I have a new TV that has DVI, component video and s-video inputs. 
I've read that DVI has the best quality of these.  However, when I
compared them side-by-side using an HD signal from a Motorola/Comcast
set top box, the picture from the component signal was sharper and had
better color.  Thoughts?

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Request for Question Clarification by denco-ga on 11 Sep 2005 14:43 PDT

It might help researchers to know the make and model of your television.

Thanks! denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher

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Clarification of Question by bigbadwilly-ga on 03 Oct 2005 20:02 PDT

The television is an NEC 50XM4.

This is not a researched opinion but just my penny's worth given my
experience in things Audiovisual. Until the advent of Digital imaging
and signal processing technology the highest quality signal
distribution method (least loss) was Component Video. A video signal
sent via Component Video is broken up into its respective Red, Green
and Blue signals and then transmitted down individual cables to
minimise interference and ensure maximum signal strength from source
to destination. In an analogue (pre-digital) world the seperation was
critical to ensure the signal did not suffer loss of quality through
bleeding, muddying or lack of bandwidth that happens when you used a
single cable.
You are correct in assuming that DVI offers a supperior (digital)
method of signal delivery compared to analogue systems which include
Component, Composite and S-video. However, I suspect that your signal
is going through either one or several Digital to Analogue (and vice
versa) conversations within your setup and this is drastically
reducing the promised quality of DVI. For full DVI quality everything
must be digital for starters.
I suspect your Television is not a true digital display and that the
DVI signal is being converted back to Analogue before being displayed
and this would be one possible explanation for why the DVI does not
look as good as or better than the Component signal.