I'm planning to buy a HD media player. This is what i have at home now:

1. HDReady CRT with S-Video, component and composite connections at the back (no HDMI).
2. Astro
3. JVC HTiB with video in (S-Video/composite video), video out (HDMI/component/composite/s-video) and audio in (composite only).

Currently, my Astro is connect to CRT using S-Video cable and for audio, Astro is connected to HTiB using composite audio in. For DVD playback, my HTiB is connected to my CRT using component video cable.

If i buy Xtreamer Pro HD media player, this is what i plan for the connection to most optimum AV quality as possible:

1. Astro is connected to CRT using S-video and composite audio in connection at the back of CRT.
2. Xtreamer Pro is connected to HTiB using composite cable to composite audio and video in connection of HTiB. The HTiB will then be connected to CRT using component cable.

Will such connections work?

Yes, it will though you won't get the optimum resolution of your HD Media Player or actually surround sound from your HTiB.

Does your home theatre support Optical in?

if it does, maybe a good idea to invest in optical cable, so at least you get surround sound from your HTiB

As for visual resolution, If there are any good deal for LCD/Plasma TV, you should consider to get the best pix you coan from your setup\\My two Sen

i do see a Digital In Optical port behind the HTiB. is this for optical audio from Xtreamer to HtiB?

unfortunately, Xtreamer dont have component port. or else i might as well connect it directly to CRT. as for LCD TV, i know that's the best option but so far no plan to upgrade yet.

side discussion, HD media player or HTPC is better option nowadays? sorry for a noob question.

Great, get an Optical cable to connect your Xtreamer Sidewinder with your HTiB, so you get surround sound.

Yes, it is unfortunate that the Xtreamer Sidewinder doesn't have component out, if not you'll get better image from your TV.

I've got both the Asus O!Play and Xtreamer Sidewinder, because I travel around and need something that is more portable.

I can see the attraction of th HTPC, with upgrade options and all.

You might even find a graphic card that supports both HDMI and Component solving you connection to TV issue (I'm NOT sure, you have to check with your PC supplier).

To each their own I say

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Nov 6 2010, 04:55 PM

thanks for the advice.

apart from xtreamer sidewinder, any recommendation of good hd media player, preferably with component connection?

for me to buy htpc, i guess i will have to upgrade to lcd as well. or else it really defeats the purpose...

Well, the only HD Media Player i know of with Component is The Dune HD Base/Prime 3.0

Dune Homepage

The painful thing about HD format is most people ends up upgrading their TV and AV equipment (which I did).... Which can be *ouch*.....

Hope the above helps

This post has been edited by Mov_freak: Nov 6 2010, 07:27 PM

yah...that's exactly trying to avoid spending all the $$ upgrading...

am looking at hdpro+ now....seems to have component port.

I'm afraid I have not had any experience with the HD Pro

There is however a HD Pro thread in the Low Yat forum

They could have the information you require