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[Orgasmic Chilli]

Nice topic. Where does Scart fit in the rankings. I know scart can come extremely cheap and very expensive

[Gavin83]

QUOTE (sparkac @ Oct 21 2003, 11:12 PM)

Some General Tips 1. the same cable is used for composite, componant and audio coaxial.  So you don't have to buy a special component cable if you have a composite cable. 2. use audio coaxial instead of optical,  because it is a lot cheaper 3. using a Monster Power platinum coated cable is no better then a cheap brandless cable when it comes to digital signals,

1) Although composite cables are sometimes the same as component, this isnt always the case. For video, a strict 75ohm cable is needed, and as such, all 3 cables on the component cabling need to be 75ohms. Sound however can have a number of different ohm ratings, which normally work out cheapers, and as such, the audio cables on composite are normally a different ohm rating.

2) There are more issues than price, which Ill mention below.

3) Well, quality cables do make a difference over cheap cables, although I will agree monster cable is no better than a quality cable from an unknown brand. With monster however, you are always assured of a wll designed cable.

QUOTE

Coaxial cable offer complicated issues that can affect signal quality. Most people prefer Coaxial. Opticals are generally cheaper than coaxial. XBOX is not Hi-Fi so it does not really matter which you have or use.

Well, Coaxial are analogue cables, and as such, can be affected by interference from other sources. Optical cables arent affected by such issues, and can be used in far greater lengths. However, they are more fragile, and cant be bent as well as coax can. Xbox, like any sound source, will be affected by the cable build. However, the sound differences between the cables are questionable to say the least, so just use which you prefer. Glass cables are expensive however.

Now, Scart. There are 3 types of scart signal, composite, S-video and RGB. Composite and S-video types are normally reasonably cheap and come between composite and S-video in the quality rankings. RGB is normally more expensive, and will come between S-video and component in the rankings. However, RGB scart will require a compatable component and and TV.

[ZASADAR]

I have a pc hdtv monitor whats the best or cheapest way to connect it to my xbox?


thanks


I was told I could use a vga bnc cable connect it to an av pack is this guy BSing me?

This post has been edited by ZASADAR: Nov 11 2004, 10:19 PM

[mun]

Hey guys I have a problem, I have the Xbox in the den where all the cables lead to the others like (cable, cat5, telephone) the cables to the living room and other areas in the house. My Xbox is hoooked upto my comouter, which had all of my movies and things.  

First Ill tell you how this system works. Cable-> connects into Living room cable.  You know where one side male and the other female.
 
So what I would like to do is to stream movies from the den into the TV room but the TV room doesnt have ethernet. I was thinlking of putting a Rf adapter but then i woul lose a lot of quality. Could you suggrst some other ways

[raven_5x]

 

[BiGx5MurF]

QUOTE(ZASADAR @ Nov 11 2004, 04:23 PM)

I have a pc hdtv monitor whats the best or cheapest way to connect it to my xbox?
thanks
I was told I could use a vga bnc cable connect it to an av pack is this guy BSing me?

Depends on what connectors your monitor has.  Right off the bat though, I think the best/cheapest way would be to get a component to vga converter. Your monitor probably has a DVI input which is theorectically better than the vga, but then again the source you're starting with (component) is inferior to vga to begin with, so I don't believe there will be much, if any improvement going dvi over vga.

Besides, component to DVI converter is mucho dinero http://startech.com/...VID2DVIDTV&mt=Z

I'm surprised no one has mentioned HDMI.  Yes it is just an evolution of DVI, but with 2 big differences.  It carries both video and audio (yes for the time being only stereo digital sound, not true surround), and it's smaller than DVI.

I sold cables through my ebay store for awhile, and in the past few months, HDMI cable sales have really picked up considerably compared to last year, so it is starting to gain an audience.  I personally cannot wait for HDMI to gain widespread acceptance, and have it's full potential released.  Just imagine one cable for both uncompressed digital video, and digital surround audio (not available, but Silicon Image state the format can easily do 5.1 surround).

