HDMI to Component Conversion?

[JimCleary]

Hi,
My Sony (digital) TV doesn't have an HMDI input socket. My old SKY+HD box had component video output, but it broke & the replacement does not. So I think I need a converter.
Checking around, it looks like my options are either the VisionFC4 v2, or the HDFury. I was wondering what role HDCP plays - will this work?

[it is hugely frustrating that I have a top-of-the-range digital tv, but in order to watch in High Definition, I need to convert the digital input signal to analogue. How stupid is that?]

Comments and advice welcome,

Jim.

[SilverFox2]

Hi,
My Sony (digital) TV doesn't have an HMDI input socket. My old SKY+HD box had component video output, but it broke & the replacement does not. So I think I need a converter.
Checking around, it looks like my options are either the VisionFC4 v2, or the HDFury. I was wondering what role HDCP plays - will this work?

[it is hugely frustrating that I have a top-of-the-range digital tv, but in order to watch in High Definition, I need to convert the digital input signal to analogue. How stupid is that?]

Comments and advice welcome,

Jim.

HD Fury2 certainly works and is HDCP compliant (probably because of its price).
Suggest you look here for further Technical issues:

CurtPalme.com Special Edition HDFury2: HDMI to Component/RGB Converter

HDFury is not I think compliant but I have heard it works anyway but not through personal experience.
Sorry, don't know about your other option.

Hope this helps

[JimCleary]

Thank you, I was worried about HDCP so seeing that the HDFury2 is compliant is great news. I was leaning towards the VisionFC4 purely on availability - there is a supplier very local to me, but they don't have stock until the end of November so that's not an option. I'll order the HDFury2 - it does seem to be exactly what I need.
I did call Sony to get their advice & guidance: that was a total waste of time - basically their position is that the tv worked when they sold it to me; the fact that I can't get HD now isn't their problem, and also any converter probably won't work.

[Isitme]

I seem to remember that Sky announced some time ago, that where possible, they would supply a box with component out for users in your position. I don't know if this is still in force, but it may be worth asking Sky if your box can be exchanged for one compatible with your TV.

[JimCleary]

Tom,
I asked a few folks - tech support, the installers & Sky Protect but it seems that the component boxes are simply not available any more. Thinking about this I should probably have kept the defective box (when the new one was installed) and then tried to get it repaired but I didn't think of that at the time.
I've ordered the HDFury2 & I'll report on how that looks in due course.

[Old_nick]

I've been using one of the original Vision FC4's for more than two years now, without any problems at all. My only concern with the Fury is that it's built into the connector, which in time could place a strain on the connection due to the weight of the device levering against the socket.

[SilverFox2]

I've been using one of the original Vision FC4's for more than two years now, without any problems at all. My only concern with the Fury is that it's built into the connector, which in time could place a strain on the connection due to the weight of the device levering against the socket.

Actually thats a very good point.

I think any 'in line' equipment should be supported. Making sure it has a long enough HDMI lead for this to happen is advisable.

[JimCleary]

Thanks for the feedback; I hadn't thought about how to support the device. I'm thinking that I should have long enough cables in/out of the HDFury to allow it to sit on a shelf rather than directly onto either of the boxes I'm connecting; I certainly have a need to tidy up the spaghetti!

[JimCleary]

btw, to add insult to injury, as my new box is an Amstrad, I've now reverted to the old menu-system as well!!

[SilverFox2]

Thanks for the feedback; I hadn't thought about how to support the device. I'm thinking that I should have long enough cables in/out of the HDFury to allow it to sit on a shelf rather than directly onto either of the boxes I'm connecting; I certainly have a need to tidy up the spaghetti!

I think the vulnerable part of the HDMI circuit is the socket (particularly the one where it projects from your TV).
I use right angled connectors to make it less risky.

Expensive repair if this socket is damaged.

I also use Amstrad HD STB which was replacement for a so called 'faulty' Pace.

I have no problems with it (other than the stuck contrast on HDMI) and having no experience of the new epg cannot compare.