Component vs SVideo

[scbundy]

Will I notice any quality difference between SVideo and Component on a SDTV. It's a big SDTV, 62 inches.

I'm asking b/c I bought a video card (AOpen 6200 DV-256 AGP). And it had both SVideo and Component out. I've used the SVideo until now, and would like to use Component. However, I've noticed that I can't switch the output mode to Component. On Nvidia's website it says that this problem was resolved with a BIOS update. However, AOpen doesn't release BIOS updates. You're basically screwed.

So I'm asking whether or not I should bother fighting AOpen for a BIOS update, or look into returning the card for a more consumer friendly 6200 manufacturer. Is component out worth it on a SDTV?

[gplasky]

Big difference between sVideo and Component output-even on a SDTV. And your TV is built to take advanatge of the component input. I would think the coponent supports a higher resolution than the sVideo. And you also get a better seperation of signal. Definitely worth fighting for but it you'll also need to invest in a component cable too to take advantage of it.

Gerry

[scbundy]

I have the cable, my DVD player was formally using it. Looks like I'm in a war with AOpen then. Can't believe they added Component out knowing full well that the card can't use it unless it's flashed with a BIOS they won't release.

[scbundy]

Yes, component does support a higher resolution. But my TV doesn't. Just 480i here. Which was the point of my question. At 480i, will you notice any difference.

Also I'm not talking about requiring special equipment to notice a difference. Just the regular 20/20 human eye.

[gplasky]

I would think just the seperation of the signal would show a benefit. Are you sure your TV doesn't at least do 480p? Usually a TV with component in will at least do 480p.

Gerry

[ben_95sl1]

I could tell a significant improvement on my 27" SDTV between svideo and component @ 480i....it was very obvious; 62" would definitely benefit. In my experience, svideo quality varies between video cards, but the component outputs are very good. I can't tell the difference between component and VGA on my 96" screen from my svga projector; as good as VGA is VERY good.

[scbundy]

I'm fairly sure it supports no other resolution than 480i. There's nothing in the manual suggesting other resolutions, nothing in the TV's menu. And everythign I watch is noticably interlaced. Including DVD's from my DVD player thru the component inputs. Although the DVD player isn't progressive scan.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by scbundy

I'm fairly sure it supports no other resolution than 480i. There's nothing in the manual suggesting other resolutions, nothing in the TV's menu. And everythign I watch is noticably interlaced. Including DVD's from my DVD player thru the component inputs. Although the DVD player isn't progressive scan.

Still as the above poster has noted the component picture will be significantly better than svideo, especially with your bigger screen.

Gerry

[scbundy]

I was hoping you guys would say, "no it's exactly the same on an SDTV". Because then I don't have to fight with AOpen to fix it. OH well, thanks guys.

And if anyone has an AOpen Geforce 6 series card, and has gotten Component out to work. Please please please let me know.

[paulbeers]

I can't help you with your problem, but I know the pain you experienced. I purchased a 7300GS from gigabyte to run dual VGA based LCD's and I had to wait until they came out with a bios update before it would actually let me do that even though all their manuals and the box it came in said it could (but because they did release a bios update I can say I am still happy with them). My parents are using a Gigabyte 6200 AGP (might only be 128mb) and it works fantastically outputting 720P (although they only watch SDTV thru it). Obviously you only care about 480i, but still. I have pretty much settled on Gigabyte as my vid card maker of choice at this piont because of all the silent cards they have come out with! After having my FX5200 die due to a fan dying on me, I will not go back (unless I want a really high end card and then it is basically a requirement).

[mike1961]

Definitely a difference but the VGA (if you have one) is even better than component video.

Mike