[Nisei]

Question:

I have my Xbox connected to my projector through component 480p.
Now I also have a smaller flatscreen TV which I want to use to be able to quickly play a game or play some music files.
The TV only has scart inputs.
Now before I start soldering any extra wires into the output plug to feed the composite and analog audio signals to the scart plug I would like to know if it still outputs composite video and analog audio as well when it's already connected component 480p.
Does anyone know?

This post has been edited by Nisei: Feb 2 2006, 02:45 PM

[fallenangle]

I know this is an old thread but I've only just read it and found the almost casual (and incorrect) description of RGB SCART as giving picture quality somewhere between S-Video and Component can not go unchallenged.

(RGB) SCART as found in most PAL territories like the UK/EU is the nearest thing there is to a universal connector. It can carry Composite, S-Video, RGB sync on composite and sync on green depending on the output of the device. The Japanese also use a 21 pin connector very like SCART but with different pinouts.

RGB SCART is actually theoretically superior to YPbPr (Component) for SD sources. The latter is mathmatically derived from RGB rather than full signal RGB SCART delivers. However, in practice the difference between 480i/576i via RGB SCART and Component is minmal.

Where Component, VGA, DVI, RGB-HV beat RGB SCART is in their progressive scan and HD support capabilities. In 2010 that is now usually far more important.    

[Heimdall]

QUOTE(fallenangle @ Apr 30 2010, 11:44 PM)

RGB SCART is actually theoretically superior to YPbPr (Component) for SD sources. The latter is mathmatically derived from RGB rather than full signal RGB SCART delivers. However, in practice the difference between 480i/576i via RGB SCART and Component is minmal.

Where Component, VGA, DVI, RGB-HV beat RGB SCART is in their progressive scan and HD support capabilities. In 2010 that is now usually far more important.

Your clarification is still a bit misleading. As you say, SCART is a multi-purpose connector, and one of the signal sets it can support is RGB, which is significantly better than S-Video. However, RGB carried on SCART is identical to the RGB carried on a VGA connector, so your last statement is incorrect with regard to VGA beating RGB SCART. Also, you are correct that YPbPr and RGB are mathematically linked, and one can be derived from the other, but neither is intrinsically better - they are simply different representations of the same signal, and YPbPr and RGB both reproduce the same full signal. HOWEVER, because YPbPr is structured as luma (Y, brightness) plus two colour difference chroma signals (Pb and Pr), it is possible to compress the chroma signals using lossy subsampling for transmission or storage with minimal impact on the image perceived by the human eye, but in terms of the signal between a domestic video device and a display screen there is no such chroma compression, so for domestic use YPbPr and RGB are practically identical.

This post has been edited by Heimdall: May 1 2010, 06:58 PM

[fallenangle]

I'm certainly not going to contradict you if you say my description of RGB via SCART being theoretically better than YPbPr was a bit woolly or even misleading. I bow to your technical knowledge on this matter of course.

But our conclusion was the same ie. for all practical purposes, everything else being equal, RGB SCART and YPbPr at 480i/576i deliver matching PQ. This is rather what I was trying to establish.

There is the matter of how the the TV handles each type of input and, if what I've read elsewhere is correct, the XBox version being used too. As I indicated earlier switching off the flicker filter under XBMC when using RGB SCART can produce a marked improvement in PQ.

Where I have to argue with you is about the comparison of RGB SCART against VGA (480p) or any other progressive scan system for that matter. Of course the RGB signal content is the same in all cases but you're not saying progressive scan system don't produces better PQ surely?      

Ergo VGA is better than RGB SCART.

I hope so anyway because one of my other projects on the go for some time now is converting a Dreamcast RGB SCART cable to VGA allowing me to get 480p via  a RGB SCART/YPbPr converter for use on my 'HD' CRT.

This post has been edited by fallenangle: May 1 2010, 11:43 PM

[sparkac]

GUIDE TO AUDIO/VIDEO CABLES
Version 2.0

I've noticed that many people are confused about all the different types of cables out there and what advantages each type has
So i made this tutorial to explain them


SECTION 1
The different cables

1. RF cable (aka Coaxial Cable)
(IMG:http://www.jascoproducts.com/online-store/scstore/graphics/7_2002_93261big.jpg)

This is the thick cable you use to connect to your antenna or cable service.  This was the only type of cable back then and this is the only way to hook up your Xbox to older TV sets.  The Xbox, if you haven’t noticed yet, has no output for this so you will need an RF modulator.  The main advantage I can think of that it is simple, only one cable is needed to transmit video and sound, also it sends all the channels at the same time so you can use the tuner on your TV.  Its disadvantages are low picture quality and mono sound (half of stereo).  Also this is an analog signal, for anyone who wants to know.

