Component to HDMI
There are two big obstacles in connecting HDMI and component video. First, HDMI is a digital signal, and Component video is analog. The signals themselves are not compatible. So you would need a digital to analog conversion box (or analog to digital depending on which way you are going)
The other problem is HDCP. Component Video cannot support HDCP, and HDMI always supports HDCP encryption.
Because of the incompatiblities, it’s nearly impossible, (without wiring your own ends) to find any kind of a Component to HDMI cable. We just added a solution that will give you a work around, but let me warn you it isn’t ideal. It’s not that clean, is expensive and has limited support… But here goes.
To connect a component video source like a DVD player, cable box, game console etc. to an HDMI display like a TV or Projector, you will need the following three parts:
| SW-2404 Component to VGA | SW-4480 VGA to DVI adapter | SW-1121 DVI to HDMI cable |
Now since you are upconverting in this situation, you will be getting the best possible quality from your component source. The conversion box will scale the image so that it comes out in High Definition resoultions, rather than simply stretching a low-def image. The problem is going to be the price. This setup will run around $700 depending on cable lengnts etc. which might be more than replacing many of the components in your home theater setup.
UPDATE: Gefen has released a Component to HDMI conversion box it not only converts a Component signal to the Digital HDMI output, but it also has the option to add the audio signal to the HDMI, includes all the cables. And, it will be significantly less expensive than the current work-arounds. (about $180)
Going the other way–connecting a HDMI source to a component display won’t be quite as expensive, but it has more limitations. HDCP encryption will NOT be passed through a converter, so protected content will not display correctly, if at all. Because there are still many HD displays that don’t support HDCP, some devices have the ability to disable HDCP, but if and how they do that is entirely up to the manufacturer.
| SW-1121 DVI to HDMI cable | SW-4486 VGA to DVI adapter | SW-2404 Component to VGA |
This is still going to be expensive (around $400) But not as much as getting a new big screen TV or HD projector. Generally the best option will be to try to run HDMI to HDMI/DVI or component to compontent, but if that’s not possible… there are options.
May 5th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Very well written and concise. Easy to understand and well laid out. Grrreat Jeeorrb!
May 11th, 2006 at 9:24 am
Thanks for the great article Mark! I appreciate it.
December 28th, 2006 at 3:03 pm
I’ve encountered this problem with my older HD ready bigscreen with Component input and a new DVD player with HD upconversion via HDMI output. I found a converter on eBay for $200 that may be the solution. But since it doesn’t pass HDCP I’m unsure if my TV will work with it. I’ve never downloaded a pirated movie off the internet before, but this HDCP bullsh*t makes me want to start.
December 29th, 2006 at 1:58 pm
Great Article… I’m in the same situation…
I have a couple years old Mitsu 55-Inch Wide rear projection CRT (capable of 1080i), with no HDMI or DVI.
Recently, I purchased the Samsung HD-960 Upconvert DVD player. According to CNET.com, it’s one of the best out there (capable of doing 1080p!). I called Samsung before I made the purchase, and they promised me it would output 1080i over the component out. Well they lied, and didn’t fess up until I called them after the purchase, and told them it wasn’t working!
Anyways, if I buy this Gefen Converstion Box (which I wish was cheaper), what do you mean by “protected content” may not be displayed? Are you telling me I could be sitting there watching a movie, and all the sudden my screen will go blank?
January 4th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
I also have an older Mitsh 16×9 with No DVI or HDMI digital Input & since the Upconversion for DVDs is in the digital domain I also have some questions: 1) Will an Upconverted DVD signal make it thru this D/A coverter & will it display correctly on the component Inputs on a 16×9 w/ no digital inputs ??? 2) Has anyone purchased this HDMI to Component Kit w/ D/A converter and successfully experienced an upconverted DVD signal thru thier Component Inputs ??? 3) The fact that this kit will not pass HDCP encription means that it will not pass protected content. Is that just HD Movies or any HD content ?? 4) What type of material is protected by HDCP & what is not ????
John C.???
