A couple HDMI questions

[drfsupercenter]

OK, so as I've been using our new HDTV I've had a couple questions regarding HDMI.

One of them... does it disable closed captioning? For some reason, when I'm in any of the non-tuner modes of my TV, the "Sub menu" option is not available. However, if I play a DVD using my settop DVD recorder (which is hooked up with composite!), the captions are still there. Yet, I play it in my Xbox 360 and they're not.
It's not a huge problem, since about 95% of DVDs have their own subtitles, but some old ones don't. And I watch EVERYTHING with captions, just because I tend to miss stuff if I don't.

Or is it just the Xbox 360 that's killing the captions?

And my other question regards hooking up a cable box. I was very disappointed when I found out my TV doesn't have a CableCard input. I was planning on getting digital service using a CableCard, as I really don't like cable boxes (Hey, the TV has a tuner, why not *use* it?)
Well nonetheless, Panasonic isn't doing CableCard slots anymore. (Though they might again in the near future? That sucks for me )

So I guess it's a necessary evil to get a cable box. However, my TV only has two real HDMI inputs, the third one is on the front and I don't want to have something permanently connected there. I'll have my Xbox 360 and PS3 hooked up, both using HDMI. I know there are HDMI switchers, but they're really expensive.
So assuming I'm only using the cable box for 1080p HD TV stations (I'm gonna set up a "dual mode" cable where I split it at the wall, one will go to the TV like always and have my 480i channels as well as the local HD channels, the other goes to the cable box and can be used for other HD channels)... if I use Component cables and set it to 1080i, will it look the same? I know for HD movies it will due to the framerate thing, so in theory it's the same with TV, right?

I only have two component inputs, and those are also both being used... but I've seen component splitters and they're a lot cheaper. Plus, the Wii is the only thing I regularly use that's using component... I can use a splitter between my GameCube and cable box, possibly my settop DVD recorder if I use component cables on it.

[doctorhardware]

Here is a component 3 device switch box, at a reasonable price. Component Switch Box

[drfsupercenter]

LOL, that wasn't a link.

I know about component switch boxes, I've seen them for far cheaper than HDMI ones.

I just wondered if hooking a cable box up using component and 1080i would look as good as using HDMI.

[BR7]

I have used both .While component looks good,it does not give you as sharp as picture as HDMI.If your looking for good cheap HDMI cables,then I highly recommend monoprice.I would stay away from HDMI switch boxes because from what I read they do not work well.You would be better off getting a Surround sound receiver to that job

[drfsupercenter]

Hmm.

I have three extra HDMI cables (I got 4 for $20 as part of a deal), so I'm not worried about that. The issue is that my TV only has two HDMI ports that I can use and I'll have two video game systems hooked up.

I know admin was saying that for HD-DVD/Blu-Ray, it should look identical when using 1080i because the player doubles the framerate and the TV cuts it in half again. So cable boxes aren't that smart?

[doctorhardware]

http://www.firefold.com/Component-Sw...FRFMagodlCJsbA, here is the link.

[BR7]

I know admin was saying that for HD-DVD/Blu-Ray, it should look identical when using 1080i because the player doubles the framerate and the TV cuts it in half again. So cable boxes aren't that smart?

I can only tell you what I experienced,it's up to you if you do or dont put any stock IMO. I will say again, that I can see a difference between component and HDMI.Component looks good, but it is not it's not as sharp of picture compared to using HDMI. If you look on the net a bit you will see that I am not the only one that sees this heck even dish network says this in their instructions book.

Like I said, you would be better off buying a receiver for extra HDMI ports

It will also depend on your TV.If you have anything below a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, you will not see much of a difference.

[drfsupercenter]

I think mine is 20,000:1.

We might get a receiver if we get surround sound... then again, we might just get those Panasonic Viera-link speakers as the TV supports them and it's far easier than trying to route everything through a hub... that just means more remotes and a bigger mess.

What's wrong with those HDMI switchboxes again?

[admin]

1080i and 1080p should look identical when using the same cable type. Obviously HDMI is better than component, unless one is using ultra expensive component cable (and even so, HDMI may still look sharper)

I have an HDMI switch, and it works great. An HDMI receiver's advantage is that you will be able to enjoy the highest quality sound for Blu-ray (assuming it's a receiver with support for HDMI PCM input), and at the same time, have it double as an HDMI switch. The disadvantage is that you have to turn your receiver on just to use the HDMI equipment. A bit annoying for things like DVRs, for which the TV's speakers are enough (although you can just plug the cable straight to the TV in these cases).

But obviously a switch is something like $20, while a receiver is something like $200, and if you've already got a high quality optical input only receiver with a good set of speakers, then while you'll hear the difference between good old AC3/DTS and TrueHD/DTS-HD MA, it's not going to be night and day (or AM and FM). I would save the money and spend it towards more movies and games.

[BR7]

I have an HDMI switch

What kind do you have,admin ? I have been looking for one for a friend.The ones I turned up have a lot of complaints about things being out of sync.

Thanks

[admin]

I'm using a Joytech one, it's was one of the first affordable HDMI switches around at the time I got it (3 inputs, 1 output, with remote). There are lots of cheap ones now, but I would still go with a better brand due to the sync issues you mentioned.

[drfsupercenter]

Hm, a remote control-powered HDMI switch? That sounds cool... especially since I'm too lazy to get off the couch once I'm watching something

Chances are I'd put the PS3 on HDMI1 and then have the Xbox 360 and cable box share HDMI2. That being said, I don't even know if WOW's cable boxes even do 1080i/Component or if it's just RCA and HDMI only...

Anyone know about the closed captioning issue?

[BR7]

I can get closed caption on my VIP612 using HDMI .I have to go to the 612's menu first and turn on the feature.See if your cable box menu options has that.

[drfsupercenter]

I don't have a cable box yet. We have to call the cable company and ask them to come out here and give us HD cable.

I mean for movies and such too... there are two types of captions. One is generated by the player/cable box, like the "subtitle" tracks on DVDs. The other is generated by the TV. And from my research, it seems like the HDMI cables block out the signal that goes to the TV.

Not every DVD has a subtitle track, and some only have closed captions. Since the Xbox 360 can't parse [CC] (and I doubt the PS3 can either), it's nice to be able to view them on the TV...

[BR7]

I know the PS3 will show closed caption.You have to enable it in the Blu-ray or DVD movie options.Your right though, it will not pick it up with out turning something on