HDCP HDMI to component?

[Alex2507]

I've got a Denon 1920 which will convert a 480i DVD up to 1080i via an HDMI output to a HDCP compatible display. Problem is that my display is not HDCP compatible and only has component in. I think it has a VGA? input to act as a monitor. Is there anything to be done here? I'm pretty sure I'll be watching DVD's through component at 480p but it never hurts to ask. Thanks.

 

[jimfitz]

Buy a new monitor. That's about it.

 

[obscbyclouds]

Yes, unfortunately, you are correct. I don't know of any devices that will take a HDCP enabled HDMI output and transcode (downconvert) it to Component or VGA. What kind of TV is it by the way? Others on the board may have more knowledge about this than I.

Oppo 970's and possibly 980's can be hacked to upscale over component, and there are some older DVD players that can do this (Zenith used to make one). Whether or not this is worth the price is up to you. Upscaled DVD's may look better than 480i/p players, but it's not a night and day difference like going from SDTV to HDTV or anything.

As an aside, I don't suppose you have an XBOX 360 do you? It will upscale DVD's to any resolution up to 1080p using VGA.

 

[Alex2507]

As an aside, I don't suppose you have an XBOX 360 do you? It will upscale DVD's to any resolution up to 1080p using VGA.

Now that is facinating. My kid just told me that you need a separate player for that costing $ of course. Is that right or will the 360 just upconvert DVD's without additional accesories? The TV is a Protron. Disposable HDTV. Thanks for confirming my suspicions.

Alex

 

[autoboy]

Actually, i'm told the xbox360 is limited to 480p on DVD playback and is rather average as a progressive scan player. The PS3 makes a much better DVD player and can upscale to 1080p. It can beat many HTPCs and comes close to very expensive players. http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/autumn_2007_video_shootout/

 

[nick1000000]

With the size of your TV you can get away with using component cables instead of HDMI cables. You will probably not see a difference between the two.

 

[BMXTRIX]

There is no way to do this with what you have. Odds are good, that if you have an off-brand display that you may also not see nearly the optimal results even if you could accomplish this.

I would recommend that you may wish to consider moving the Protron to a secondary room and upgrading the display to one of higher quality with the current host of inputs so that you can fully realize the quality of content on the market if you want.

Personally, I run component for everything at this time - at least until I get a HDMI matrix switcher.

 

[Alex2507]

New TV sounds good. I'm surprised to hear that 480p and 720p or 1080i might not be a noticable improvement. I still feel like I have to get my money's worth out of the TV though. It's a huge step up fron a 27" CRT when it comes to watching widescreen movies. Another year and we'll look into a Sharp. Thanks for the replies.