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HDMI vs. 'PC Connection' for XBox 360

An HDTV with HDMI and Video Graphics Array input options supports the two highest-quality video signal formats that an Xbox 360 produces. Both connections carry high-definition signals, but HDMI uses a digital format and VGA uses analog. Because VGA has had quality upgrades since its inception in 1987, HDTVs may label a VGA input port "PC Connection," "RGB/PC," "HD 15," "RGBHV" or simply "PC."

Digital HDMI
- An HDMI connection carries digital video signals at the highest resolutions available from the Xbox 360, which include 480p standard resolution, 760p and 1080i high-definition and 1080p full HD. With an HDMI connection, use the Xbox controls to set the resolution to match the designed resolution of your HDTV. See your Xbox owner's manual for specific instructions and the HDTV manual to find the resolution it supports. The highest-quality HDTV has 1080p full HD resolution. An Xbox 360 HDMI cable plugs directly into the HDMI port of an HDTV and also carries digital sound within the connection.
Analog PC or VGA
- An Xbox VGA cable has a connector on one end to fit into the output port on the Xbox and a VGA connector on the other, along with two RCA push-in connector for the analog audio input on your HDTV. The VGA input uses a 15-pin D connector with three rows of five pins each. The VGA connector supports the same resolutions as HDMI and also 480i. As with HDMI, set the resolution in the Xbox to match your HDTV resolution. Neither an HDMI nor a VGA cable comes with an Xbox 360; you must purchase them separately.
Analog vs. Digital
- The VGA analog signal sends varying waveforms that represent the colors and synchronization signals needed to produce a signal on a screen. These signals pick up slight amounts of noise and distortion as they travel through processing circuits and over cables. The Xbox originally creates digital signals that VGA must convert to analog for transmission. Digital signals use codes to represent the color levels and synchronization. A decoder reads the codes out of any noise and distortion and re-creates new codes free of all unwanted signals. The HDMI Xbox 360 connection produces a clearer picture and cleaner sound than PC.
Other Connection Options
- An Xbox 360 usually comes equipped with a standard-definition composite A/V cable. One end fits into the Xbox and the other has three RCA push-in connectors with one color-coded yellow for video and the others colored red for the right audio channel and white for the left. This cable only supports 480i resolution and doesn't send high-definition signals. Another cable option with five RCA connectors supports component video on three connectors color-coded red, green and blue for video and red and white for audio. This cable supports analog HD but must be purchased separately.

Xbox 360