January 10th, 2007 at 7:14 am
Hey!Tell me about the remedies to clear that obstacles …that is worth to know about it…looking for the same
Don Lapre Max
webmaster@donlaprewilliams.com
http://www.donlaprewilliams.com
January 14th, 2007 at 3:27 am
I have the same situation as described above.
I have a Mitsubishi Projection TV that is 1080i compatible but only has composite video inputs (no HDMI). I’d like to connect a DVD player that uses HDMI to convert DVD movies to HD (or near HD) to this TV.
Has anyone found a way to do this that works?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Jim
cavellier@charter.net
January 25th, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Holy Crap!!! Look what I just found…
A cheap adapter (couple) that lets you go from DVI - to - Component. Check out the link below!
http://sewelldirect.com/dvivideoadapter.asp
February 12th, 2007 at 9:16 am
All of the upconverting DVD players I have seen have used HDCP over the HDMI port. So they really aren’t designed to work with an analog only TV. I have read (although I have not tried it) that you can sometimes get either a code, or a menu setting that will disable the HDCP encryption. If it is possible, you will need to speak to the manufacturer of HDCP source (DVD player).
“Protected content” is essentially any copyrighted material. Unprotected content would be like home movies burned to DVD, or internet video clips burned to play in a DVD player, hollywood style movies will probably be protected.
February 12th, 2007 at 9:20 am
The DVI to component adapter will not do any signal conversion, and will only work with an analog DVI. It is specifically designed to take the analog capabilties from a computer video card, and pull out the signals used on an HDTV. Unfortunately it will not work to take a digital signal from a DVD player or STB and convert it to an analog component signal.
February 21st, 2007 at 1:30 pm
I hav a xbox 360 and 360 hd-dvd with component but my mitsubishi 65732 won’t play 1080 p except through hdmi. What is the best work around for this or should i just buy a true hd dvd player and ps-3 for blu-ray and games?
February 21st, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Our SW-4917 will support up to 1080p, so you could take the component output from the Xbox 360 and it will run it to the HDMI port on the TV.
February 22nd, 2007 at 1:55 am
and it will allow the 1080 p without loss of resolution? Where can I get it? Thanks.
May 18th, 2007 at 3:55 am
I would like to know about HDCP Encryption Pause and resume . Can anybody help me on that ????
June 22nd, 2007 at 10:52 pm
I have a HD DLP tv with HDMI input, a HD dish box and a HD upconversion dvd/vcr player and I recently bought a home theater system that only has component and rca jacks. I want to use the digital (HDMI) in and outputs is there a way for me to do this. If I cant in 2009 will I have a problem or will I have to buy something because component is analog and not digital like the broadcasting is suppose to be HELLLLLP!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 6th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
The 2009 switch to digital will only affect people who use an antenna to pick up tv channels over the air. Cable or set top box users will not likely even notice a change. And it will have no effect on which connections you use from home theater devices.
While digital signals like HDMI are typically the best solution, Component can also carry HD signals if your dish reciever and/or upscaling DVD player support it. So that is one option.
The other two options I can think of would be to upgrade the reciever (not much fun) or use the reciever for audio only and route the video directly from the reciever and DVD player to the TV.
There’s really not a simple solution to take a digital HDMI signal and strip it down to run over a Component jack.
January 22nd, 2008 at 2:33 pm
What about using the Firewire inputs on my Mitsubishi TV. They are digital. Are there any converters form HDMI to Firewire?
January 22nd, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Firewire will typically transfer raw data, rather than a video stream. I haven’t seen any direct HDMI to firewire converters. You should be able to find more information from Mitsubishi about the firewire functionality… It might just be for firmware updates etc.
January 26th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Sony has an HDMI to component cable they list as an accessory to the PS3 system. It breaks out the HDMI to the 3 video and 2 audio RCA type connectors. They claim it can provide upto 1080p resolution. No mention of HDCP. I am going to try it out. It is around $20/- at Walmart.
I hope it works and my post helps other people in the same predicament I am in.
Thanks for maintaining this site.
February 4th, 2008 at 7:38 pm
Sony’s PS3 system has both HDMI and AV multiport. The cable is a AV multiport to component connector. I find this out in HK Sony shop. If it is different in US, let me know as I also need a HDMI to component solution for my TV.
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:58 pm
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