Connecting iScan HD+ to a PHD8

[Dazmeister]

Hi,
Apologies if this question has been posted before...

I have recently bought a iScan HD+ (new) and would like some advice on best connections between the scaler and the monitor. The remaining connections between devices (DVD, XBOX 360) and iScan I am ok with, but unsure whether to buy a DVI -> HDMI or would I be better off using a DVI-> Component lead or isn't there much in it ?

If you could also recommend some brands (better cables?) it would be appreciated.

Thanks in anticpation.

My kit:
Denon 3805, Denon 2800MKII, iScan HD+, XBOX 360, Monitor Audio Silver 8i, SVS PB12

[hornydragon]

connect the 360 direct and the DVD and TV source via iscan IMO VGA cable (RGBHV analogue) and using native res is ideal set denon to interlaced output

[Dazmeister]

I think I understand (sorry its late in the day).

So its a component to vga cable I need for both DVD source and Plasma?

Thanks

Darrin

[Dazmeister]

Anyone?

Sorry but i am still unsure on this one. I have read other posts where a DVI board is suggested for the plasma when connecting the iScan. I currently have a hdmi, component and scart blade installed. I am happy to lose the scart board if I need to.
I am also keen to get the screen calibrated soon now I have the additional scaler, but need to know what is the best way (in simple terms please) to connect the iScan up to Plasma. Don't want to be going down the wrong route wasting money on cables for someone like Gordon to tell me "Why didn't you connect it this way"?

VGA or DVI?

Advice needed please

Thanks

[spooney]

If you go for a higher quality cable a local dealer should be willing to provide you with both sets and you can try it out at home which one fits best for you..

[Dazmeister]

Thanks Spooney,
So it comes down to preference in the end then?
Sorry, but I am new to scalers and still trying to gleen some basic knowledge on this. Just hope I haven't wasted my money on the iScan. Got it at a good price due to the new models. Just wanted to be sure I was setting it up the right way initially for best results.

I also forgot to mention I have the Telewest HD box I have been decorating the lounge/dining area for the past month so everything has been boxed away (mind like a seive!)

So to recap...

• Telewest HD (DVI -> HDMI??)
• Denon DVD2800MK2 (Component -> VGA??)
• XBOX 360 (Component)
• PHD8 (VGA)

When HD said connect the XBOX direct, is that the passthru or did he mean direct to the monitor?

[spooney]

My understanding of a scaler is that you connect all sources to it and depending on the source and the settings it creates the best possible picture.
I assume the scaler manual will explain in detail which source should provide a certain video output.

Somebody corrects me if I am wrong but I think e.g. a DVD player should process the video signal as native as possible. Best would be SDI aka pure digital without any processing. This is only available for high-end players or in any case very expensive, if even possible for a certain player to be built in afterwards.
DVDs - well, DVDs with a good mastering - have flags at the right place to tell the video processor/scaler how to process the picture stream best. Not so well mastered DVDs leave it to the scaler to guess and process the best possible picture.

[Barend]

Originally Posted by hornydragon

connect the 360 direct and the DVD and TV source via iscan IMO VGA cable (RGBHV analogue) and using native res is ideal set denon to interlaced output

Hornydragon is right!
Since I use VGA to my Panny I see no artefacts and am looking at a crisp and very clean image @ the Panny's 652x480 pixels.
So I could toss the two plug-in boards...
The HD+ really improves the image as I noticed when I routed the component cables thru my Arcam AV8 and then into the plasma's component socked, yuck what an awful PQ (in comparison of course...)

[hornydragon]

you use the HD+ to feed SD sources, SD TV and DVD to the Plamsa via the HD+ and into the VGA input (RGBHV)

HD sources can go direct to the plasma Xbox 360 and HDTV etc. So you use HD+ to scale SD and then use HD sources direct the HD+ can scale HD signals but only those input to it by DVI so you can use the HD+ for SD material to improve it or both but using bit for both means using DVi/HDMI input to screen so no native res. depends on what your majority source is if SD TV then use the HD+ to improve this HD should be good enough (and programming is limited)

[Dazmeister]

Thanks for all the replies,

After re-reading HD's first comment, it all makes sense now I put the punctuation in

It's all quite straightforward relatively speaking. Now it's just a case of understanding how to configure the damn thing.
Good thing is I have booked a session with Gordon to have the pq set. Looking forward to it.

Thanks again.

[Dazmeister]

One last question though...

About the digital optical inputs on the iScan, is there much point in using these? Or can I continue to route these via my Denon (which handles lipsync).

[Barend]

I can't see the point of routing just digital sound trough your HD+, especially if you have a macro able remote like the pronto.