Video Asylum

Posted by GPB (A) on January 16, 2002 at 09:25:27

In Reply to: Component output vs Progressive Scan ouput posted by MK Lai on January 15, 2002 at 21:52:03:

"Component" refers to a connection type (as contrasted to Composite and S-Video). Component has 3 distinct signals, where S-Video has 2 and composite 1. The information in S-Video and composite are there, but not broken out until they get to your TV. It's best normally to break the three apart at the source (DVD).

Progressive is how the TV displays data (lines). Contrast it to interlaced. Interlaced paints every other line alternating 60 times a second. 30 "frames" will have odd lines, 30 "frames" will have even lines. If your monitor displays 480 lines total, only 240 will be painted in each pass. Progressive paints every line every pass so you will have 480 lines 60 times a second. Result, a more film-like image.

Progressive scan requires deinterlacing at the DVD player OR at the monitor. Normally it's best to let the DVD player (must be a progressive scan DVD player) deinterlace to minimize conversion between digital and analog. A component connection is the only supported progressive connection of the three mentioned above. You will need to have a monitor that is progressive scan compatible (DTV) as well. If you send an interlaced signal from the source (DVD), the monitor can then "double" the lines internally providing a deinterlaced, or progressive picture. Not all line doublers are equal in quality.

See http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_7_4/dvd-benchmark-part-5-progressive-10-2000.html for visual aids.

Hope that helps!

-- Greg