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I posted this on the official Xbox forums, and wanted to get your opinions as well.

Here is my dilema:

I own a Samsung 32" LN-S3241D LCD HDTV. My inputs are a little wacky due to the fact I have two HDMI inputs, yet only one component input, plus all the normal inputs (including PC input which I'm assuming is the same as VGA).

I currently own a Xbox 360 Premium console as well as a Nintendo Wii. I'm running both consoles with component cables.

Here is where it gets sticky:

Being that I only have one Component input, and two systems needing that component input, I need to figure something out. All morning I've been reading reviews on component source selectors, and have come to the conclusion that a unit like that is not the best way to go, as I've read that these units decrease the quality of the picture. Now, reading through the forums here, I'm getting a mixed review on the Xbox 360 VGA cables.

What do I do?

Something else to take into consideration. I plan on purchasing the HD-DVD player in the near future. Which type of cable set up would produce the best picture for the HD-DVD?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I wish I could help. I was going to say a source selector before I read up to that point.

youre gonna get a lot of mixed answers regarding component and VGA. a lot depends on user perception. i have the vga adapter, but i've only used it on my widescreen PC monitor. i personally didnt like how it looked, but it could have been that dell monitors really arent meant for console gaming. i have yet to try it on my tv, but thats because i like how it currently looks with component cables.

if you ever plan on buying a home theatre system, then you could easily hook up both consoles to it via components and output to your tv. thats how i have it set up for my xbox and xbox360.

regarding HD-DVD; i dont know. im personally not interested in it, so i havent done any research on it at all. from what i've heard though, VGA would be the only way to truly experience it in HD. basically, if you've got an extra $40-50 lying around, i'd buy the VGA, from circuit city because they have a no questions return policy, and see if you like the visuals. if you dont, you can return it.

If you don't want to worry about having to change your component inputs in and out get the VGA at circuit city, like greaser said, that way you can return it if you dont like it. I have used the VGA and it works fine and for now that is the only way to get 1080p on your HDTV (if it is capable). Component Video will only allow 1080i, though I am not sure what the current look status on that is. Also, VGA might be the best way to go for your samsung. From what I hear they are not very good for gaming (not necessarily all of them) The samsung models tend to lag a bit.

Thanks again GL...you're always right there for a reliable answer. I guess I'll pick up the VGA's and see...only thing is I don't have a Circuit City in my area, only Best Buys.

Ogre... I have to disagree with your point about Sammy's not being very good for gaming. I've played my Wii on it since launch, and have nothing but praise for it. Have also not noticed any lag with the Xbox360, even after a couple full days of GOW and MLB2k6.

im glad for that! I was only saying that that is the general issue with a lot of samsungs. Happy it isn't the case with yours. I think you'll enjoy your VGA. I for one am happy with it! Oh, if you have a costco that has your VGA they will take returns no questions asked.

samsungs are actually quite compatible with the 360. my tv can handle 1080p through components. i hear that the sony bravias are the ones that have issues with the 360...coincidence? hmm.

Yea I have a samsung 61inch DLP and it works fine with my 360. I get no lag.. infact I get no wierd artifacts or anything when I game. Everything looks clear and crisp over component.

yeah I was looking into getting the new XBR series by sony, but was a little unsure about possible clashes...as for your samsung tvs i guess all those ign/cnet/user reviews paint out a far worse picture I like to go and test a tv before I buy so that way im sure.

Try a rent to buy place. (At least I think that's what they're called)

rent to own, my good man. ;)

my opinion: vga for 360, component for wii.

get this: the tv at my dad's house(i am forbidden to touch in any way) has either two or three component inputs! a crazy input selection also!

It's funny you say thats where you heard what you did about Sammy's. Before I bought this TV, I did a good two days worth of research on TV's. And, at that time, the only console I owned was GCN (just to have something to do). All over the net the reviews for Sammy's was sub-par, and Sony's were above-par. Yet, when you go to the store, and look at the picture, I thought Sammy's look a lot better than Sony's. Plus, when the fall update came out, it seemed everyone who was having output problems with their systems were the ones using the Sony XBR's.

I've had no problems with my Sammy, and actually plan on buying a larger set for when I move into my new place this summer. I'll give the g/f this set, and get myself something really big!

Does your opinion reflect what your set-up is?

And...if so...what sort of TV do you game on?

my opinion is based on computer and electronics knowledge. we simply don't have the money for an awesome tv. we just have a 27" stdv.

Anyone know if Gamestop has a 'no questions asked' return policy? I don't have a Circuit City in my area, and I don't have a Costco membership.

you could try walmart.

VGA is just under HDMI/DVI when it comes to image quality and the fact that it fixes overscan and the such.  Chances are though you will notice the difference between component and VGA when watching a video since the quality ingame does not seem to take a hit either way(I guess if your super eagle eyed u might be able to see a different in a game).

Also I am hearing rumors that the HD-DVD player will upconvert your normal dvd's only on a VGA connection which is a plus for movie buffs. Just for the overscan fix and friendlier movie watching I would go VGA but just for gaming your better off sticking wit hthe component even if you get a little overscan during game cutscenes.(Like in phantasy star universe it has those subtitles on the bottom and they often cut off)