Hey there,
I just recently purchased a new TV with 2 HDMI ports. I have never had anything connected via HDMI (don't laugh, I'm new to all this). I was wondering about two things:
1) I have to pick up HDMI cables, I understand that. One is going into a standard Brighthouse HDTV cable box. Is there a specific HDMI cable for that? I looked on line and there seems to be several types of cables out there, not sure which one I need.
2) I have a Phillips DVP642 dvd player to hook up as well (nope, no home theater yet....one step at a time). I was wondering if I can hook that up to an HDMI port as well or if it is stupid to do that. If I can hook it up to one, will movies be in HD? Also if the answer is yes, what type of cable do I need for that?
All I am trying to do is get the best hookup I can for both the brighthouse HDTV box and for the DVD player. Please help!
Hi Magik,
Congratulations on your new TV! Let's see if we can knock out both questions.
1. Without knowing what kind of TV you have, it's going to be difficult to recommend a specific cable. What I can tell you is that there are varying quality levels out there, and typically the better ones carry the signal farther and have higher bandwidth to support a greater range of resolutions. If your TV is 1080p capable, I'd look at some of the nicer ones that are listed as 1080p capable. Otherwise, stick to a name brand cable, but don't go overboard.
2. The Philips DVP642 doesn't sport an HDMI ouptut. It is a progressive scan machine though, so Component video (Green, red, and blue) cables will give you the best performance. Just don't forget to hook up the sound cables as well.
Thanks so much for such a fast reply! Have managed to hook the tv up with hdmi cables (yes I do have 1080p capability, I know that much, at least LOL).
I understand about the Philips DVP642. I have had it hooked up. I really like the dvd player it allows me to play certain formats that I can't play elsewhere but I understand it isn't an up convert or whatever they are calling them. LOL. I'm trying.
One more stupid question then I'll go and hide: If I were to buy a new dvd player that I wanted to watch Blu-ray DVDs on (I think that is just the name used for HD Movies....right?) can I buy any dvd player that has an HDMI hookup or do I specifically need to look for a Blu-ray Player - if they aren't one in the same.
I know this sounds insane or just plain unintelligent but I am curious. I have decided to go out and buy a home theatre but I want to start with the dvd player and then work my way to the speakers etc.
Thanks again, for your response. If you know of any inexpensive (I'm not an audiophile ??) home theaters systems I would welcome feedback on that as well
Hi Magik,
There is a difference between upconverting DVD players and Blu-Ray. The first only plays regular DVD discs, but uses fancy processing to try and make the low-res images look better. Blu-Ray is one of the competing formats for the next generation HD movie standard, and are actually full HD resolution. I'll point out that there is a competitor to Blu-Ray, simply called HD-DVD, and neither are compatible with each other. It's a situation not at all different from the famous VHS vs. Betamax battle of the early eighties. This tech guy recommends avoiding both until the format war is over, otherwise you may end up with a very expensive player that's obsolete. TechLore has a lot of info about the two competing formats. Hunt around a bit in the articles and blog sections and you'll find plenty.
Home theater is one of those terms that's thrown around a bit; I assume you mean you're looking to pick up a surround sound system? If so, there are inexpensive "in a box" solutions, but most won't really knock your socks off. What kind of budget do you have? What size is the room you're going to put it in?