Adam,

A better question might be "how much of a difference will component video make vs. S-video on a direct view TV." Probably not much. On my 53" RPTV, when you go from S-video to component there are ever so slightly richer colors (there's a HUGE difference between composite video and S or component, though).

If you want to go component anyway... low end Radio Shack cables often aren't sheilded well or at all, so going to a premium cable can make a difference. But you might try a middle ground - RCA and AR both sell sheilded video cables for just a bit more than Radio Shack stuff. Buy three the same length, and you're set.

-avi