Cable providers such as Comcast use digital cable converter boxes to offer their customers more digital cable features than could possibly be offered over a traditional cable connection. When you sign up with one of these providers, they typically will provide you with a cable box that can be connected to your television in several different ways. Knowing the essential differences between each type of audio and video connection cable is key to enhancing your home entertainment experience.
DVI
DVI, or digital visual interface, is a type of video connection used to connect many different audio and video component devices to each other. If you have ever connected a monitor to a desktop computer, you have almost undoubtedly used a DVI connection. DVI connections used on cable boxes only transmit video. If you plan to use a DVI connection to attach your Comcast cable box to your television, you will need an additional audio cable as well.
Component Cables
Component cables are similar to RCA (red, yellow and white) cables and the two are sometimes confused. Component connections consist of five cables: red, green and blue video cables, and red and white audio cables. Component cables carry the major advantage of supporting high-definition video formats up to 1080p, but their five separate cables occasionally make them cumbersome to use.
Comparison
In addition to the differences already noted, there are some other considerations to make when trying to choose the best method for connecting your Comcast box to your TV. DVI cables tend to be less expensive than component cables. Component cables are "plug and play" while DVI cables usually feature screws on either end of the connector to firmly attach the cable onto the port. Your decision will need to be based on the ports that are available (not being used by another component device) on your TV and on your personal choices in terms of picture quality and ease of installation.
Other Considerations
Electronics stores sell patch cables that feature a DVI connection on one end and an HDMI connection on the other. This can be a convenient solution for those customers that have an HDTV with only HDMI inputs available and a Comcast box that does not support HDMI. Even though standard HDMI cables transmit video and audio through one cable, DVI to HDMI patch cables do not transmit audio. If you opt for this type of connection cable, you will need to purchase an additional audio cable and connect it from your Comcast box to your TV.