Very confused about video connections (AV, Component, DVI, VGA, RGB, HDMI, S Video, ect.)?

Question

Ok i dont know why on earth we have to have all these differnt types of cord and stuff, i just wish we could keep it simple like just HDMI and none of the AV, component or the other cabkes. But i guess HDMI is oretty new....i just know i hate unorinized stuff and i hate wires i i with it was all wireless. But our LCD HD TV (Vizio VX42L HDTV10A) has 2 HDMI ports, an Anolog L & R audio inputs, "RGB PC" input (im guessing thats the same as a VGA?), and a Component 1 and 2 things, 2 AV connections, a DTV/TV cable/antenna, and optical input, and a red and a white anolog outs, and no DVI (which stinks because thats what i was gonna use to connect my MacBook Pro to the Samsung 23" LED monitor i was gonna buy)...and I know that theres even differebt types of DVI (like DVI - I) and it sort of irritates me because i cant figure anything out....can anyone please help me!?!?!?!? Thank you sooooo much!!!

Answer 1

It's actually simple if you follow these rules:



1. Every device (game, DVD/Blu-Ray player, cable box, etc.) you connect to the TV needs one cable connected to the TV for video, and one cable connected to the TV for audio. HDMI is the only exception; a single HDMI cable carries both video and audio.



2. In order of best to worst quality, video connection types are: HDMI or DVI, Component (3 plugs red/blue/green), S-Video, composite video (yellow plug). Always use the best quality connection that's available on the device. Note that you can't get HD with S-Video or composite video.



3. In order of best to worst quality, audio connection types are: HDMI, optical digital, coaxial digital (the coaxial cable looks like a TV cable), analog (2 plugs red and white).



Other notes:

- Some TVs have VGA connectors which might be labeled VGA or PC. These are similar quality to HDMI or DVI, but don't include audio.

- Some TVs have audio outputs, usually analog audio or optical. These can be connected to an amplifier, speakers, or a home theatre setup - the audio being output will be the same as whatever source you are currently watching.

- DVI comes in different flavors: DVI-D (digital only), DVI-A (analog only), DVI-I (integrated, digital & analog), M1-DA (integrated, digital, analog & USB)

Answer 2

yeah because inorder to access progressive scan, both the source component, such as a DVD player, HD cable, or satellite box, and the Television display need to be progressive scan capable. The progressive scan signal is transferred from the source component to the television via either a progressive scan component video output or other type of connection, such as DVI (Digital Video Interface) or HDMI (High Definition Multi-media Interface) that allows the transfer of standard and high-definition progressive scan images to a similarly equipped television. On DVD players, the progressive scan signal is sent via component video connections, which are labeled Y, Pb, Pr, or via HDMI or DVI connections. Component video connections labeled Y,Cb,Cr transfer only interlaced signals. In addition, standard AV and S-Video connections do not transfer progressive scan video images. If you hookup a progressive scan output to a non-progressive scan TV input, you will not get an image. In addition, in order to view progressive scan with reverse 3:2 pulldown, either the DVD player or Television need to have 3:2 pulldown detection. The preference would be for the DVD player have the 3:2 pulldown detection and actually perform the reverse pulldown function, with a progressive scan capable television displaying the image as fed from the DVD player. There are menu options in both a progressive scan DVD player and a progressive scan capable television that will assist you setting up a progressive scan capable DVD player and television or video projector. Hope this gave you an idea.

Answer 3

You can get a DVI to HDMI connector. Costs around $5-$10. http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10419