2. Composite
(IMG:http://media.lik-sang.com/images/170/composite-composite.jpg)
This is a step up from Coaxial, There are 3 separate cables.  Yellow for video, white for the left channel audio, and red for the right channel audio.  The advantages are that the picture quality is greatly enhanced and you have stereo sound.  However there are some disadvantages, first of all not all TV sets support it (although most these days do), and you will need to have a separate tuner because this cable can only transmit one channel at a time.  This isn't a big problem for the xbox.  But you will need to carry a remote for your TV and digital cable (or satellite) receiver.  Even with this disadvantage the picture quality is A LOT better then coaxial. This is also analog.

3. Svideo
(IMG:http://admin2.soe.purdue.edu/support/connectors/S-Video.JPG)
S-video carries only the video signal so you will still need the composite cables to send audio.  The only advantage is better video quality, the video signal is broken up which gives a better picture.  The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t carry audio. This is again analog.

4. Component
(IMG:http://www.avplaza.co.kr/Ossb2Picture/UserUpload/productimage/CABLE_ACCESSORY/CANARE_COMP_m.jpg)
This is the best consumer cable out there. Like the s-video it only carries video.  This cable consists of 3 cables, red, blue and green (the green is for brightness).  This separates the color even more then s-video which makes the picture quality very good.  However a major disadvantage is that not many TVs have this input. This is analog

5. Optical (toslink)
(IMG:http://www.audio2000s.com/products/accessories/cables/adc2501.jpg)
This cable is used for audio.  This is a digital connection and this will give you surround sound.  It works by sending light through a glass fiber.  The major advantage is that this will give you surround sound whereas composite doesn’t.  However it costs more then composite.

6. Audio coaxial
(IMG:http://www.aecdigital.com/images/cables25.jpg)
This cable is actually a composite cable that can also send surround sound just as well as optical.  It is a lot cheaper then optical so this is what I would recommend.  And I have no idea why it’s called audio coaxial cable when it isn't coaxial cable. This, like optical, is also digital.


SECTION 2
Which cable should I use for my TV?

Well I made a couple of scenarios; you pick the one that best describes you.  Also this is just my opinion, if you don’t agree with what I say, don’t do it.



Scenario 1
You have a small TV 25in or smaller
If it has a composite cable use it, if not, coaxial is your only hope
S-video will also work but you won’t see much of difference
If you have an expensive TV that has component, use it if you already have the cable BUT DON’T GO OUT AND BUY ONE, you won’t see any difference at all!  

Scenario 2
You have a peaty big TV, 25in to ~40in.  
Use s-video or composite.  Stay far away from coaxial
If your TV has component, you will see a change but not a big one.  If you are a heavy gamer a component cable will help

Scenario 3
You have a large projection TV (non HDTV). 40 and up.
Use s-video, composite will work but it won’t look its best.
If you have component use it, you will see a difference

Scenario 4
You have an awesome HDTV projection TV
Use s-video at least, composite if you have no other choice
Go for component whenever you have the chance.  Everything is very clear, beautiful, and sharp.


Some General Tips
1. the same cable is used for composite, componant and audio coaxial.  So you don't have to buy a special component cable if you have a composite cable.
2. use audio coaxial instead of optical,  because it is a lot cheaper
3. using a Monster Power platinum coated cable is no better then a cheap brandless cable when it comes to digital signals,

Also if you see anything wrong with this tutorial or if you would like to add something just send me a pm or email me, I will fix it ASAP.  

Good Luck  

This post has been edited by sparkac: Oct 22 2003, 12:35 AM

[eazye]

Nice tutorial for the newbie to audio/video.  One correction though, Component cable is not digitial, it remains analogue like the other cables you mentioned.  The current digital format for video is DVI which is found on a limited number of TVs at this time.  Even if you had a TV with a DVI input, the XBox does not have a DVI output to take advantage of this interface.

