For reference, my equipment does not have component inputs, but a few of my friends systems do. My thoughts:

If cable runs are long, interference and cross talk can be an issue to the perfectionist. Is that you, I do not know. In the ideal world, component is the best call.

But, if you are saddled with the reality of cost vs. performance, it is a different game. From my experience with my friends' systems, component reduced 'jaggies' and improved color separation on the Avia test disc, when compared to S-Video, but not to a huge degree. On the test screens, it was a noticeable difference, but while watching a movie, the difference was way beyond my comprehension.

To my friend who had the DVD close to his TV, I recommended to use the component outs. To my other friend, I recommended to use S-Video. Due to my monitor, I use composite, which is a definite compromise I know.

I personally, with my friends systems did not find a night and day difference between S-Video and component. It was there, but not a huge difference. My thought is to use S-Video as it is cheaper. If your system was truly calibrated to ISF standards, you might notice a difference, but I do not have the luxury of having components which would reveal such small differences.

Technically, component is the 'only way to go' but S-Video is a decent interface, without question. If it were me, I would likely run a good quality S-Video cable if budget were a consideration, but if I had an open budget, I would use component.My eyes do not see a noticeable difference on similar systems, but nuances may escape me.

My thoughts, that's all. . .

S.

I just read flyntm's response and what he said about a progressive scan player makes total sense. It appears (but may not be the case on all player/TV combinations, just ones I have researched) that a progressive image (480p) is only output from the component outputs. The S-Video, even on a progressive player, is only going to be 480i. But all of that only matters if the monitor can accept progressive images. A good reality check from flyntm!

[This message has been edited by MrSandman (edited December 05, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by MrSandman (edited December 05, 2001).]