HDMI Cables

[Bigdog]

We currently have a Pioneer HD non DVR box (which has problems as whenever you set a reminder it crashes the box and it has to reboot) hooked up to our Toshiba DLP TV via component cables.

The question I have is that would hooking it up with a HDMI <-> DVI cable give a better picture? Also are there any tradeoffs with it i.e., better digital channels but worse analog channels?

Thanks

[kevbeck122]

You probably won't notice the difference.. unless you have a TV like mine where the component inputs are full of interference.  The Pioneer box I had used to reboot everytime I shut the TV off when I was using the DVI port on it.  Save the HDMI port for a high def DVD player if you decide to get one in the future.

[Bigdog]

I have 2 HDMI ports on the TV so was going to use one for the cable box hoping it would clear up some of the picture.

I'll wait until after the HD-DVD/Blue-Ray battle is a little more hashed out before getting one of these.

[LoadStar]

You probably won't notice the difference.. unless you have a TV like mine where the component inputs are full of interference.  The Pioneer box I had used to reboot everytime I shut the TV off when I was using the DVI port on it.  Save the HDMI port for a high def DVD player if you decide to get one in the future.

I have the same setup - Pioneer box connected via DVI - and I too have the same "problem." Is there any way to avoid this without going "down" to component?

[Mark Strube]

Try getting a Scientific Atlanta non-DVR box. They're not perfect either, but I believe they have less problems than the horrible Pioneer boxes they shove down everyone's throats.

[kevbeck122]

You can also try the rare Pace box.  It works well most of the time.. no reboots at all.  It's also a lot faster than the Pioneer box (guide and info).  It has an HDMI port though instead of DVI.

[Bigdog]

Thanks for the suggestions on the other boxes. My Toshiba DLP has a HDMI (2 actually) connections so I can use either and just get the corresponding cable.  You are right that these Pioneer boxes are terrible with the rebooting, SLOW guide scrolling, etc..