I am installing a wall mounted plasma HDTV.  I have run a live coaxial
cable to the area where my components (HDTV receiver box, DVD/VCR
player, etc.) will be located.  Then I have run component video and
audio cables through the wall to where the TV will be mounted. 
However, I did not run a live coaxial cable to the spot where the TV
will be mounted.  Obviously my HDTV/Cable receiver box will have the
live coaxial input to it, but will I be OK with only the component
output to the TV?  Or will I need a coaxial output from the box to the
TV as well?

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Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 03 Jan 2005 20:16 PST

Howdy sfojpl-ga,

I am certain that you will only need the component video and audio
cables, that is, you will not need the coaxial cable, but to make
sure, what make and model of plasma HDTV do you own?

Thanks!  denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Question by sfojpl-ga on 04 Jan 2005 09:55 PST

Sorry denco, but I haven't purchased the tv yet.  I am in the middle
of a remodel and have the wall open so I wanted to get the appropriate
wiring in place before they seal it up.  However, I am pretty
seriously interested in the new Dell 42" HDTV Plasma if that helps.

Howdy sfojpl-ga,

Apologies on taking so long to answer your question.

No, you do not have to run a coaxial cable.  The component audio and video
cables are not only sufficient, but also preferred over composite.

However, you might consider running a few more and different cables along
with the component connectors in order to get full use out of your HDTV,
especially if you go ahead and get one of the new Dell 42" HDTVs.

The Dell 42" HDTVs have all sorts of connectors, including two that will
provide some advantages over component cables.  They are DVI (Digital Visual
Interface) and HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) connectors.  From
the Dell page on The Dell W4200 High Definition Plasma TV.
http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/plasma_w4200hd

"Extreme connectivity including Audio-Video inputs (2 Component... 2 S-Video,
HDMI and 7 RCA Audio) as well as PC inputs (VGA, DVI-CE and PC Audio)"

Even if your current components do not have these connectors, future ones
will have one or the other or both.  For instance, if you have thought of
connecting your computer to your HDTV, you can get a video card with a DVI
connector.

If you do run a DVI cable, then it appears you should run a DVI-D dual link
cable, again to give you as much versatility as possible.  From the Ram
Electronics web site.
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/DVI_monitor_cables.html

"On the other hand, if both devices being connected support dual links,
then a dual link cable is the proper cable for the application, and you
will have the capability of much greater resolutions and refresh rates. A
properly designed Dual link cable should have no negative effects when used
with single link equipment."

The above page also points out that you can get away with a single link
DVI-D cable as that is what comes with most current equipment that has DVI.

As for HDMI, the Ram Electronics web page has the following.
http://www.ramelectronics.net/html/howto-av.html

"Digital connection for Video and 8-channels of Digital Audio as well as
device control features."

HDMI appears to be the best upcoming interface to be used.

If there is a possibility of the HDTV being used with a video game console,
you might also consider running a S-Video cable as well.

If you need any clarification, feel free to ask.


Search strategy:

Checked out the Dell web site as lsited above.

Google search on: DVI
://www.google.com/search?&q=DVI

Google search on: HDMI
://www.google.com/search?&q=HDMI

I am also currently updating my own home theater system and have been doing
research to that end.

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

Thanks for the help denco.  Best of luck with your home theater.

My pleasure sfojpl-ga!

Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher