Today, there are two main types of audio visual cables that can be used to link up your high definition devices. These two types are HDMI cables and component cables. While HDMI cables are used more frequently, component cables are still used by some consumers to connect high definition devices. HDMI cables and component cables both work very differently from each other which lead to their inherent strengths and weaknesses.

The type of signal carried by HDMI cables and component cables is one of their main differences. With component cables, they carry analog signals. This means that when component cables are used with today’s HD devices, they must convert the digital signal into analog before it can be transmitted. Also, before the signal can be received at the other end, it must again be converted. The signal is separated into different voltages depending upon the colour of the signal, and with so many conversions taking place, picture and sound quality is often lost.

The way in which component cables transmits signal is very different from HDMI cables. HDMI cables exclusively transmit digital signals. With HDMI cables, the conversions needed to run digital through component cables do not occur. As a result, the picture and sounds are much more clear and pure. Given the fact that more signals today are digital, HDMI cables are becoming used more than component cables.

Both HDMI and component cables are able to transmit resolutions for high definition. However, the major difference comes in the amount of resolution. Component video is only able to handle resolutions of either 720p or 1080i. On the other hand, HDMI cable is able to support larger resolutions of 1080p. This is another reason having an HDMI cable is better than a component cable.

Another difference between HDMI cables and component cables is the amount of connectors needed to make the connection. HDMI cables require only one connector for each end of the cable. This makes hooking them up quite simple. However, this is not the case with component cables. Component cables come with several different connections on both ends, which have to be correctly inserted into the appropriate slot.

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