Component vs. HDMI

[tsumake]

I currently have a comp with a Radeon X850XT, AGP version, outputting via component to my HDTV. Would there be much of an improvement if I used a DVI/HDMI cable instead? I ask because those cables cost over a hundred dollars, and I'm wondering if it would be worth it. Thanks!

 

[it290]

IMO, no, unless you're using really crappy component cables, in which case I would just suggest upgrading those. Although it also depends on the quality of the encoder chip on the video card, but Radeons have been really good about that for a long time. Doing digital output will save you that step, but I don't think it's $100 worth of difference.

 

[lordofduct]

$100?

Damn! I got a nice pair of DVI-HDMI cables for like 30 bucks.

You probably will see little difference though, depending the television. If it's a digital display (a high end plasma or LCD) then you'll see more difference then if you did this to a CRT HDTV.

If it is CRT... go with the one of the two you feel has the better encoder. The ATI card or the TV... like it290 said.