What cables/connections do I need for HDTV?

in5ane.com > FAQs > Console Hook Up Guide (TVs/Audio) > Hi Definition (HDTV)

There are several types of connection that can carry HDTV material:

Component- Analogue connection that carries video only. Seperates the video into 3 cables with phonos on the end: Y (luminance), B-Y (blue), R-Y (red). Currently the most widely used format for EDTV and HDTV signals.

HDMI*- High-Definition Multimedia Interface; the latest HDTV connection type, that can carry both video and audio digitally. It is available on most new LCDs and plasmas. Will eventually be the standard for HDTV satallite and cable boxes, as it can feature HDCP (High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection) to prevent unauthorised copying.

VGA DSub- Not designed with consumer HDTV in mind, VGA is an analogue video-only delivery format, usually associated with PC monitors. However, it can be utilised for HDTV resolutions, and most plasma and LCD displays feature at least one VGA port.

DVI*- The digital succesor of the VGA connection, carrying video only. DVI-I can accomodate analogue (VGA) and digital signals, while DVI-D is only capable of carrying digital signals.

*There is some level of backwards compatibility between HDMI and DVI.

added August 24th, 2005

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