Component Cables are Red/Blue/Green = Video; White/Red = Audio
Standard AV Cables are Yellow = Video; White/Red = Audio

When using the Component Cables I noticed an immediate difference in the brightness, color and resolution of multiple Wii games. It isn't quite the difference between something like Standard AV to HDMI with a system such as the PS3 or Xbox360, but enough that it will make games more enjoyable. Backgrounds include more noticeable detail, a wider variety of colors and hues, and sharper contrasts between onscreen images.

  HOWEVER, I have also noticed that when using Component cables many games (but not all) have slight horizontal lines across the screen that are NOT present with the Standard Wii AV cable. Does anyone else notice the same problem? At first I thought it was an issue with my individual Wii, so I contacted Nintendo. They didn't know what I was talking about and offered no explanation. I thereafter conducted a series of tests with multiple games and alternating between component cables (on EDTV 480p) and the regular AV (standard 480i).

Please note that to switch between the progressive and interlaced resolutions, you must switch the Wii Menu settings. 480i is the setting for standard definition using AV cables and 480p is the "enhanced" resolution using the Wii component cables for an EDTV or HDTV.  The Wii does not support an actual HD setting, just "enhanced."  This was the precursor to HD resolutions (between HD and Standard).

Hopefully I haven't lost you yet.  I read one review that says that it is difficult to turn on the system and access the menu when you switch out the cables.  That isn't true.  When you change cables, just turn the system off and then back on.  The system will start and display the menu regardless of what cable you have in.  If you have standard AV cables, it will just put itself back into 480i (interlaced) standard display.  If you have component, it will leave itself in 480i unless you have switched it to 480p (progressive).  Once you have switched it to progressive it will stay there until you switch out the Component cables or manually turn the setting back to Standard 480i.

  I found that Smash Bros., Metroid Collection, Sin and Punishment, Punch-Out!, Okami, Mario Kart, Zack and Wiki and Warioware had absolutely perfect resolution without horizontal lines using both cords on both settings. Therefore the component cable was better due to slightly enhanced definition and color. However, on Zelda: Twilight Princess, Link's Crossbow, Tiger Woods Golf 2010 and New Super Mario Bros. I noticed the faint horizontal lines only when using component cables. It is mildly distracting, but the images and colors are still much better than standard cables. On a few games such as Dead Space: Extraction and Goldeneye I noticed the horizontal lines no matter which cables I used. However, the picture was much more difficult to see in darker areas using the standard AV cables.

There is nothing wrong with the cable. When I first noticed the issue I returned my Official Nintendo Component Cable and bought the Monster Cable (I thought it was a shielding issue at first). However, I had all of the exact same problems and experienced all of the exact same results. After once again contacting Nintendo I was told that if I continued to use the Monster Cable and experienced any type of problem with the Wii itself, I would void all warranty because I was using a third party cable. I sold the Monster Cable and repurchased the Official Nintendo cable. I experienced the exact same results once again. Therefore, the problem does not lie within the cable. In addition, because some of the games look perfect (Okami/Smash Bros) when using the component cables, I do not believe there is anything wrong with my Wii system. I have the Wii connected to a Sony Bravia XBR4 32" 1080p HDTV. Anyone able to guess what the problem is? Anyone else see these same lines appear on the screen? If it was my TV, I don't understand why I only see it on some games and not all of them. My only conclusion is that some games were not designed to be used with a component cable connection, even though I do not really understand how apparent interlacing issues would present themselves when using one type of cable from another.

So overall, the Official Nintendo Component Cable will definitely give you better colors and sharper contrasts.  However, it comes at a cost in that some games "may" have faint horizontal lines in the background.  It seems pretty hit or miss on which games have the problem. Okami had no problems, Dead Space: Extraction and Goldeneye had problems with both cables, and Zelda: Twilight Princess only had the problem with the Component Cable.  One might ask, if you don't see the lines on as many games when using the regular cables...why even bother using the component cables?  The truth is that even with the lines on some games you will notice many many more details and better visuals using the Component Cables.  It would be too much of a hassle to switch out the cord between different games. So is it worth the $20-25?  I'd say yes.  Go with Official Nintendo brand to keep your warranty.  However, be aware that this is far from perfect.

