Okay, so if you're running standard definition, component is the most you want to spend on it. High definition through any of the big tv service providers is usually 720p or 1080i. Nowhere near 1080p. DishNetwork has the DishonDemand programming available in 1080p.

For any high def I would bite the bullet and buy good quality hdmi's. Go to Best Buy and get rocket fish brand. It's made by monster and usually a good bit less. Don't buy the off brand cables, they deteriorate over time and look like garbage. The better cables don't. So do it right the first time.

So figure this question out.


If I go with component video between the cable box and television, I get black bars on either side of the screen.

If I go with S-video or compound video between the cable box and television, the picture takes up the entire screen (with no deformity).

What gives?

You should get the black bars on some HD broadcast. If you look at Sportscenter, they have the black lines (or shadowing) on each side. If you are watching a football game on ESPN there are no black lines. It all has to do with how they are broadcasting it. You can remove the black lines by stretching your screen but it really distorts the picture quality.

Okay here's a question, do you have a high definition wide screen TV? If so, do you have high def broadcast? Like Aaron said, high definition is the full screen on a high def tv. Standard definition will give you the square screen. With the S video and component not sure.

I just paid $49 each for 2 12 ft. HDMI cables 1080p rated. I then go to costco and happen to see a nice bundled set of 2 12 ft. HDMI cables and screen cleaner for $49... :argh:

I paid $100 for a 3' HDMI cable. (Monster Cable)