Which output is best viewed on HDTV...

[PatentBoy]

1 - Component; or
2 - S-Video

I have a DVD player which has a component output and I currently am using the S-Video. To switch to component would require a lot of "rearranging" in my A/V closet and before I make the lead I was wondering if anyone had any comments regarding the better of the above two choices.

The signal will be going into a high-end HD plasma panel which has good electronics.

For purposes here:
COMPONENT VIDEO OUT (Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr): Photo jack/Y: 1.0 Vp-p/Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr: 0.648 Vp-p/75 ohms.

S VIDEO OUTPUT 1/2: 4-pin mini DIN/Y: 1.0 Vp-p/C: 0.286 Vp-p /75 ohms.

Thanks in advance.

[RobertE]

Component would give you the "best" picture from a SD source, followed by S-Video, then composite, lastly RF.

[Pepster]

Component would give you the "best" picture from a SD source, followed by S-Video, then composite, lastly RF.

Don't forget to run an additional cable for audio if you use component cable.

[PatentBoy]

Thanks for your input.

[n3ntj]

Component would give you the "best" picture from a SD source, followed by S-Video, then composite, lastly RF.

Yep.. what he said. HDMI, Component, S-video, Composite and RF... in that order from best video to worst.

[northrk]

Once you go component, dont forget to set your DVD player to output 480p or progressive. If it is an upscaling DVD consult your manual. Also set it to 16:9 tv.

[BattleZone]

Here's the biggest benefit to going component over S-Video or Composite:

Component can output "anamorphic"=encoded DVDs in widescreen, just like an HD device can, so widescreen DVDs that are properly encoded will fill the screen better and be higher resolution than if you used S-Video and then had to zoom the picture with your TV.

Component can also display with progressive scan, which means the DVD player can de-interlace internally, which sometimes gives you a better picture, depending on the quality of the deinterlacer in the TV vs. the DVD player.