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Refuse2Lose83 · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 4:47 pm Post subject:

Forgive me for my lack of technology knowledge, but I just purchased a xbox 360 and I have been using it on my sony hdtv. However, I have to keep plugging it in and unplugging the digital cable box and vice veras. What can I buy to have both the 360 and digital box hooked up?
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Rocks22 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 9201

I'd be surprised if your HDTV doesn't have multiple HDMI outlets, unless it's an older one. At worst I assume it must have HDMI and component plug outlets and you could use the HDMI for the cable input and component cables for your Xbox?

Shovel, how drastic a difference is there in quality between HDMI cables and component cables? I'm still using component plugs for my PS3 because I keep forgetting to pick up another HDMI cable.
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InnervisionsUMASS · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 5:12 pm Post subject:

R2L - You can buy a switch box at any electronics store or at Target or Walmart. That'll help you out!

shovelhd · Posted: Fri Jan 02, 2009 8:55 pm Post subject:

It really depends on the HDTV. If it has multiple HDMI inputs, that's the best way to go. If not, then you have a few choices. You can get an HDMI to component cable. Put the cable box on HDMI and get a component cable for the XBox. The difference in video quality between component (analog HDTV) and HDMI (digital HDTV and audio) is negligible. In fact, I've seen some sets look better using component than HDMI. It all depends on the set. If you do go the component route, you will need a way to hook up the audio as component is video-only. The Microsoft cables have audio built-in. Aftermarket cables may or may not have them built-in. The other option is to use VGA if your TV supports it. VGA is also video-only so audio needs to be sent over an L-R cable.

Either way, you will need to switch your TV inputs to use the console.

Rocks22 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 9201

shovelhd · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 12:43 am Post subject:

Again, it's very dependent on your TV and the rest of your system. Ideally, you'd like to keep it in the digital realm without any analog conversions. That's usually the best way to do it, especially if you have a fairly new 1080p set with a good scaler.

Refuse2Lose83 · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:04 am Post subject:

I have a sony wega hdtv 32 inch thats probably about 4-5 years old (a family member handed it down to me in 07 when they got a new set). I don't know if that helps in terms of what I should ask for when I walk into Bestbuy or walmart or target or wherever.
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shovelhd · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 9:59 am Post subject:

Post up the model number.

Refuse2Lose83 · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:25 pm Post subject:

KLV-S23A10
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shovelhd · Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:30 pm Post subject:

Excellent. So it has one HDMI input and one component input. How is your cable box connected? Does it have a single cable with one connector (HDMI) or does it have a single cable with three or five connectors (component video only or component with audio)? This will determine which cable you need to buy for your XBox.