[sparkac]

thanks, i wasn't sure,

and i'll add dvi, i wasn't going to before because it is mainly used for external tv tuners, but it is a cable.

This post has been edited by sparkac: Oct 21 2003, 10:32 PM

[spillage]

You are right people don't really grasp cables that well.

Coaxial is the name given to the construction of the cable ONLY. It means nothing else. Most video and audio cable are of coaxial construction. That is to say the signal carrier is in the middle of and surrounded by the screen. The best cables in the world of video are Coaxial, often with triple screening and superb impedance characteristics.
I believe that what you were trying to say that a cable used to pass RF (radio frequency) is the worst.

The cheap and nasty Yellow, Red and White cables should be binned the moment to get home with your new purchase. They are thrown in by manufacturers to get you up and running. The cable construction is usually coaxial but often uses a nasty ‘spiral rap’ for the screen which is NOT 100% successful. This cable is marginally better than RF, but not because of the cable, but because of the video transmission format being used. I.e. composite.

The ‘S’ Video connection will still use coaxial cable but merits its use because of the separation of the video signal. Chrominance (colour) and Luminance (Brightness) This is a major step forward over composite.

Component cables will be coaxial just like the above. A good cable (£100 upwards) will use good quality cable and terminations. Component video is NOT the best but it generally considered the best for DVD playback, simply because DVDs are written in component video. The component video signals are generated by separating a luminance component and two chrominance components (Red and Blue) from RGB signals. Component video was introduced as a compressed version of real RGB to save space. I.e. video bandwidth. All TV and display devices are driven by real RGB. All Red, All Green and All Blue. This format is the best and uses the most bandwidth, or space. Component video in the domestic sense is Analogue but there is a digital variant the public don’t use.

Optical cables have nothing to do with video so to say it’s better than composite is meaningless. (Sorry). Optical versus coaxial digital cables are a hot debate in the Hi-Fi world as to which sounds better. Optical cables that are made of glass (not many are) and offer near infinite transmission capabilities. Coaxial cable offer complicated issues that can affect signal quality. Most people prefer Coaxial. Opticals are generally cheaper than coaxial. XBOX is not Hi-Fi so it does not really matter which you have or use.

You have a small TV 25in or smaller
If it has a composite cable use it, if not, coaxial is your only hope
S-video will also work but you won’t see much of difference
If you have an expensive TV that has component, use it if you already have the cable BUT DON’T GO OUT AND BUY ONE, you won’t see any difference at all!……………….etc etc

I have not included the other scenarios.

Sorry but this is not true, some of the best monitors in the world are small. Buy the best you can afford and the use the best output you have.

Why tell people to use optical cause it’s cheaper. You can use which ever is best for you or the equipment you have.

The better the cable the better the sound, period. Buy the right cable for the right job and buy the best you can afford. Why put up with crap just because it’s cheap.

I am not deliberately trying to show you up or embarrass you but some of the things you have written will be read by people who will believe straight away. I hope you take this as constructive critisism rather than pointing the finger at you and shouting you’re wrong. Good post anyhow.

If I sound like a teacher I am sorry.

[sparkac]

ok i fixed some stuff

QUOTE

Optical cables have nothing to do with video

i never said that

QUOTE

I believe that what you were trying to say that a cable used to pass RF (radio frequency) is the worst.

I often hear coaxial rather then RF so i opted for coaxial

QUOTE

Coaxial is the name given to the construction of the cable ONLY

i didn't  know that thanks, i fixed that

QUOTE

some of the best monitors in the world are small

not consumer models, i work at a tv studio and the viewfinders on cameras and the ones in the control room are awsome, and see my comment at the bottom

QUOTE

Why tell people to use optical cause it’s cheaper

i said coax was cheaper

QUOTE

I am not deliberately trying to show you up or embarrass you

I know, i was hoping for comments like this to fix bugs, i wouldn't want to give people the wrong idea.  

EDIT: Also, this tutorial is geared towards the average user, so technical information is useless and my examples are about products sold at a general electronics store, not products sold at professional specialty stores that sell to televison studios.

This post has been edited by sparkac: Oct 22 2003, 12:39 AM