MYTH
Component Video is a better video format than HDMI
FACT
HDMI offers many benefits over Component Video as a video format. Examples such as pixel for pixel mapping are not possible with Component Video, allowing for more detail when available. There is also potential for better contrast and color saturation with the digital bit stream of HDMI. There is also less potential for loss with the digital - analog - digital conversion that is required for Component Video
It is true that individual results do vary, but this is due to the many variables in equipment. Some ‘cheap’ sources, such as a DVD player, may not do a very good job of scaling and processing the HDMI signal. This may result in the Component Video connection looking better, if for instance, the display does better processing in the analog domain (Component) than the source does in digital (HDMI).
MYTH
An HDMI cable labeled as version 1.3 will always be compatible with the full set of advanced features of HDMI 1.3, including 1080p, Deep Color, HD Audio etc.
FACT
Wrong. In fact it is possible for a HDMI 1.3 cable to be fully certified and still NOT even be able to pass 1080p.
There are actually two distinct certification standards for HDMI 1.3 cables:
- Standard Speed (1.3 Cat.1 test) for SD and broadcast HD up to 720p/1080i
- High Speed (1.3 Cat.2 test) for FULL HD 1080p+ resolution. Includes full feature set compatibility, including Deep Color, and advanced audio formats
It is also worth mentioning that many ‘Standard Speed’ HDMI cables can also support more than the minimum requirements, adding support for features such as 1080p (at 24bit). This will vary with length and model, so it you should check the cable manufactures specs.
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