Wii HD Link Component Cable

Other products by Nyko

Product Features

• High quality video output for the sharpest, clearest picture
• View Wii games in perfect 480p resolution
• Extra long 8 foot cable for easy set up connection
• Shielded cable for interference-free audio and video
• Widescreen support

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000LFJN7K
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.5 x 2 inches ; 12 ounces
• Media: Accessory
• Release Date: February 1, 2007
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (116 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45 in Video Games (See Bestsellers in Video Games)

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Product Description

Product Description
Experience a new level of graphical clarity on the Wii™ with the HD-Link from Nyko. The HD-Link is designed to provide the best possible video and audio connection for the Nintendo Wii. Featuring high end Y, Bp, Pr component connections, the HD-Link provides full 480p resolution for your HDTV. The shielded 8 foot cable allows for interference-free audio and video in any entertainment setup while providing the best video and audio quality available for the Wii. The HD-Link is ideal for those who demand the most of their home electronics and want the best possible Wii experience.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

163 of 169 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars To clear up the 480i and 480p issue., January 22, 2009

By	Jamey Carter (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fun:4.0 out of 5 stars 

Some people are reviewing that they can tell the difference between the standard A/V cable that comes with the Wii (Red/White for audio signal, yellow for video signal) and this component cable (same Red/White for audio signal, but three separate video signal cable)...

So I thought I'd explain quickly the different. With one loan video signal cable (stand Wii, out of the box) your highest attainable resolution is 480i. The "i" stands for interlaced. What it means is that the video signal is interlaced into odd and even number vertical lines. You TV displays the odd lines first from top to bottom, then on a second pass, displays the even numbered lines from top to bottom. Then the cycle continues to repeat, refreshing the lines odd, even, odd even and you see "motion." All CRT TV (ones that have a Tube) the display is always interlaced video.

Now, in 480p, the "p" stands for progressive. In a progressive scan the entire image is refreshed top to bottom every pass. Today's LCD and Plasma screens always display progressive video. Because it only takes one pass to complete the entire video image, progressive scanned video tends to have slightly higher refresh rates. In video gaming, this can translate to slightly better image quality and less lag between the controller and the results on the display.

So here is the kicker: for a CRT to accept an incoming progressive video, it has to translate it (internally) to interlaced video. This translation takes time, which in turn adds lag and can slow down the reaction time in gaming. Because of this, any Wii hooked up to a CRT (or Tube) TV should be set to 480i. EVEN if you use component cables.

For LCD and Plasma TVs, any interlaced video incoming to the TV must be translated to progressive video. Like the reverse for CRT TV's this translation takes time and adds lag. The only way to get the Wii to send a direct progressive scan signal to a Plasma or LCD TV is to use a component video cable (2 audio connections, 3 video connections). But once this cable is attached, you must change the Wii options to send in 480p resolution. Once that has been done, you fancy flat display will not need to translate interlaced to progressive.

I've simplified this quick explanation. For the true tech geeks out there (like myself)... please accept that I have tried to put this in non-geek speak (best I could) without going into great detail.

96 of 103 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm happy - excellent cable, sharp picture!, September 22, 2007

By	D. Garber (Arlington, VA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I decided to give these cables a shot since they were half the price of the official Nintendo component cables, and audio/video cables are a product well-known for some companies (you listening, Monster?) seriously trying to rip off consumers. I found these cables to work wonderfully; despite some other opinions, I think they make a significant improvement in picture quality, well worth fifteen bucks if you have an HDTV to hook your Wii up to. When compared to the composite cables that come with the system, object edges are really sharpened up. You don't need to pay $30-$50 for quality component cables. Highly recommended!

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Works great; important for latency reasons, January 26, 2008

By	Nick Alward (California, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars 

I bought these cables due to them being cheapest at the time, and they work fine.

To those stating they can't notice a performance difference, it's true that the picture quality is almost the same. However, if you're going to play your Wii on an HDTV, I would highly recommend component cables due to the fact that using the AV input on an HDTV requires it convert the incoming signal, which adds lag to the display. Not noticeable usually with something like a DVD player, but with games the added latency is very noticeable between your button press and the reaction of the HDTV. The difference between AV and Component lag was very noticeable in my experience (I tested this with Mario Galaxy on a ViewSonic 19" HDTV).

Although, if lag is your biggest concern, best to just use an old crummy non-flatscreen TV, as they still have the quickest response times (even vs. component) in my experience.