Whats the difference of the component cables (apart from the colors) ... can I use GOOD RCA (audio) cables to connect the three of them?

Thanks....

8/5/2005 4:13:49 PM

No difference really, component video cables are pretty much the exact same cables as those big thick composite cables. You can use RCA audio cables and they'll work just fine.

8/5/2005 4:18:50 PM

just as long as they're 75ohm impedence, you should be fine.. no need to buy $50 component cables when 3 standard video rca cables will do just fine.

[Edited on August 5, 2005 at 6:40 PM. Reason : ]

8/5/2005 6:39:31 PM

They ARE different.

Go to target and get the GE Branded composite cables. They cost ~20 bucks for a 14 foot cable.

I did a lot of research and actual impedence testing on RCA cables this past spring. Component cables use MUCH higher quality RCA connectors, especially the el cheapos. There is a BIG difference.

Now if you are using "Monster" RCA cables, you are an idiot to begin with, but those are capable of running component video over decent lengths.

8/8/2005 6:34:52 AM

its a matter of frequency response and linearity... the nicer cables will have a very controlled impedance and better shielding (which helps in long runs).

most video grade cables should be able to cary the signal, but the cheaper audio cables(the really skinny ones) probably won't be able to reach the top end of the video signal b/c they aren't controlled impedance at all. (controlled impedance means that your entire signal is going to get there at the same time, then there's also a matter of frequency response where that impedance is good up to, component cables are designed for the full spectrum)

[Edited on August 8, 2005 at 7:26 AM. Reason : reflections cause signals to get F*CKED at high frequency]

8/8/2005 7:25:02 AM

Quote :

"reflections cause signals to get F*CKED at highany frequency"

8/8/2005 9:48:57 AM

Noen, you're recommendation then are the Target ones then? ...$20 is a good deal! I will prob go today to buy them! ...

what about optical (sound) ??....any good deal around

8/8/2005 3:24:24 PM

they are very different

get some good 75 ohm cables and base they guage on how far you're running the cable

8/8/2005 3:31:27 PM

get an optical cable off ebay.

you will get reamed anywhere locally.

8/9/2005 12:56:46 AM

Please explain your reasoning on being an "idiot" for uisng monster cables.

I just want to know

8/9/2005 7:52:29 AM

While I don't presume to speak for Noen, the meaning I got from that sentence was that while Monster cables are of a higher quality, a higher quality RCA signal is still a shitty RCA signal and you'd be wasting your money on paying a premium for Monster cables and still only getting an RCA signal.

At least that's my take on it.

8/9/2005 7:57:56 AM

You interpreted it wrong. You aren't an idiot for using them per se, but an idiot for spending the extra money for the same quality.

8/9/2005 8:07:56 AM

^Who interpreted it wrong? Me? Cause you and I pretty much so said the same thing.

8/9/2005 8:49:36 AM

The reason I ask is because I just got a set up at BestBuy and they were going head over foot to try and push the monster cable stuff on me. Its crazy $$$$$

[Edited on August 9, 2005 at 8:56 AM. Reason : ...]

8/9/2005 8:56:21 AM

Well if you just wanted to know, then what's up with the annoying ass ?

8/9/2005 9:00:17 AM

that to me is the wonder smiley

8/9/2005 9:14:53 AM

[profit margin]

8/9/2005 9:33:07 AM

8/9/2005 9:35:02 AM

Quote :

"a higher quality RCA signal is still a shitty RCA signal "

Perhaps some of the confusion would have been avoided if you would have said a higher quality RCA signal is still a shitty component signal. It is just phrased a little awkward. We shouldn't even be calling them RCA signal and component signal because that leads to some confusion.

Quote :

"and you'd be wasting your money on paying a premium for Monster cables and still only getting an RCA signal"

Noen didn't say this exactly. He said this:

Quote :

"but those are capable of running component video over decent lengths"

which is a bit contrary to what you are claiming he stated.

I'd be interested to know how you did your "impedance testing" Mr. Noen.

8/9/2005 10:35:42 AM

Just get the cables at biglots. They're highly sheilded and only 4 bucks or so for 6 ft. They work great and I've got them running from my dvd player and hd tuner for now. Anyone know a decent place to find a dvi cable cheap?

8/9/2005 10:59:32 AM

Quote :

"Please explain your reasoning on being an "idiot" for uisng monster cables. I just want to know"

Because, while Monster cables ARE pretty good quality, they are priced to be nearly 3 times more expensive than the BEST shit on the market (Canare). It's absolutely idiotic to pay 100 dollars for a cable that, at best, is worth 30.

And the real idiocy comes from ANYONE believing that anything sold at best buy could possibly be both the best quality and best price.

TypeA: With the assistance of an EE in my program, he brought in an oscilliscope and i used several reference methods from http://www.epanorama.net to carry out cable testing. I used an audio test loop (thx) for audio testing and a ntsc reference signal as well as an hd test loop for video testing.

8/9/2005 12:12:35 PM

God damn talk about anal, I'm impressed. Just curious, did you think to check (if it is even possible) the input and output impedances on the source and destination components?

8/9/2005 12:55:57 PM

I feel like your last comment was directed at me Noen

8/9/2005 1:02:43 PM