[justinlogan]

Are there any Video Processors with 3 RCA Component output instead of HDMI or DVI? I don't want/need audio on the interface BTW.

It used to be that highest quality component input was second only to professional SDI.

Or am I living in the past? Has this changed with the advent of HDMI etc.

I have the cables deeply embedded in the wall and want to consider inserting a scaler between my equipment and my screen. Ideally without changing the cables (i.e. hacking up the plaster and getting it redone and redecorating).

Thanks
Justin

[Avi]

Originally Posted by justinlogan

Are there any Video Processors with 3 RCA Component output instead of HDMI or DVI? I don't want/need audio on the interface BTW.

It used to be that highest quality component input was second only to professional SDI.

Or am I living in the past? Has this changed with the advent of HDMI etc.

I have the cables deeply embedded in the wall and want to consider inserting a scaler between my equipment and my screen. Ideally without changing the cables (i.e. hacking up the plaster and getting it redone and redecorating).

Thanks
Justin

IIRC some of the Crystalio models have analogue video output that supports RGBHV/RGBS or YPbPr.

SDI is a digital interface and in the past is was often the only option to bypass video ADC/DAC processes (or other device based processing) required if using an analogue interface. Thus SDI kept the signal in the digital domain and at the time there was no digital consumer alternative. With DVI/HDMI the video signal in also kept in the digital domain.

AVI

[justinlogan]

Originally Posted by Avi

SDI kept the signal in the digital domain...

Thanks for the reply. Is it important to stay in the digital domain, or can component video still deliver top quality?

Am I making a mistake trying to stick with my component cables?

[Gordon @ Convergent AV]

What are your sources and what is the display

[Avi]

Originally Posted by justinlogan

Thanks for the reply. Is it important to stay in the digital domain, or can component video still deliver top quality?

Am I making a mistake trying to stick with my component cables?

Component can produce decent images but with analogue quality can vary a lot between products and it can be expensive to achieve the best results at both ends of the chain. Each DAC/ADC isn't lossless thus if you're using a digital source and digital display this isn't ideal way to transport the video signal.

I'm not that familiar with the Crystalio products but it may be wise to check if there are any limitation on the signal type i.e. res/freq that can be output over analogue. A common issue with some devices is 1080p/24 output over analogue that may not be supported. Some VP's will frame double to 48hz or above but then you need to establish if the display supports 1080p/48 etc.

I guess it depends how much you are prepared to spend staying analogue at decent quality versus the cost/disruption of installing HDMI. Personally I no longer us any analogue video interfaces and I've have made the move from SDI to HDMI with no perceivable reduction in image quality using a digital display.

AVI

[justinlogan]

My screen is a 50in Fujitsu plasma P50XHA40US. I am wondering about changing - it was state-of-the art when it was purchased in Jan 2006, but I have not kept up with latest developments - and wonder what benefits would be obtained by changing. I am v. happy with screen, which does have HDMI inputs).

For myself I only watch standard DVD's using a Primare DVD30 with audio on Primare SPA21 AV Amp. Am thinking about BluRay at some point in future.

Others watch TV as well, using built in Freeview from cheapish (£350) Panasonic HD DVD recorder.

[Avi]

Originally Posted by justinlogan

My screen is a 50in Fujitsu plasma P50XHA40US. I am wondering about changing - it was state-of-the art when it was purchased in Jan 2006, but I have not kept up with latest developments - and wonder what benefits would be obtained by changing. I am v. happy with screen, which does have HDMI inputs).

For myself I only watch standard DVD's using a Primare DVD30 with audio on Primare SPA21 AV Amp. Am thinking about BluRay at some point in future.

Others watch TV as well, using built in Freeview from cheapish (£350) Panasonic HD DVD recorder.

It's a small world as one of the displays I use is P50XHA40US.

The biggest benefits from some of the more recent displays is -

- Support for 24hz (of multiple) input to avoid 3:2 motion judder with film on Blu-ray or IVTC'd NTSC DVD
- Support for 1080p/60/50 input
- Native res that avoids scaling with HD material
- Support for 1:1 pixel input at more than just 60hz
- Better internal processing that reduces false contouring i.e. colour banding
- Improved contrast performance
- Better colour control i.e. CMS, grayscale etc

AVI

[justinlogan]

OK. Thanks again for reply.

Can you give a short-list of candidates that would be good quality replacements for the Fujitsu? Are LCD's worth considering at this size?

[Avi]

Originally Posted by justinlogan

Can you give a short-list of candidates that would be good quality replacements for the Fujitsu? Are LCD's worth considering at this size?

I would suggest first hand viewing in an environment that is close to your usual viewing conditions.

The last gen Pioneer M range is worth a look if you can still find any and the latest pro range from Panasonic is worth investigation. I'm not sure if/when we will see more "kuro" tech in Panasonic products but if that's on the cards it may be worth waiting to see. I can't comment on LCD tech from any in depth experience but Wide Screen Review recently did some some detailed and objective model comparison between Plasma/LCD.

AVI

[Joe Fernand]

Hello justinlogan

The 'problem' with a VP that's analogue only output is that HDMI.org wont allow anyone to take a signal arriving via HDMI and output via 3RCA, BNC or VGA as those analogue ports cant support HDCP.

It is possible to add a third party 'non branded' HDMI to YUV 'converter' to a VP that's outputting via HDMI.

Yours is a tricky call - you can improve the image your currently seeing by 01. Calibrating the Display, 02. add a VP (+ Calibrate the VP/Display) or 03. replace the display (+ calibrate the Display)

Option 01. will cost around 300.00 GBP and is well worth doing (though get the BD in place first).

Option 02. will cost anywhere from 700.00 GBP upwards for the VP + the 300.00 or so for the Calibration.

Option 03. will cost 2.5k to 4K if you look at the current Panasonic 'Pro' range (the natural upgrade for your current display which is a Panasonic panel wrapped up in Fujitsu electronics) plus the cost to Calibrate.

Keep in mind too some folk are adding high quality/cost VP's to even the latest Displays.

PDP vs. LCD is an ongoing debate - with the arguments for LCD always being something other than image quality improvements!

Joe

[Barcoing Mad]

Crystallio 2. Quality over component output is very good.

http://www.pixelmagicsystems.com/sup...100_manual.pdf

[Avi]

Originally Posted by Barcoing Mad

Crystallio 2. Quality over component output is very good.

http://www.pixelmagicsystems.com/sup...100_manual.pdf

Does that model have analogue video output ?

AVI

[Barcoing Mad]

Good call! - 3300 and 3800 do, 3100 doesn't.

http://www.pixelmagicsystems.com/sup..._manual_20.pdf

[johnsattuk]

HD Leeza 1080p has BNC connectors, but BNC - RCA adaptors are quite cheap if you didn't want to fit BNC's to your cables