mac mini to CRT HDTV 1080i - component video input ?

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mac mini to CRT HDTV 1080i - component video input ?

I am planning to purchase a used mac mini to use as a media center. Right now I have a 34" CRT HDTV that has 1080i component video inputs. It also has a s-video input. I don't plan to do any gaming or video intense viewing. Just want to use front row to play music and watch DVDs that I play using the built in DVD player and possibly some streaming netflix. But I am wondering how the picture quality will be. Any suggestions on a cable? Should I just buy a decent quality DVI to component video cable? Is DVI to composite the way to go or should I mess with DVI to s-video?

I will probably buy a mini with a core duo processor and hopefully at least 2GB or ram.

I plan to upgrade to a flat screen HDTV with a DVI input within a year or so but am wondering how the picture quality will be before I make the switch.

MBP 2.16 GHz, 2GB Ram (Parallels), Mac OS X (10.4.10), iPhone 8 gb, video iPod 30 GB

Posted on Dec 24, 2009 7:19 AM

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Answer 1

Boece

Level 5

6,264 points

Dec 24, 2009 7:49 AM in response to Lee Mac Lee

Component and Composite are completely different. Since you use both terms in your post, it would be good for you to clarify which you have and which you want to use.

S-video is superior to composite, but inferior to Component.

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Answer 2

Lee Mac Lee Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 24, 2009 8:56 AM in response to Boece

Sorry for the confusion. My TV manual says "component video inputs at 1080i"

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Answer 3

Lee Mac Lee Author

Level 1

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Dec 24, 2009 11:08 AM in response to Lee Mac Lee

I would like to know how the s-video would compare with the component video. I like to use component video for HDTV from my cable box. So would the mac mini video look ok running through s-video. Or should I use the component video jacks?

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Answer 4

kguy

Level 2

420 points

Dec 24, 2009 3:40 PM in response to Lee Mac Lee

Here, in descending order, is the best way to connect your mac to a display...
1. Display Port or DVI or HDMI
2. VGA
3. Component
4. S-Video
5. Composite.

Number 1 is a digital connection. All others are analog. Number 1-3 can be High Def. (720p or higher). S-Video and Composite are NOT High def (480i max).

Will you see a difference between S-Video and Component? Yes, but not mind shattering. I believe that if you want to go up to 1080i resolution, you MUST use component.

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Answer 5

Lee Mac Lee Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 24, 2009 5:32 PM in response to kguy

Can I use only a cable (DVI to component rca cables) or will I need a converter box http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1460 and cables?

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Answer 6

kguy

Level 2

420 points

Dec 24, 2009 7:42 PM in response to Lee Mac Lee

Hi Lee-

Be careful! Don't get mixed up between Composite and Component!

That link you have is for a COMPOSITE adaptor!

That being said, it turns out to get your Mini connected via component is a tricky matter. See below

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1270859

Basically, you will need a converter box of sorts. Alternatively, you can get a mini-dvi to VGA adaptor, and then connect a VGA to Component adaptor (pricy- around $80 bucks!)

Is there no way to connect to your display in some other manner- VGA perhaps? All your alternatives look to cost you $80 or more.

Message was edited by: kguy

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Answer 7

Lee Mac Lee Author

Level 1

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Dec 26, 2009 8:02 AM in response to kguy

Thanks for all the very helpful comments. Now I am thinking of using my DVI to VGA converter plug that I have lying around to get a VGA output from the mini. I would go into a converter box with VGA and come out of the converter box and into my TV with s-video. My final question is that most people comment that these converter boxes are $80. I am finding a bunch of them online for around $35 http://www.outletpc.com/c8290.html

I don't care about high quality video as this is just a temporary fix before I upgrade my TV. How are these $35 boxes? As long as they have some type of power input (USB or AC) they seem like they are actually converting the signal and not just matching the VGA cable to s-video or component video.

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