HDMI convertor, Component Video & S/PDIF? — Community

#1 Feb 1, 2009 at 4:31 pm

I have an older model Hitachi HD monitor with no DVI or HDMI inputs, so I use a 4-port component - S/PDIF switch, to route video from the cablebox and DVD player to the monitor. and audio to the receiver. I need to find a device, devices, or adapters to convert the HDMI output on a WD Media Player into two separate outputs; component for the video, and S/PDIF for the audio which I can then send to the 4-port switch. Does anyone in this august group know of such an animal? Thanks in advance for any help.

Here's a link to WD's Media Player:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?DriveID=572

#2 Feb 2, 2009 at 4:21 pm

HDfury 2

#3 Feb 2, 2009 at 6:11 pm

Here's one, but it's pretty expensive:

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/x-con-yuv.html

You may be better off buying a new receiver or processor with all the new formats and connections.

#4 Feb 2, 2009 at 6:59 pm

Here's one, but it's pretty expensive:

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/x-con-yuv.html

You may be better off buying a new receiver or processor with all the new formats and connections.

But they still won't convert HDMI in to component out - that's a no-no, thus the need for the HD Fury.

#5 Feb 3, 2009 at 3:31 am

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/x-con-yuv.html

I see that this converter has analog L/R output. Does this carry the dolby signal so that my receiver can decode 5.1 or is it just 2-channel stereo? Also, what is coaxial audio? Is that the same as SPDIF (Toslink)? I'm guessing that my receiver would have to have an input for that.

I found a device that will convert HDMI to DVI and SPDIF:
http://www.startech.com/item-stock/HDMI ... erter.aspx

. . . still pricey, but it would give me my SPDIF. I could then pickup a DVI -> Component converter cable:
http://sewelldirect.com/DVI-to-Componen ... e-10ft.asp

. . . which I could then route to the 4-port switch.

Will the newer A/V receivers convert an HDMI input to a component and SPDIF output? If so, can anyone recommend a good one for $500 to $1,000? The ole Pioneer is several years old anyway. I'm just reluctant to replace the Hitachi monitor as it has a great picture and absolutely no problems in 7 years.

Thanks again for your input!

#6 Feb 3, 2009 at 1:34 pm

Conmponent to HDMI - yes (usually - at least on the higher end stuff). HDMI to component - no, and probably never will.

#7 Feb 3, 2009 at 5:13 pm

Once again-- HDfury 2

#8 Feb 3, 2009 at 5:21 pm

http://www.hdtvsupply.com/x-con-yuv.html

I see that this converter has analog L/R output.

That won't work the way you intend...
HDCP compliant-when input is HDCP encrypted (protected) the component out will be turned off.

I found a device that will convert HDMI to DVI and SPDIF:
http://www.startech.com/item-stock/HDMI ... erter.aspx

That doesn't get you component video, digital or analog... it will be RGB and digital. Therefore...

. . . still pricey, but it would give me my SPDIF. I could then pickup a DVI -> Component converter cable:
http://sewelldirect.com/DVI-to-Componen ... e-10ft.asp

... that cable won't do a thing. It is intended for a PC that supports analog RGB via the DVI connector; this capability is unique to DVI and is rarely used in consumer video.

Will the newer A/V receivers convert an HDMI input to a component and SPDIF output?

No way... there is no practical point for them to do so because the only content you could view is content without HDCP. Ultimately that is your whole problem in a nutshell, Digital video and HDCP, and your Media Player is designed for that application. You are trying to circumvent a secured system.

The HDfury won't do a thing for you because it does not support the digital audio stream not to mention the extra stuff you will need to convert it's RGB output to component. That may not be the case with the HDfury2, have one coming in, but even with component output it does not have a digital audio solution. The HDfury2 might get your HD video in 1080i and you could use the analog audio outputs on the media player for the audio.

#9 Feb 3, 2009 at 5:41 pm

Check-- http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2

#10 Feb 3, 2009 at 6:31 pm

Great post pmalter0!

Wow, looks like they have everything you need! Per the email I received it was not an easy road for them and this product version is relatively new. I look forward to reviewing one.

#11 Feb 3, 2009 at 10:42 pm

Great post pmalter0!

I knew this day would come.

#12 Feb 4, 2009 at 4:45 am

That does appear to be the best overall solution at present. Apparently it does decipher HDCP and passes it thru the component outputs. Is it even legal to manufacture these?

Thanks again to all for your suggestions and recommendations.

#13 Feb 8, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Is it even legal to manufacture these?

I look forward to the HDFury folks providing an answer to that burning question... Silicon image holds and implements the HDMI standard and is selling them their HDMI receiver chip for the product...

Pmalter0, I found out about the HDFury2 nearly a year ago when I requested an HDFury for review. At that time the goal was to provide universal RGB and component video support to include legacy HDTV product rather than just data grade front projectors with analog RGB inputs. Your was the next post at the beginning of this thread but simply said HDFury2; the link provided the unexpected surprise of digital audio support.

#14 Feb 10, 2009 at 5:39 am

I hope to receive the HDFury2 this week. I ordered this primarily to interface the Western Digital Media player which only had an HDMI output. The Fury was going to convert the HDMI output to component and analog audio. Since then I stumbled across the latest WD Media Player which includes component AND SPDIF output as well as a 1Tb internal drive for storing digital video, photos, etc.

http://cgi.ebay.com/WD-1TB-HDMI-High-De ... 1|294%3A50

I ordered one of those as well and hope to run it thru it's paces this coming weekend.