Just got a new HDTV, and it’s great, but there aren’t enough damn RGB component inputs. There are three HDMI inputs, and I have zero devices which use HDMI.
So I was looking for some adapters, and I found this and others like it. I think it will solve my problem, but I’ve waded through so many different options that I’m not sure of anything anymore.
It’s a little more than I was hoping to spend, but if it does the job, that’s fine. But I’d definitely like it if there were a cheaper alternative. Any suggestions?
Also, is there anything out there that will adapt AV composite (yellow-white-red with one video and two audio) to anything, whether RGB or HDMI? My brain hurts and I don’t trust myself to make the right decision. HELP!
As you have found, you must convert Analog (Component/Composite/S-Video) to Digital(HDMI) - so you will need more than just a simple cable with the correct connections.
Many, if not most, modern AV Receivers convert all video inputs to HDMI out, so replacing your receiver is one route to take. An expensive one to be sure, but switching technologies from analog TV to digital HDTV is loved by the consumer electronics companies because it obsoletes so much equipment.
Just connecting a cable box, DVD player, TiVo and Wii into the TV.
I don’t have a separate receiver.
The Wii and TiVo both have old analog AV connects (An HD TiVo is in my future but not here yet), but there is only one compatible input. I’m going to get an RGB component cord for the Wii, but then that will bump something off one of the component inputs, as there are only 2 of those (cable box and DVD). So I need a longer-term fix.
I plan to call the cable company to see if they have boxes with DVI or HDMI, but I’m not confident. Maybe I can push up the HD TiVo purchase… but until then I’ll be having to go in back and switch out TiVo for Wii whenever I want to play, which is a pain.
I’d suggest getting a DVD player with HDMI output. They are usually a small premium over analog DVD and they upscale also. Don’t forget to order the HDMI cable also. They are usually much cheaper online than in the store. I’d say it it was worth it just for running one cable instead of five. HDMI also includes the audio signal.
manual a/v (r,w,y) switches are inexpensive and you can also get automatic switches (locks on to whatever source is active automatically or you can select) for a couple dozen dollars.
If you have HD cable service, I’d be amazed if they won’t give you a box with HDMI (I think DVI is still available here if you ask for it, but HDMI is the default). Around here they also give you an HDMI cable.
I have TiVos (a Series3 in the living room an an HD in the other room), and I like them much better than the cable company’s boxes, but I don’t think they have much of an advantage from a connectivity standpoint.
FWIW, you can get a refurb TiVo HD for 99 bucks. That’s how I got the one I have in the bedroom (previously I had a box from the cable company in there). It’s as good as new.
If this is your first HDTV, I’m guessing you weren’t subscribing to any HD channels with your cable service, so you probably just don’t have an HD cable box right now (they didn’t give you one because you didn’t need one). Call them up, and ask to upgrade your subscription to include some HD channels and get a new box. I’d bet dollars to doughnuts that the new box comes with an HDMI connection.
And as said earlier, just get a new DVD player. Hell, you can get Blu-Ray players these days (which still play your old DVDs) for just over $100; if you want to stick with regular DVD, a player with an HDMI connection might set you back $30-35.
And go to Monoprice for those HDMI cables, too; store markup is insane on those. I recently bought four six-foot cables from Monoprice, and even with shipping, it was $10 less than the price of a single three-foot cable in a store. And I got to pick pretty colors, too! Makes it much easier to tell which cable is which if they’re not all black.