  I am pretty shocked to see nobody has mentioned the issue with horizontal lines anywhere at all. Any help or comments would be appreciated.
________________________________________________________

**Update 4/7/11**

Even though Wii sales are in decline and not as many people will be reading this post, I felt it imperative to insert one more comment in regards to the "horizontal lines" noted in my review.

After some more research I found that when the Wii is connected to HDTVs using component cables, the tv will use its scaler to alter the 480p display to match the native resolution (number of dots and lines onscreen) of the tv.  In the case of my Sony Bravia XBR4 this output is 1,366 dots by 768 lines.

What this means is that when some games are encoded with different numbers of lines at lower resolutions the tv scaler will "fill in" some of the lines to to match the native resolution of that individual tv.  Therefore, some Wii games played on certain tvs will ALWAYS have those annoying lines when using the component cables.

If you're LUCKY, you just might own a HDtv that will properly scale problematic games.  This is why some people see resolution issues whereas others will not.
Nintendo built the Wii with HD as an afterthought which makes graphical differences much more noticeable today than they were in 2006.

I would rate these cables higher than a 3/5 if Nintendo sought fit to release a software update that could address some transparency issues.
________________________________________________________

**Update 5/5/11**

I just purchased a Sharp Aquos 32" tv with Vyper drive and these lines are much less visible. When quickly panning left to right the image is slightly distored (you can see a semblance of these lines), but otherwise colors are bright and vivid without as much distortion.  Therefore the problem is LIKELY what I had previously assumed: the limitations of the Wii hardware (transparency issues) together with your individual tv's scaler will affect the clarity of your games. The type of HDTV you own determine whether or not these cables will be a wise purchase.

**Update 11/21/11** Regarding Skyward Sword and NEW Wii system

As I had previously mentioned, Twilight Princess was the most problematic game for both of my tvs (highly visible horizontal lines using component cables).  I tried contacting Nintendo about the problem once again, and this time they really tried to determine the source of the problem.  After sending in both the game and system, they ended up replacing my original Wii with a BRAND NEW system (original, vertical standing backwards compatible model).  I was ecstatic, and thought Nintendo had found a problem with some of the hardware regarding transparency issues.

However, I was soon disappointed to learn that all of my games looked exactly the same.  As a test, I left widescreen enabled and switched back to 480i.  The game was slightly blurry, but ALL visible horizontal lines were gone.  This finally gave me definitive proof that the problem is with the tv scaler and Wii transparency issues.  480i looks exactly as it should.  Progressive scan adds lines to match the tv's native resolution.

I decided to purchase Skyward Sword on release day (yesterday) because I love the Zelda games.  I also felt a lot more respect for Nintendo after they went to such great lengths to attempt to rectify the issue I described to them. Unfortunately, Skyward Sword DOES suffer slightly from the same problem as many other Wii games.  Skyloft has horizontal lines across clouds, and also running through the text bars at the bottom of the screen.  I have a 32" tv, so sitting about 10 ft away makes them difficult to see.  However, I wish I could say that all of the problems were resolved with Nintendo's newest game.  IGN has a multitude of complaints about these lines on their forums:[...]

As you can see, the HDtv you own will determine the extent of the problem.  Fortunately Skyward Sword is much brighter than Twilight Princess with far less lines.  I wish I could say it looked perfect using component, but on my tv it does not.  All in all, I just wanted to point out the validity of my previous assumptions and that neither new cables, new hardware nor any system updates will rectify the issue if the scaler in your HDtv will not properly upscale 480p.

