RDC-7 OSD thru Component Outs?

[pedalmike]

My current TV does not have component inputs. If I buy a new display that I can connect to my RDC-7 using component cables, will I be able to view the RDC-7's onscreen display?

Will I have to connect another composite video cable to the monitor 1 output?

[Burke Strickland]

Welcome to "Club Integra" and the HT Guide. Glad you are participating here!

As for your question about the RDC-7's component out and OSD, very few, if any, pre/pros that have an on screen display (OSD) allow it to be viewed via component out. In the case of the RDC-7, as you have correctly surmised, OSD is only available via Monitor Out 1, which allows use of either an S-Video or a composite cable.

So to use a component connection AND get OSD, there are two major options with the RDC-7:

1) as you've suggested, run a composite (or S-Video) cable from Monitor Out 1 to the same display device that is also connected via Component Out, which would require input switching via the display devices's controls to move between the video program and OSD, or

2) connect a small screen TV for OSD via Monitor Out 1, and connect the main display device via Component Out (or perhaps connect it directly to the component-video source if you are using only one such source in your system).

I opted for option 2 and bought a 14" flat screen Toshiba TV specifically for use as my OSD display -- and not just for the RDC-7 -- I have several components that have OSD. I really didn't want to have to fire up the front projector just to set the menu options or select a disc (in the case of my CD and DVD carousel players).

It also serves nicely for PIP (actually a POP -- picture out-of picture) :>) to check on weather, traffic reports, or sports scores, for example while watching a movie on the big screen. I also use it to watch the news and Jay Leno's monologue each night, again not having to fire up the projector just for that.

Since it is off to the side close to my main sitting position, rather than right out in front, it is convenient but not distracting. BTW -- I have it connected via S-Video. The Toshiba also has a component connection, but using that would be rather useless for its intended purpose in life. :>)

Good luck -

Burke

[pedalmike]

Burke:

Thanks for the welcome and the solid guidance. If the forum will indulge me, it likely will not be the last of the questions I post!

This is my first HT setup...I'm still cobbling the pieces together, but I'm impressed so far with the capablities and performance of my RDC-7.

Thanks Again!