Pioneer PDP-5040HD - HDMI

[Naka]

I currently have a Pioneer PDP-5040HD and I believe its only capable of 1080i, the box that comes with the plasma has 2 HDMI inputs labeled #1 and #3. I currently have my cable box, Xbox 360, and PS3 that have HDMI outputs.

My question is even if my plasma is only capable of 1080i, would it still benefit me to use HDMI versus component cables? Also, does anyone know of a good HDMI switcher for a decent price?

[FilmmakingFiasco]

Some say there is a difference (whether great or small in their minds) but they'll pretty much yield the same results. I have the same issue and I use HDMI for my PS3 and Xbox 360 and I use component for the cable box.

[BR7]

would it still benefit me to use HDMI versus component cables?

Yes

Also, does anyone know of a good HDMI switcher for a decent price?

Not hat long ago they were at $79-$89 now I see they are going for $149-$200.I did find some cheap ones here

[milou6]

I have a 1080i set (Tosh 51H83) and have compared between component and hdmi with my HD sat box as well as my PS3 -- for my setup (with highish end component cables vs. a cheap hdmi cable) I could see a difference -- the hdmi signal is "crisper" with less noise with my equipment.

[GooMan]

I have a similar Pioneer TV, I used this switcher and it worked perfectly with my DVD player and PS3. (I could only use one of the HDMI ports on the TV becaue I needed the component inputs for video 1 and you have to pick one or the other)

I initially tried using some component cables I bought for the PS3, but the picture was night and day better with the HDMI cable. I suppose if you used really nice component cables the difference might not be as big but an HDMI is way cheaper than high end component cables.

[Blu-Raider]

Spend your money on a good A/V Receiver and let it do all of the switching!

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by Blu-Raider

Spend your money on a good A/V Receiver and let it do all of the switching!

"Me Likes"