Seeking Proper Switch For Older TV

[Kazz]

My Sony projection TV's still running strong after over 10 years. It has one DVI in, one component in, and the rest are all composite. I'd like the TV to take HDMI and component input and display it using either the DVI or the component inputs for best picture. Sound can be just R/L as the TV does a good job with Dolby stuff. Anyway, the problem's finding a proper switch.

I can find an all-component switch using component inputs and a component output, but that would mean I'd have to also have an HDMI converter to component for all HDMI output devices.

I can find one switch that has two HDMI inputs and a single component output. But then I won't be able to use any component output devices.

I may be search-deficient or they're just not advertised well. Does anyone have some good switch suggestions or other ways around my problem? Yes, I know, the instant I invest in something the TV will probably finally go. But I thought I'd ask and see whats do-able and affordable.

Thanks!

 

[agarwalro]

A Craigslist receiver might be your best bet. One with HDMI and Component inputs and HDMI and analog audio outs. You can run all your sources to it. Use a HDMI to DVI cable from the receiver HDMI out to TV DVI in. One RCA cable from receiver analog audio out to TV's audio input for DVI video.

Plus, having the receiver might inspire you to add speaker .

 

[markw]

The problem you're having is that you're comparing apples to oranges.

To put it simply: DVI/HDMI is a digital signal and component is an analog signal.

To do what you want, you need more than a switch. You need something a bit more complex to convert the digital HDMI to an analog component video signal. THIS claims to be able to do that but I've never used it myself. The upside is that it also takes care of your (two channel) audio as well.

Likewise, converting HDMI to DVI is a bit simpler as both are digital formats. THIS claims to do that but, again, I've never used it. The drawback to this is that it won't pass any sound from the HDMI signal (DVI doesn't pass audio to begin with). You'll need to take that directly from your source.

Using these, you can utilize both your DVI and component inputs on the TV without the need of an external switch.

 

[Kazz]

A Craigslist receiver might be your best bet. One with HDMI and Component inputs and HDMI and analog audio outs. You can run all your sources to it. Use a HDMI to DVI cable from the receiver HDMI out to TV DVI in. One RCA cable from receiver analog audio out to TV's audio input for DVI video.

Plus, having the receiver might inspire you to add speaker .

Craigslist? I don't think so. Maybe eBay from the perspective you're coming from. I don't trust Craigslist one bit and eBay only slightly more. I was hoping something was out there in today's market to make it work. Oh, and the sound coming out of the projector's cabinet is really very, very good, actually!

The problem you're having is that you're comparing apples to oranges.

To put it simply: DVI/HDMI is a digital signal and component is an analog signal.

To do what you want, you need more than a switch. You need something a bit more complex to convert the digital HDMI to an analog component video signal. THIS claims to be able to do that but I've never used it myself. The upside is that it also takes care of your (two channel) audio as well.

Likewise, converting HDMI to DVI is a bit simpler as both are digital formats. THIS claims to do that but, again, I've never used it. The drawback to this is that it won't pass any sound from the HDMI signal (DVI doesn't pass audio to begin with). You'll need to take that directly from your source.

Using these, you can utilize both your DVI and component inputs on the TV without the need of an external switch.

I'm using the DVI input on the TV only because a device supports it. I could actually leave it right there. The HDMI to component device you mentioned can do the job, sure, but only for one device and the component input on the TV is already occupied so I'd still need a switch.

The TV has one DVI and one component. Both are occupied. I'd like to add an HDMI-only device and have the capability to add future HDMI and/or component devices.

I'll keep looking. But if anyone knows of a device that can make this work, please speak up! Thanks!

 

[markw]

Trying to marry new tech to old tech isn't as easy or as cheap as one would like. Sometimes it's best just biting the bullet and upgrading the TV itself.

HDMI/DVI and component are different animals. I can't think of any one device that handles both. It's two different signals and require two different approaches. Apples and oranges as it were.

First off, there are HDMI switches out there that could take several HDMI sources and feed them into one output. Here's one HDMI switch. There are many others out there.

That should handle your HDMI input selection problems. Now, you need to decide in which direction you want to go. Towards RGB component, or DVI.

Let's assume you want to go the HDMI/DVI Route. That HDMI switcher above) and HDMI/DVI converter (in my previous post) could simplify and solve many of your problems. Feed that switch output into that converter and then into your DVI port. One box and one converter to handle all your HDMI needs and you won't have to worry about RGB component video at all. This would be my choice

FWIW, Digital DVI (or HDMI) will provide a better picture than analog RGB component video, at least in theory, when fed directly. But, unless your TV is Hi-def, it may be a moot point.

Let's assume you want to go the RGB component route. You'll have go through that same HDMI switch as above and then feed it's output into that HDMI/RGB Component converter box in my previous post. Once that's done, you could feed it directly into your TV's RGB component input.

But wait, there's more. If you have more than one RGB component source there's a plethora of inexpensive RGB component video/audio switches out there.

So, pick a direction.

 

[agarwalro]

Craigslist? I don't think so. Maybe eBay from the perspective you're coming from. I don't trust Craigslist one bit and eBay only slightly more.

I honestly don't even remember why I said Craigslist. Though I'd rather do Craigslist than eBay. You can replace 'A Craigslist receiver' in my previous post with 'Acquiring a receiver'. Doesn't really matter how you go about getting it.

I was hoping something was out there in today's market to make it work.

There are several receiver available that upconvert component to HDMI and have 7.1 analog pre-outs.

Oh, and the sound coming out of the projector's cabinet is really very, very good, actually!

You like fan noise!

 

[macddmac]

Craigslist? I don't think so. Maybe eBay from the perspective you're coming from. I don't trust Craigslist one bit and eBay only slightly more. I was hoping something was out there in today's market to make it work. Oh, and the sound coming out of the projector's cabinet is really very, very good, actually!



I'm using the DVI input on the TV only because a device supports it. I could actually leave it right there. The HDMI to component device you mentioned can do the job, sure, but only for one device and the component input on the TV is already occupied so I'd still need a switch.

The TV has one DVI and one component. Both are occupied. I'd like to add an HDMI-only device and have the capability to add future HDMI and/or component devices.

I'll keep looking. But if anyone knows of a device that can make this work, please speak up! Thanks!

By the time you're done putting bandaids on that relic to make it work, it'll blow craps, and you'll end up with a bunch of equipment you have no use for.
Buy a new display, you'll be amazed at the upgrade.
My 2 cents based on been there, done that.
Cheers, Mac

 

[markw]

On second thought, the only way you can get what you want is to use the 4 in/1 out HDMI switch and the HDMI to RGB component converter into your TV's component input. That will convert the HDMI sound into red/white analog.

If you use the HDMI switch and HDMI/DVI converter, you'll lose the sound.