Bit of a noob at this but here goes.

I've just purchased a Denon 2910 and I am conecting to my pioneer (PDP-434HDE) media box via HDMI cable. I have set my DVD player to output Component Y Cb Cr. When I set the HDMI video input settings to component colour-1 (4:2:2) or colour-2 (4:4:4) on the plasma display, I get a green picture. Only Colour-3 (RGB) gives a true picture. Why can't I get a proper picture on these settings? What could be the cause of this? Is there any way to resolve this.

Thanks
Denoon

The short answer to your question is: because Denon does not transmit component YCbCr over HDMI, or you did not find how to make Denon do it.

However, I always thought that HDMI (and DVI for that matter) is a RGB-based standart so it should not accept component signal i.e. YCbCr. Obviously, one can physically use the HDMI connector to transmit or accept any signal and this is what the Pioneer offers you to do, but it seems that Denon does not. I also beleive that the DVD mpeg encoding is also RGB-based, so if you want to minimise conversions you are better off sticking to RGB anyway.

I should also say that component signal always gives a better picture than RGB in the analog world. Therefore, one would think that converting to YCbCr even within the digital domain will improve the image. Clearly, Pioneer thinks it is an option. Unfortunately, I never did a real life comparaison.

I have a Pioneer 505 Plasma and I tested Denon 2910 and 3910 with it in view of replacing my againg Arcam 88plus. My finding is that Arcam's analog progressive component shows a better picture than both Denon's HDMI, especially in shades of dark and colors degradation, but not in details. Natural colors are more important to me than back plan fine details, so I stick to component so far. And did not buy any of the Denons as their component signal was not better than Arcam's. But I did not play with HDMI settings...

Also, in my humble opinion buying Denon for its upscaling functions is a waste of money.

So, no easy long answer. Based on my experience you should re-consider Denon and pair such a nice screen as yours with something else.

Regards,
Alexander

According to the instuction manual, denon 2910 does allow to output component through HDMI, as you have the option to ouput component or RGB. This is what I have set the player up to do. As for HDMI being a RGB standard, this is not correct. From various material I have read, DVI is RGB based but not HDMI.

Just bought the player so I'm not going to get rid of it quite yet. Going to give it a chance as it is certainly an improvement in quality.

Thanks for your comment.

If any one else has experienced this problem or has a solution please help :(

Deviating from your main question I must disagree on HDMI mot being RGB based. Since both HDMI and DVI are from the very beginning cable-compatible and you agree that DVI is RGB, then HDMI must be RGB too. On top of RGB the HDMI standart has the option of component and has the digital sound.

If you just bought the Denon you should be able to get a refund within 14 days - that is what I meant.

Another thought. Maybe your problem is a conflict between YCbCr and YPbPr (digital vs analog) and their interpretation by Denon and Pioneer, but I did not think this through yet. It is kind of grey area to me.

Good luck in finding a solution!

Sorry, I should have said that HDMI accepts both RGB and component whereas DVI only accepts DVI.

Sorry about the typo

Sorry, I should have said that HDMI accepts both RGB and component whereas DVI only accepts RGB. Therefore they could still be compatible in RGB form

I got it!

When you find the solution to this problem please post it as I think many would be interested.

From HiFi Sound and Vision Magazine -connections from dvd player to plasma should be hdmi for complete digital sound and vision. Otherwise you can connect via analogue connections (video only)in the following order of preference:-Component, RGB Scart, S-Video, Composite. DVI connections are ditial video only.

To get the dvd player and plasma screen to talk hdmi, you have to set this up in the dvd player and plasma menus. This is by far the best option. Having set up my denon 3910 and pioneer plasma I know it is difficult to get your head round the instruction books.

Alan,

Everything is set up on DVD player (HDMI Component YCbCr, 720p). Plasma HDMI enabled. But it you go into the video settings of HDMI on the plasma, you have the choice of auto detect signal, Colour-1, Colour-2 (these 2 are for component signals) and Colour-3 (RGB). As I have the DVD player set to ouput the component signal I should be able to select colour-1 or 2. I have had it set on auto, but if you go to through these options manually Colour-1 and 2 give a green picture and colour-3 gives a proper picture. Therefore, when on auto, the display is only detecting an RGB signal even though the DVD player is set to output componet.

What plasma model do you have. Are you connecting through HDMI. Could you go through your plasma HDMI video settings to see what you get when selecting colour-1, 2 and 3 manually.

One possibilty is that as I am running through the pioneer media box and it is not a direct HDMI connection to the display. You have two connection between the media box and display (black and white). The white connection from media to display looks like a DVI connection so is this why it displays incorrectly when selecting the component colour settings? (as DVI is RGB based). Unsure about what type the black one is. I would have to investigate this further but if this was to be the case it would be a bit of a major oversight on Pioneers part.

Finally got a reply from Pioneer, this is what they had to say:

Thanks for your email.

There are many types of video signal that are part of the HDMI
standard, the signal present on a DVD disk is the standard RGB signal and
therefore to get the correct picture shown on screen you need to either
leave the plasma systems HDMI input to automatic or the correct video
standard.

Only high end or professional products use the 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 colour
system at the moment, but these standards may be used in consumer level
products in the future, the selection of an incorrect video signal will
lead to a distorted, discoloured or blank picture.

Regards.
Customer Relations
PIONEER GB LIMITED


Hope this help others out in the future

I remember when I first had the plasma pioneer pdp435xde and denon 3910 how difficult it was to understand the instruction books. After a bit of trial and error I finally got the system up and running.

I connect denon hdmi to plasma hdmi which gives me video direct to the tv. I connect denon audio to yamaha amp via i-link. Thus video does not go through the amp.

Settings in my denon are :-
press pure direct select button on remote and select normal. If this is set to all off you will not get a picture on the tv. Press setup button on remote and select digital interface setup. my setting there shows hdmi/dvi black level normal. I do not actually know whether this makes a difference or not.

On the plasma, select the correct display i.e. input 1, 2 or 3 depending where the dvd is connected. Press home menu - option- hdmi input - enable. video auto, audio auto.
Make sure you have PAL selected on dvd and plasma. It should then work.

The white and black system cables connect from the media box to the screen and are not part of any adjustments or settings.

If you are trying to send hdmi signals from dvd to plasma I cannot understand why component or rgb signals settings are relevant.

I hope that helps.