S-video vs. Component video cables

[Laredo]

I currently have an s-video cable connecting my ps2 to my 53" Sony HDTV and was thinking about changing that out with Monster cables gamelink 400 component video cable. Since the ps2 is not progressive scan will I get a better picture with component video cables ( or should I say will I get a $60 noticable difference)?

This is strictly for playing ps2, I already have a progressive scan dvd player with component cables hooked up for movies.

 

[space]

You will if the game supports it, and i only know of a few that do. (not off the top of my head though)

 

[Tom M]

The PS2 has quite a few games that are progressive scan including Tekken 4 and Burnout 2 (the only ones I know of in my collection.)
And I always opt for the component cable over S-video for those that have a TV that you will be able to appreciate the difference on. (And it sounds like you do.)
The PS2 is also getting a firmware update for it's basic driver set which includes updated DVD drivers that will support Pro-scan.

 

[LoudMusic]

Originally posted by Tom M
The PS2 has quite a few games that are progressive scan including Tekken 4 and Burnout 2 (the only ones I know of in my collection.)
And I always opt for the component cable over S-video for those that have a TV that you will be able to appreciate the difference on. (And it sounds like you do.)
The PS2 is also getting a firmware update for it's basic driver set which includes updated DVD drivers that will support Pro-scan.

Reeaaaaaalllyyy ... how are they going to distribute the update?

 

[Tom M]

Originally it was going to be bundled with a bunch of SCEA games, but I haven't heard anything about it lately. (since the holidays)
I'd guess that they would make it available in the OPM, SCEA games and (for a small fee) directly from Sony.

 

[rjensen11]

Updated firmware? Awsome! Is it just me, or does the default stuff suck? I can't zoom on DVD's, my settings for reg. PS games don't stick(fast loading and texture smooth), and it's getting at me. I'd say that it should be included for just about all games, the drivers can't take up THAT much room, can they? Or maybe they should be included on all new memory cards...

 

[space]

Ok question.

I just bought a component cable for my xbox. Does the quality increase just using the component cable or do i have to have it set in 480i, 720i, etc.?

I havent had a chance to use it yet, it raining pretty heavy and the power has been finicky lately.

 

[risingson77]

Just using component cables will improve the picture slightly. If a game is using 480p (or another high-res mode) the TV should sense it automatically. You may have to configure the game for it - check the manual to see about that.

Progressive scan for the PS2, eh? Amazing. Just a year or two ago they were saying that progressive scan couldn't be done on the PS2's graphics chip. It wasn't supposed to have real-time discrete surround, either. But just look at it now...

That's the only fault I can find with the GameCube. They didn't put a digital out on it.

 

[space]

digital audio?

 

[risingson77]

Right, as in it doesn't have it - the GC is no doubt capable of discrete surround, but Nintendo elected not to include it. :shrug:

 

[Tom M]

Nintendo's choice for using Pro Logic II is probably related to how close their ties are to Lucas Arts (Nintendo almost always launches with a Star Wars Title.)
And don't count on Zooming additions in the firmware. Not that many brands of DVD players support it and Sony generally isn't one of them. (it's more a feature for porn addicts IMO)

 

[rjensen11]

Originally posted by Tom M
Nintendo's choice for using Pro Logic II is probably related to how close their ties are to Lucas Arts (Nintendo almost always launches with a Star Wars Title.)
And don't count on Zooming additions in the firmware. Not that many brands of DVD players support it and Sony generally isn't one of them. (it's more a feature for porn addicts IMO)

I like the zoom when watching concerts to see guitar picking and such. It's also helpful for trying to read something in the background that has too small of a font...

 

[risingson77]

Originally posted by rjensen11
I like the zoom when watching concerts to see guitar picking and such. It's also helpful for trying to read something in the background that has too small of a font...

Yeah. Sure.

Originally posted by Tom M
Nintendo's choice for using Pro Logic II is probably related to how close their ties are to Lucas Arts (Nintendo almost always launches with a Star Wars Title.)
And don't count on Zooming additions in the firmware. Not that many brands of DVD players support it and Sony generally isn't one of them. (it's more a feature for porn addicts IMO)

Well, I suppose if you know the proper triggers for PLII you can manipulate the surround effects almost as well as truly discrete surround.

Besides, omitting a digital out and a progressive scan capable video DAC allows Nintendo to sell GCs for $150. Most people can't use 'em anyway.

 

[space]

The gamecube supports progressive scan. once you have the component cable and a game that supports it, hold B when you turn on the system, that'll bring up the progressive scan option menu

 

[boombexus]

Could someone explain what progressive scan means?

 

[risingson77]

Originally posted by space
The gamecube supports progressive scan. once you have the component cable and a game that supports it, hold B when you turn on the system, that'll bring up the progressive scan option menu

Right, but the component cable has its own video DAC. So the GC by itself cannot support progressive scanning.

For boombexus: Progressive scan.

 

[Laredo]

Well I ended up getting Sony's component video cable gor $29.99 and I do have a better picture.

Thanks everyone for your input.

 

[Tom M]

Ummmm... Risingson I don't think you really understand how progressive scan works. Basically the PS2/Xbox/GC need to physically draw every line (instead of interlacing them.) Cables only convey a signal, they shouldn't be confused with the hardware.

 

[risingson77]

Ummmm...Tom, I know cables only pass the signal. The GC component cable has a DAC in it to convert the signal.

 

[risingson77]

Notice the size of the connector.

 

[rjensen11]

Originally posted by risingson77
Yeah. Sure.

You perv, maybe I just like music! Have you thought about that??? And seeing as to I'm still in HS, how could I hide a dvd from my family for long if I intended to watch it on our TV with the DVD player hooked up(which is in the family room)?

 

[risingson77]

Originally posted by rjensen11
how could I hide a dvd from my family for long if I intended to watch it on our TV with the DVD player hooked up(which is in the family room)?

You could if you were clever about it.

 

[RallyF1]

and forget monster cables the only difference is that they are expensive, same result if not better

 

[rjensen11]

Quick question.... How many recievers have HDTV inputs? And how many have HDTV outputs? I know a lot of them have SVideo inputs....

 

[risingson77]

A few. Generally if you spend $500 and up you'll get HDTV compatible video switching.

 

[rjensen11]

Whoa, $500 is quite a bit for a reciever... Is that just for the reciever? Or those reciever/speaker kits?

 

[risingson77]

Nope, just the receiver. What do you have for components that use (ahem) component inputs?

 

[Laredo]

I recommend Yamaha receivers.

 

[risingson77]

Yeah, they're not bad. The sound quality is good, and the interface is usually pretty easy to understand (I think they've improved the remotes in the last few generations - they were horrible a few years ago). They may even have component switching for under $500.

The only other question is: do you need HD or progressive switching? All HD and progressive may use component connections, but not all component connections will pass HD or progressive.