Connecting AppleTV to old TV through Yamaha RX-V659

[iamse7en]

Hello, thanks in advance to any advice you can provide.

I want to be able to hook up my AppleTV (3rd Gen) to an older HDTV. Let me explain my set-up so you know my limitations. It's a Mitsubishi Proj TV Diamond Deries (2004 maybe?), and it does support 1080p. However it is built into the wall and I only have access to a cabinet that holds the Directv DVR, a VHS player, a DVD player, and a Yamaha RX-V659 receiver. Therefore, I can only hook up the AppleTV by going through another receiver. What's my best option? Here is my thinking.

Option 1: Hook up AppleTV to Line-In 2 of Sony VHS player using ViewHD HDMI to Composite Converter (Not HD, not ideal)

This is similar to how I used to hook up my old MacBook through a DVI to Composite adapter. Here is the converter on Amazon. People have reported success in hooking up an AppleTV. However, this is not ideal since it's poor video quality.

Option 2: Hook up AppleTV to Component input on Yamaha RX-V659 using a HDMI to Component converter (ideal? Would it be HD? Could this work?)

As stated before, I can't access the TV directly. I only have access to these receivers. Everything goes through the Yamaha receiver, including the DirecTV HD DVR. My hypothesis is that I can use one of the Component inputs to get the AppleTV into the TV with an HD signal. Then I could use a Toslink cable to transfer the audio. Here is what the back of the receiver looks like:

Now what HDMI to Component converter would I need to make this happen? I'm looking for the most cost effective option. However, I also read a review on a Monoprice HDMI/Component converter where someone wasn't getting an HD signal, but then the Monoprice Tech suggested plugging the converter directly into the TV rather than through a receiver, and then he was able to get HD. I only mention this, because if I must plug the converter directly into the TV to get an HD signal, then I will not choose this option, because I must go through my Yamaha receiver. I would rather do option 1 because that converter is cheaper and smaller if both options will be non-HD anyways.

Any help or guidance anyone can provide would be much appreciated. Thank you!

 

[Adam]

Welcome to the forum!

So that we're all on the same page, how is the TV connected to the receiver? Composite and Component video?

 

[iamse7en]

Thank you. I believe it's only connected by component. Perhaps the monitor out output.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Without a doubt a component is highly prefered for you as it supports HD signal.
Technically by hdmi standard is strictly prohibited to convert digital hdmi signal to analog component, that said such products do exist and they could be your only hope since even modern receivers with hdmi inputs will not output component with hdmi input for same reason

This is one such product with decent reviews:
Amazon.com : ViewHD Component RGB YPbPr / VGA to HDMI 720P / 1080P PC to TV Upscaling Converter : Electronics

A big discussion about these here:
HDMI to Component Converter Advice

 

[lsiberian]

Legally you can only hookup hdmi devices to a tv with hdmi.

Option 1 is your best bet IMO.

Option 2 is purchase a new TV.

 

[tomd51]

The only two devices I've seen that would be able to accomplish option #2 (forget opt. #1, no HD w/composite, not even worthwhile on a decent-sized projection TV) would be this unit and this unit. They both have HDMI in with a SPDIF optical (toslink) out for 2.0/5.1 audio and RGB component out for 720p/1080i/1080p video.

Little pricey, but unless you have any issues with app updates on the AppleTV (I've seen Netflix issues mentioned in reviews), this might be the easiest way to go... -TD

 

[iamse7en]

Thank you everyone for the help. I ended up buying devices for both options, and it turns out option 2 certainly does work!! I got one of the hdfurypro clones and it works for both my AppleTV and my HDMI MacBook Pro. The picture actually looks great! Thanks again.

 

[iamse7en]

Spoke too soon. Turns out I can't really stream anything due to HDCP compliance issues. I can't even stream my own personal videos to my AppleTV! The MacBook Pro hookup works fantastically, but AppleTV is a failure. Due I need another HDMI to Composite converter than can bypass these annoying HDCP issues, or some adapter that will work with what I already bought? Legal shmegal. This is an outrage.