Xbox 360 - HD output Component v HDMI v VGA

BlizzardX · 14 May 2007 at 11:49

I'm interested in getting an xBox 360 but I'm not sure whether to go for a premium system right now or wait for the new elite. I've got a 42" Plasma that does 1366x768p with 2 HDMI slots, component & VGA. Now as I understand it you can run the current premium system via VGA and component, and the Elite via HDMI. Am I likely to see any increase in quality running the HDMI Elite over the vga/component Premium? If I bought the Premium system, which connection is likely to be the better choice, VGA or Component?

Thanks

Edit: Forgot to add that I am not interested in HD movies via the xbox as that will be via a seperate system in time so does that make the HDMI cable slightly redundant?

Rob200sx · 14 May 2007 at 12:46

I bought the premium pack on Saturday which came supplied with the HD-AV cable (component).

Hooked it upto the tv (Panasonic PX60 42") set the 360 to 1080i and it looks absolutely fine, can't fault it.

broona · 14 May 2007 at 20:02

Can't see there being any improvement at all with HDMI unless you're using a HUGE screen and playing a newer game that supports 1080P, VGA or component will look stunning on a 42" plasma, just try it with the included component cable, and if you don't like it, VGA's always an option.

Kreeeee · 14 May 2007 at 20:03

With the update VGA now stomps all over component. I can't see HDMI doing any better at all if I'm honest so save some cash and go VGA.

NorthstaNder · 14 May 2007 at 20:23

Kreeeee said:
With the update VGA now stomps all over component. I can't see HDMI doing any better at all if I'm honest so save some cash and go VGA.

VGA stomped all over component BEFORE the update for me!

Kreeeee · 14 May 2007 at 20:25

NorthstaNder said:
VGA stomped all over component BEFORE the update for me!

Well... same here when I had my TV in DTV mode but that only allowed 720p with 5% overscan. Now I have a 1:1 mapping at 1360*768 with no overscan and a stunning image.

Andybtsn · 14 May 2007 at 20:34

/Sigh...

Will have to dig out the VGA cable.

Better be good Kreeeeeee, this is your doing!!

broona · 14 May 2007 at 20:36

I bought a VGA cable for my 40" Sammy, and it looked horrible so I sold it, will have to try again, better be good.....

Raider · 14 May 2007 at 20:36

Hmmm I'm currently using a component cable to connect to my Pioneer 507XD. Is it worth me trying the VGA cable?

Kreeeee · 14 May 2007 at 20:44

Andybtsn said:
/Sigh...

Will have to dig out the VGA cable.

Better be good Kreeeeeee, this is your doing!!

Just don't be a nonce and use the useless intermediate setting. It's only purpose is to confuse people as the only 2 reference levels for black are 0 and 7.5, relating to enhanced and standard respectively.

Raider said:
Hmmm I'm currently using a component cable to connect to my Pioneer 507XD. Is it worth me trying the VGA cable?

Yes... I was unhappy with the 360s image output for over a year and hoped HDMI would sort it but this update has saved me a lot of money

Andybtsn · 14 May 2007 at 20:50

Kreeeee said:
Just don't be a nonce and use the useless intermediate setting. It's only purpose is to confuse people as the only 2 reference levels for black are 0 and 7.5, relating to enhanced and standard respectively.

Yes... I was unhappy with the 360s image output for over a year and hoped HDMI would sort it but this update has saved me a lot of money

Whats the best setting to use?

I've changed it now, cant see a difference on the dash! Cant be arsed to change it back now anyway so it will be sticking for a while

Andybtsn · 14 May 2007 at 20:54

I tried expanded and everything is pretty blurry now.

NorthstaNder · 14 May 2007 at 20:58

just use the standard vga reference level. expanded is way too dark.

Andybtsn · 14 May 2007 at 21:00

I thought this update put these reference levels in? If I'm using standard, doesn't that just mean its the same prior to the update?

Kreeeee · 14 May 2007 at 21:02

NorthstaNder said:
just use the standard vga reference level. expanded is way too dark.

Enhanced is the standard VGA reference, standard is what the americans decided to use as their standard for HDTV via VGA, just to be awkward.

Andybtsn · 14 May 2007 at 21:04

I'm not happy with it, back to component, getting an annoying green line at the bottom of screen when loading up games too.

Don't fix what isn't broken in my case here

Kreeeee · 14 May 2007 at 21:11

Andybtsn said:
I'm not happy with it, back to component, getting an annoying green line at the bottom of screen when loading up games too.

Don't fix what isn't broken in my case here

Aye, if you're happy stick with it.

jamief · 14 May 2007 at 21:13

Im my experience, Component has always been better than VGA on the 360. The most recent update has just brought VGA upto the same level as Component for certain TV's.

nintenjo · 14 May 2007 at 21:19

Kreeeee said:
Enhanced is the standard VGA reference, standard is what the americans decided to use as their standard for HDTV via VGA, just to be awkward.

They all look the same to me on my monitor.

Kreeeee · 14 May 2007 at 21:22

nintenjo said:
They all look the same to me on my monitor.

What monitor? Does it have a very low contrast?

jamief said:
Im my experience, Component has always been better than VGA on the 360. The most recent update has just brought VGA upto the same level as Component for certain TV's.

VGA has always been sharper.