Choose the Right Port for Your HDTV

Video sources such as Blu-ray players, cable and satellite set-top boxes, and console game systems provide an array of connection options to use with an HDTV. For optimal picture quality, always use the best port that the source and the TV share. For instance, if an upscaling DVD player and a HDTV both have HDMI ports (a single-wire, digital audio/video connection), then always use the HDMI ports. The next best port option would be component video input (a three-cable analog-video-only system). Ports such as composite (the yellow RCA-style port) or S-Video (a four-wire, single-cable video connection) do not support HD formats and should be avoided when connecting HD-compatible gear. If you have no choice but to use composite or S-Video, opt for the latter: It will provide a more detailed picture.