Ok...so I got my new RCA 50" DLP Scenium HDTV after trading in my 4-year-old RCA 38" tube HDTV, and I find the new technology, apparently better than component, is HDMI. Trouble is, my DVD player is three years old, and doesn't have an HDMI output. It's a damn nice player (Denon DVD2900), and I've had zero problems with it, but I want to be able to get the most out of my equipment, and if HDMI is the way to go, that's what I'd like to do. So, I'll probably sell my Denon on eBay and use the money to get a different progressive-scan player with the HDMI output.

So...is HDMI, in fact, better than component? If so, how much better? And, can someone recommend me a good progressive-scan player? Or, should I just keep my Denon? I've done a little searching around for other players, but there's so many brands out there that do so many things in all kinds of price ranges, and like I said, I'm a little new to the HDMI thing, so any help would be appreciated.

HDMI is a combination connector that includes video as well as audio. IMHO, the 2900 is an excellent player (I have one too) and component can do 1080i as well as 480p and 720p.

If it were me I would keep it as is until (and if ever) you are ready to upgrade to a newer format disc.

So what you're saying is, based on the equipment I said I have, I'm not going to see or hear much difference with HDMI?

Well not exactly. Again, the audio that could be carried by your hdmi cable would need to go to your receiver as well. Can your receiver accept hdmi?

As far as the video I do not believe that hdmi vs. component for current dvd's will be noticeable.

The only way for the hdmi cable to make a difference would be for you to buy a new format player and new format discs or upconvert your existing dvd's.

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/art...&page_number=2

No.

I'm not clear on something. If the player's HDMI output goes into the TV's input, how can it go to the receiver as well? By splitter? I already have the player's audio going directly to the receiver via optical cable.

Ok then you do not need the audio portion of the hdmi cable. In my mind all the more reason to simply keep the Denon unless you are prepared to go to the next format.

Then that's what I'll do. Thanks for the input!

how about hdmi vs. component cable on HD-DVD/Blu-Ray players? ,would there be a drastic difference in PQ?

That will depend on the specific player and other devices you have, it can't be generalized. There have been discussions on the only 2 such players out in the HD forum. The Toshiba is pretty good from both, but there is a difference. The Samsung had a problem with the HDMI circuits so that HDMI was far softer than component. They have fixed that, not sure if they are replacing old units on shelves or what.