Best way to connect a PS3?

[R1 GTR]

Before you jump out and say HDMI,
I would do this but the only thing stopping me is that i intend to run the sound through a seperate audio source (via phono leads). So, my question is, does a component cable offer the same quality as HDMI? I'm drawn to this because of the seperate sound leads which will go straight into my hi-fi's aux input, and the fact that it will still output at 720p. Is there another inexpensive way of achieving this?

Would just like to point out i havnt got my PS3 yet im plnning ahead, but maybe 2 weeks at the earliest, and i ll be thrashing you all on motorstorm

[Mr_Yogi]

You can run the sound via phonos or optical and still have the video via HDMI.

The HDMI output is noticabily better quality than component.

I don't know what display you will be using but many of the newer or cheaper TV's or PC monitors (with component) don't have such high quality component inputs compared to their HDMI input.

[R1 GTR]

Oh, i didnt realise you could run seperate sound with HDMI. So what sound output from the console do you use? (has to be phono, hifi doesnt support optical) TV is an LG 22" job, about 3 weeks old so shouldn't be too shabby.

[Mr_Yogi]

I use HDMI to my projector and optical audio out to my Amp. I've also tried connecting it to 26" my LCD samsung via component+left right phono which was ok.

I also sometimes take it up stairs and connect it to my Dell monitor via HDMI->DVI and phono's for the sound to my PC (as i've only got PC speakers). I did try connecting it to my Dell through component was that was rubbish, but i've heard that the Dell's component input isn't up to much.

[R1 GTR]

Ah, clever stuff. Sounds like HDMI for video and phonos for sound then, thanks Yogi.

edited for billy sastard spelling

Edited by R1 GTR on Monday 25th February 21:13

[kiwisr]

Mr_Yogi said:

The HDMI output is noticabily better quality than component.

How is it noticeably better?

Most industry experts would say there is nothing in it and it actually depends what equipment you have on either end. Sometimes components is better, sometimes HDMI is better.

[navier_stokes]

I run an HDMI only to my TV then phonos from TV to my Rotel Amp and B&W floorstanders... works well for me Plus you don't have to change input when you want hifi sound on broadcast TV etc

[Mr_Yogi]

kiwisr said:

Mr_Yogi said:

The HDMI output is noticabily better quality than component.

How is it noticeably better?

Most industry experts would say there is nothing in it and it actually depends what equipment you have on either end. Sometimes components is better, sometimes HDMI is better.

I was talking about the PS3's implementation. The PS3's HDMI output is noticably better than the PS3's component output.

I understand that a well implemented component connection is indistinguishable from HDMI. However being analogue it's all down to the quality of the DACs and ADC's used at either end, and these cost money.

[JustinP1]

Mr_Yogi said:

kiwisr said:

Mr_Yogi said:

The HDMI output is noticabily better quality than component.

How is it noticeably better?

Most industry experts would say there is nothing in it and it actually depends what equipment you have on either end. Sometimes components is better, sometimes HDMI is better.

I was talking about the PS3's implementation. The PS3's HDMI output is noticably better than the PS3's component output.

I understand that a well implemented component connection is indistinguishable from HDMI. However being analogue it's all down to the quality of the DACs and ADC's used at either end, and these cost money.

HDMI by design is light years ahead.

The next thing in the chain is the quality of the component cable. To get anywhere near HDMI you need to spend on a good cable. Even then and hundreds of pounds later you are still getting imperfect signal.

To give you an idea, I have done an AB test between the PS3 and a standard HDMI cable against my £3000 DVD player and £300 worth of Nordost component cable.

I now watch my DVDs on the PS3. There is a noticeable difference in sharpness, colour, clarity across the board despite the cost of the analogue gear costing nearly ten times as much. I am not saying the DVD gear is rubbish - it is just let down by the analogue weak link.

[kiwisr]

JustinP1 said:

Mr_Yogi said:

I now watch my DVDs on the PS3. There is a noticeable difference in sharpness, colour, clarity across the board despite the cost of the analogue gear costing nearly ten times as much. I am not saying the DVD gear is rubbish - it is just let down by the analogue weak link.

Surely that is more to do with the upscaling that the PS3 does?

[JustinP1]

kiwisr said:

JustinP1 said:

Mr_Yogi said:

I now watch my DVDs on the PS3. There is a noticeable difference in sharpness, colour, clarity across the board despite the cost of the analogue gear costing nearly ten times as much. I am not saying the DVD gear is rubbish - it is just let down by the analogue weak link.

Surely that is more to do with the upscaling that the PS3 does?

Nah, its better even before the upscaling was added as a function. THe upscaling helps for the sharpness, of course, but for colour control and accuracy and general depth of picture HDMI can't be beat.

In general, all things the same digitally based transfer system by design is better than an analogue one. In a digital system the idea is that the signal at the end of the cable is identical to what is put in. With any analogue cable there will always be some signal loss - even if you spend a fortune on a cable.

[chris watton]

i have the PS3 connected via the HDMI cable, and upscaling is terrific, and the sound via the optical out into my Sony HT amplifier, and the sound is terrific!

Shame about the PS3 being region 2 locked though (have a lot of region 1 DVDs)

Edited by chris watton on Tuesday 26th February 13:08

[JustinP1]

chris watton said:

i have the PSC connected via the HDMI cable, and upscaling is terrific, and the sound via the optical out into my Sony HT amplifier, and the sound is terrific!

Shame about the PS3 being region 2 locked though (have a lot of region 1 DVDs)

I agree.

I have mine connected to a very high end AV surround amp and speakers I use for audio mixing and mastering. The PS3 does Dolby Digital and DTS through optical and sounds great. It is a great bit of kit even if you dont play games!

Not found a workaround for the Region Coding though, I have the same problem...