Video Asylum

Posted by Dalancroft (A) on August 07, 2003 at 08:49:05

In Reply to: Re: Coupla questions posted by 3moons on August 06, 2003 at 19:49:41:

Most people run video signal through an A/V amp for reasons not involving picture quality -- they don't have enough inputs into their TV (probably not a problem in your case), they want to use on-screen menus, or it's simply more convenient to let the receiver do the switching. You won't improve picture quality running a signal through your low-buck receiver; in fact, if anything you'll degrade it. Also, running an S-video signal into a receiver and a component signal from receiver to monitor will NOT "upgrade" the signal to component. S-video in, S-video out even through component wires.

Myself, I prefer direct connections whenever possible. I have two component inputs into my Panasonic 47" widescreen -- one for a DVD player and one for the HDTV set-top box. Any other future connections (VCR, video game) will be made via S-video.

My recommendation is to run component video from your set-top box directly into the TV and either a digital coax cable (if your receiver accepts one) or a set of interconnects from the set-top box into your receiver. An HDTV set should have two sets of component inputs; if not, S-video from the DVD player should provide a more than adequate picture quality.

Then, later, upgrade to a better receiver. eCost.com sells good ones these days for about $250-300, 5.1 and even 6.1 models. You'll be happy you did.