I have recently got a sony HXD-710 and had been using a scart connection for recording and watching items recorded from tv, and cable box,i have recently found out that a component connection is better and is higher quality,what i would like to know if anyone can tell me is ,if i connect my HXD710 with a component cable ,do i still use the scart cable,do i still keep the scart cable connected to the sony,also i went in to the settings of the sony,and it says if you want to use component out put,you have to change a scart setting,or somthing,it is very confusing is component just for watching pre- recorded dvds or can it be used for playing back programmes from the hard disc as well,i dont think the component can be used to record programmes ,can it can anyone who has this sony HXD710 and has component connected shed any light on this subject and put it in laymans terms for me,is it just for playing back dvds, any help or advice greatfully received, thanks ,joeann.

Anyone any knowledge of this.

You'll see no significant difference between component and RGB output. The information stored on the DVD and hard disk is in component form, the only difference is whether you let the 710 turn it into RGB for the TV to display, or whether you send the component signal to the TV and let it do the conversion into RGB. The end result is the same.

For the Sony 910 the component output is a separate set of three phono sockets. I don't know whether the 710 is similar, look on the back for three sockets that look like audio connections but are labelled Y, U and V. Obviously you'll need a TV with component input as well.

You're right on the points you make:

1. The D710 cannot record from the component inputs

2. RBG scart must be turned off in order to output via component

3. You can output all DVD material and material recorded to the HDD through the scart, I also think but i don't generally do this but the built-in Freeview DTT can also be output through the component connection

I don't think you can record to the D710 from an external source i.e. Sky digi box via scart when in component mode, the times i have tried this I only get a black and white recording, you have to turn the RGB scart connection back on.

Finally the other main advantage component of the D710 has over RGB scart is the ability to output in progressive format should you have a TV that can handle such signals, so you get a much better picture as each frame is delivered individually as a whole rather than being made up of 2 interlaced parts.

hope this helps