HDTV Forum

Got a question that maybe someone here can answer. We have an early Pioneer PDP-5030HD 50 inch plasma display. Sadly, this unit has only component video inputs. More sadly, just about everything new on the market, such as DVD players, have HDMI outputs which in some cases convert to 1080i or 1080p. But not through their component video outputs. I just bought an LG DVD VCR combo yesterday and the kid selling 'em said this upconverted through both HDMI and Component video. He lied. As far as I can see the componenet video best is 480p.....

OK, is there any device that will take an HDMI input and convert it to component video? Like an A/V Receiver, for example. Or am I just stuck with this combination until I get tired of fighting it?

Once again, it just doesn't seem to pay to be among the first to buy into new technology.

As far as I know, many of the new recievers coming out now will only convert TO digital and output it that way thru HDMI( or some to DVI), and not the other way around. You probably already know this. Check out the details on these two from Yamaha. If any receiver does upconvert and output it thru component, they would. But I don't think so. I believe an upconversion has to stay digital all the way to the display.

http://www.audioholics.com/news/pressre ... ceiver.php

Thanks, Dave. I hadn't thought of that aspect - I mean that it's a conversion to digital - DUH - I expect you're right, it just doesn't make a lot of sense. Unless, of course, you have an old Pioneer Plasma. Darn.........

OK, is there any device that will take an HDMI input and convert it to component video?

Not legally... at least for DVD anyway. You are stuck at 480P or you can spend over a $1000 dollars and go with external scaling.

Nothing has changed since you bought that display. At the time upscaling DVD players were not around anyway. A that time the best solution was either a 480P DVD player whch is still a good choice today or an external scaling solution for the best response, which has fallen in price while improving in performance.

In todays market, upscaling SD DVD is the only place where you are taking a hit with your display and that is only related to how much you want to spend. What is fascinating is the new HD disc formats don't force HDMI down your throat and from what I understand won't until about 2012.