My 3/5 star review stands based on the facts above.  Buying these cables is like rolling some dice.  Depending on the tv you own they will either greatly improve your experience, or enhance it slightly with a few caveats.
Component Cables are Red/Blue/Green = Video; White/Red = Audio
Standard AV Cables are Yellow = Video; White/Red = Audio

When using the Component Cables I noticed an immediate difference in the brightness, color and resolution of multiple Wii games. It isn't quite the difference between something like Standard AV to HDMI with a system such as the PS3 or Xbox360, but enough that it will make games more enjoyable. Backgrounds include more noticeable detail, a wider variety of colors and hues, and sharper contrasts between onscreen images. HOWEVER, I have also noticed that when using Component cables many games (but not all) have slight horizontal lines across the screen that are NOT present with the Standard Wii AV cable. Does anyone else notice the same problem? At first I thought it was an issue with my individual Wii, so I contacted Nintendo. They didn't know what I was talking about and offered no explanation. I thereafter conducted a series of tests with multiple games and alternating between component cables (on EDTV 480p) and the regular AV (standard 480i). Please note that to switch between the progressive and interlaced resolutions, you must switch the Wii Menu settings. 480i is the setting for standard definition using AV cables and 480p is the "enhanced" resolution using the Wii component cables for an EDTV or HDTV. The Wii does not support an actual HD setting, just "enhanced. "  This was the precursor to HD resolutions (between HD and Standard). Hopefully I haven't lost you yet. I read one review that says that it is difficult to turn on the system and access the menu when you switch out the cables. That isn't true. When you change cables, just turn the system off and then back on. The system will start and display the menu regardless of what cable you have in. If you have standard AV cables, it will just put itself back into 480i (interlaced) standard display. If you have component, it will leave itself in 480i unless you have switched it to 480p (progressive). Once you have switched it to progressive it will stay there until you switch out the Component cables or manually turn the setting back to Standard 480i. I found that Smash Bros. , Metroid Collection, Sin and Punishment, Punch-Out! , Okami, Mario Kart, Zack and Wiki and Warioware had absolutely perfect resolution without horizontal lines using both cords on both settings. Therefore the component cable was better due to slightly enhanced definition and color. However, on Zelda: Twilight Princess, Link's Crossbow, Tiger Woods Golf 2010 and New Super Mario Bros. I noticed the faint horizontal lines only when using component cables. It is mildly distracting, but the images and colors are still much better than standard cables. On a few games such as Dead Space: Extraction and Goldeneye I noticed the horizontal lines no matter which cables I used. However, the picture was much more difficult to see in darker areas using the standard AV cables. There is nothing wrong with the cable. When I first noticed the issue I returned my Official Nintendo Component Cable and bought the Monster Cable (I thought it was a shielding issue at first). However, I had all of the exact same problems and experienced all of the exact same results. After once again contacting Nintendo I was told that if I continued to use the Monster Cable and experienced any type of problem with the Wii itself, I would void all warranty because I was using a third party cable. I sold the Monster Cable and repurchased the Official Nintendo cable. I experienced the exact same results once again. Therefore, the problem does not lie within the cable. In addition, because some of the games look perfect (Okami/Smash Bros) when using the component cables, I do not believe there is anything wrong with my Wii system. I have the Wii connected to a Sony Bravia XBR4 32" 1080p HDTV. Anyone able to guess what the problem is? Anyone else see these same lines appear on the screen? If it was my TV, I don't understand why I only see it on some games and not all of them. My only conclusion is that some games were not designed to be used with a component cable connection, even though I do not really understand how apparent interlacing issues would present themselves when using one type of cable from another. So overall, the Official Nintendo Component Cable will definitely give you better colors and sharper contrasts. However, it comes at a cost in that some games "may" have faint horizontal lines in the background. It seems pretty hit or miss on which games have the problem. Okami had no problems, Dead Space: Extraction and Goldeneye had problems with both cables, and Zelda: Twilight Princess only had the problem with the Component Cable. One might ask, if you don't see the lines on as many games when using the regular cables... why even bother using the component cables? The truth is that even with the lines on some games you will notice many many more details and better visuals using the Component Cables. It would be too much of a hassle to switch out the cord between different games. So is it worth the $20-25? I'd say yes. Go with Official Nintendo brand to keep your warranty. However, be aware that this is far from perfect. I am pretty shocked to see nobody has mentioned the issue with horizontal lines anywhere at all. Any help or comments would be appreciated. ________________________________________________________

