ozboy Posted September 27, 2008 Posted September 27, 2008 Due to the integrated motherboard of my HTPC only allowing 2.1 channel audio over HDMI, I have to use spdif cables to get 5.1 sound, but obviously then can't use the HDMI cable for picture. Will I notice any picture difference in 'downgrading' to component cables? My amplifier (Sony 5300) does not allow assigning an spdif input to HDMI, which is why I have to go component. My amp does upscale to 1080p though.
momaw Posted September 27, 2008 Posted September 27, 2008 You won't get 1080p over component (limited to 720p/1080i) nor can you upscale dvd over component.
ozboy Posted September 28, 2008 Author Posted September 28, 2008 You won't get 1080p over component (limited to 720p/1080i) nor can you upscale dvd over component. The cables from the HTPC to the amp would be component then amp to tv is HDMI So HTPC > amp = 1080i. amp > tv = 1080p upscaled make sense?
MACCA350 Posted September 28, 2008 Posted September 28, 2008 Component is capable of carrying 1080p Most standalone players will limit HD DVD's to 1080i and encrypted DVD to 480/576p over component.......but as stated this is not a limitation of the component connection or cabling, it's a limitation that has been enforced on the players(IIRC there are some players that will ignore such constraints, and most upconverting players will output burnt or unencrypted DVD's to 1080p) But since you are using a HTPC you should be able to get it to run at 1080p over component(you may need to use software to remove the encryption of DVD's). I haven't used component for running HTPC as I used HDMI and SPDIF, so I can't give you a definitive answer on that. Give it a go and see what you can do. cheers
Dave85 Posted September 28, 2008 Posted September 28, 2008 (edited) I have to use spdif cables to get 5.1 sound, but obviously then can't use the HDMI cable for picture. You should be able to use the HDMI cable for picture and SPDIF for sound, this is what I do for my PS3. So unless your system does not allow you to separate the video and audio, you should have no issues what that setup. Edited September 28, 2008 by Dave85
momaw Posted September 28, 2008 Posted September 28, 2008 Component is capable of carrying 1080p Didn't say it can't, just that it won't.
ozboy Posted September 28, 2008 Author Posted September 28, 2008 You should be able to use the HDMI cable for picture and SPDIF for sound, this is what I do for my PS3. So unless your system does not allow you to separate the video and audio, you should have no issues what that setup. my amp wont let me assign spdif sound for hdmi video (which makes sense in a way)
MACCA350 Posted September 28, 2008 Posted September 28, 2008 my amp wont let me assign spdif sound for hdmi video (which makes sense in a way)If your display has a spare input you could run the HDMI direct to the display and SPDIF to the AVR to eliminate this issue.cheers
ozboy Posted September 28, 2008 Author Posted September 28, 2008 If your display has a spare input you could run the HDMI direct to the display and SPDIF to the AVR to eliminate this issue.cheers doh! didn't think of that! Tried it & works fine. Thanx mate
Recommended Posts