receiver... it can be done but if you are looking for the new DD and DTS audio formats it can't with out HDMI (and bitstreaming) or with out a HDM player with 7.1 analog outputs (and a receiver with 7.1 inputs).
hopefully as time passes, and if HDMI remains the standard, things will settle down and make it easier on all of us.
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That has to do with HDMI being processed through different chips on the source or the display. Since HDMI is digital and is more involved (DRM, audio, etc...), it is not processed the same as component on both ends of the equation. Almost all TVs does not share the same video settings on their HDMI inputs as they do on their component. These factors lead to different looking picture on the same TV. It is not a good thing or a bad thing, just different. HDMI's ability for picture quality at the same resolutions is no better than component, they are the same and I have seen cases where either one looks better than the other. This can lead to people proclaiming HDMI looking better, however I think a good chunk of the time it is just the placebo affect because people think digital is better.
The best thing people can do for themselves though, is get DVE or DVE HD and calibrate their TV on all inputs. Then test to see what input they think looks best, I guess if that kind of matters to them or they are able to do it with DRM and all that crap.
I like HDMI for the most part. I don't like HDCP/DRC that they are forcing on us. I have a love hate with the moving target spec of HDMI. In one aspect, it makes spending money on home theater products harder since they can become outdated, but on the other hand it is nice that it is getting upgraded and we don't (yet) have another connection being forced down our throats (Firewire, DVI anyones?). I also am both sides of the fence on the single connection for audio and video. It is nice because it is one connection. However it sucks unless you have a receiver and device that supports it. On top of that, what about sending the video to the TV, but just the audio to the receiver... it can be done but if you are looking for the new DD and DTS audio formats it can't with out HDMI (and bitstreaming) or with out a HDM player with 7.1 analog outputs (and a receiver with 7.1 inputs).
hopefully as time passes, and if HDMI remains the standard, things will settle down and make it easier on all of us.