**Update 4/7/11**

Even though Wii sales are in decline and not as many people will be reading this post, I felt it imperative to insert one more comment in regards to the "horizontal lines" noted in my review. After some more research I found that when the Wii is connected to HDTVs using component cables, the tv will use its scaler to alter the 480p display to match the native resolution (number of dots and lines onscreen) of the tv. In the case of my Sony Bravia XBR4 this output is 1,366 dots by 768 lines. What this means is that when some games are encoded with different numbers of lines at lower resolutions the tv scaler will "fill in" some of the lines to to match the native resolution of that individual tv. Therefore, some Wii games played on certain tvs will ALWAYS have those annoying lines when using the component cables. If you're LUCKY, you just might own a HDtv that will properly scale problematic games. This is why some people see resolution issues whereas others will not. Nintendo built the Wii with HD as an afterthought which makes graphical differences much more noticeable today than they were in 2006. I would rate these cables higher than a 3/5 if Nintendo sought fit to release a software update that could address some transparency issues. ________________________________________________________

**Update 5/5/11**

I just purchased a Sharp Aquos 32" tv with Vyper drive and these lines are much less visible. When quickly panning left to right the image is slightly distored (you can see a semblance of these lines), but otherwise colors are bright and vivid without as much distortion. Therefore the problem is LIKELY what I had previously assumed: the limitations of the Wii hardware (transparency issues) together with your individual tv's scaler will affect the clarity of your games. The type of HDTV you own determine whether or not these cables will be a wise purchase. **Update 11/21/11** Regarding Skyward Sword and NEW Wii system

As I had previously mentioned, Twilight Princess was the most problematic game for both of my tvs (highly visible horizontal lines using component cables). I tried contacting Nintendo about the problem once again, and this time they really tried to determine the source of the problem. After sending in both the game and system, they ended up replacing my original Wii with a BRAND NEW system (original, vertical standing backwards compatible model). I was ecstatic, and thought Nintendo had found a problem with some of the hardware regarding transparency issues. However, I was soon disappointed to learn that all of my games looked exactly the same. As a test, I left widescreen enabled and switched back to 480i. The game was slightly blurry, but ALL visible horizontal lines were gone. This finally gave me definitive proof that the problem is with the tv scaler and Wii transparency issues. 480i looks exactly as it should. Progressive scan adds lines to match the tv's native resolution. I decided to purchase Skyward Sword on release day (yesterday) because I love the Zelda games. I also felt a lot more respect for Nintendo after they went to such great lengths to attempt to rectify the issue I described to them. Unfortunately, Skyward Sword DOES suffer slightly from the same problem as many other Wii games. Skyloft has horizontal lines across clouds, and also running through the text bars at the bottom of the screen. I have a 32" tv, so sitting about 10 ft away makes them difficult to see. However, I wish I could say that all of the problems were resolved with Nintendo's newest game. IGN has a multitude of complaints about these lines on their forums:[... ]

As you can see, the HDtv you own will determine the extent of the problem. Fortunately Skyward Sword is much brighter than Twilight Princess with far less lines. I wish I could say it looked perfect using component, but on my tv it does not. All in all, I just wanted to point out the validity of my previous assumptions and that neither new cables, new hardware nor any system updates will rectify the issue if the scaler in your HDtv will not properly upscale 480p. My 3/5 star review stands based on the facts above. Buying these cables is like rolling some dice. Depending on the tv you own they will either greatly improve your experience, or enhance it slightly with a few caveats.