Some more Questions and Answers from Support emails

We occasionally like to post some of the good Support questions we get. Here are some from today.
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Q) Can I use component video cables (Green-Red-Blue) to connect analog to analog (Yellow-Red-White)? If not why not?

A) You cannot convert between Composite video and Component video with a cable, you will need a converter box.
The Red, Green and Blue is Component video.
The Yellow is Composite Video.
The Red and White are analog stereo audio

Component Video uses a bandwidth reduction method to convert RGB to signals called Y, Pr and Pb (analog) or Y- Cr-Cb (digital)
Composite video uses a single RCA or BNC connector with color, brightness and sync in a single connector)

Video Converters

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Q) I've been serching the Net and I am confused. Is there such a beast that will accept component video, s video, and component video, and convert it to HDMI output? If so can I purchase a home theater amplifier which has this switching and conversion internally?

A) Yes, there are video processors that will do this as well as take care of the audio/video switching between A/V sources. Many new Receivers offer some or all of these capabilities as well, but generally at a much lower level of processing quality.
Video Processors


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Q) Hello, I read your DVI-I page and am still a little confused. I have a Radeon X1900 XT video card and would like to buy an LCD display (2560x1600 60hz) to use with it.
According the manufacturer web sites:
The video card has dual link DVI-I.
The display has dual link DVI-D inputs and will come with 2 DVI-D cables.
Will one of the DVI-D cables be sufficient to connect these devices?

A) Yes, one "dual link" cable for one "dual link" capable monitor connected to one "dual link" output from the video card.
The term "dual link" is confusing, it only requires a single cable.

Dual link DVI cables, in case you need a longer, shorter or better one.

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Q) What is the best way to distribute HD video though out the house. Can Cat5 be converted to component video?

A) Cat5 (cat5e or cat6) is the most cost effective way. Fiber optics is great, but costs a lot more, is way harder to repair, and the associated equipment will cost way more. There is also the "Pro" solution - SDI. The cable you need is not too expensive, but the equipment sure is.

Cat5 can be used to distribute Component video and audio using either baluns or proprietary conversion systems.
Audio Authority has a good example of proprietary system:
The AVAtrix Whole-House Routing System

more Distribution from Audio Authority

With the method that uses baluns, you use standard distribution amplifiers, like the Key Digital or Calrad ones:
AV Distribution Amplifiers

along with baluns to convert the audio and video for Cat5 cable runs over long distances:
AV Baluns

Rather than baluns there are other proprietary Cat5 extension solutions such as Gefen's:
Gefen Home Theater Distribution
These are great when you want the latest or best technologies such as HDMI.
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Well, that's it for today. We wish everyone a great holiday!