When you decide on your LCD TV brand, you definitely look for best features. One of them is video input feature. Video inputs are nothing but components, which accept video signals from other units. The video inputs can be categorized as high-definition and standard technology.
High-Definition Inputs
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface)
HDMI, the latest buzz in LCD's, is an excellent uncompressed audio/video interface for flawless digital transmission. HDMI is an alternative to other analog interfaces like composite video, S-video & component video. It connects computers, video game consoles to LCD. HDMI support any video mode on a solo cable and has up to 8 digital audio channels. HDMI inputs are sleek. New-age LCD's have 1/2 HDMI inputs. HDMI enables full digital connection, hence eliminating the conversion process of analog to digital. The latest HDMI 1.3 complements DTS HD MasterAudio & DOLBY TrueHD. HDMI is also compatible with DRM.
DVI (Digital Visual Interface)
The DVI input, again a digital video interface, is used mostly used in older LCD TV's and projectors. DVI goes well with computer displays. But it lacks behind the HDMI, as it has only video interface. It partly supports the HDMI with its DVI-D (digital mode). It works on a digital code, where the pixels are transmitted in the form of binary data. DVI reads each binary code and illuminates a particular pixel with that number. Older LCD's used the DVI input, where one can connect it on HDMI through a DVI-HDMI transfer cable.
Component Video
Unlike HDMI and DVI, component video input has an analog interface. Still, this input is capably delivers HD video signals to the LCD's. It's compatible with games, like you can connect Xbox 360 to LCD with a 1080p resolution. But, component video is not compatible with DRM. It comes through 3 cables, which distinguish the video signals into three different "components". "Y" cable emits light and "Pr" & "Pb" cables take care of the color signals. Most of the LCD's come with component video and one can recognize this through the RCA plugs named as "Y", "Pr" and "Pb".
Standard-Definition inputs
S-Video
S-video is one level below component video. S-video (Separate Video) delivers only video signals. First seen in VHS players, S-videos are considered as a good input in the standard definition formats, but still aren't compatible with HDMI. S-video has round plug sockets and has soft pins. The cable becomes useless if the inner pins are damaged. S-video input is good to go with CRT TV's, but don't do much wonders on a larger LCD screen as the output itself is in standard analog format.
Composite Video
Composite video is again of lesser standard than S-video. It uses only one signal to transmit images from another device to the TV. You can recognize a composite video through its single RCA socket. Some LCD TV manufacturers continue to include this input in their TV's. Composite video is sometimes fine for a video game, but still is not so favored in modern LCD's.
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LCD TV Information 