Vision FC4 - HDMI to component

[dudeonline]

I have recently bought the Vision FC4 HDMI to Component adapter and connected it to my Hi-Def Panasonic TH50PV30b plasma which only has component inputs. When the HDMI setting is set to "Auto" on my Sony RDRHXD860 dvd recorder the picture is adversely affected. Parts of the picture become blackened and its not good at all.

Setting HDMI to 720p causes a loss of picture (still something there but just a complete mess)

Setting HDMI to 480/576p is the only setting that gives me a good picture although I have to adjust brightness settings to get it. I would like to make use of the Sony's upscaling ability and wonder if anyone else with the Vision FC4 has had similar problems?

[Kamin99]

Interesting enough as I have the same panny plasma and was thinking of buying this naughty box and was hoping to see it working for 1080i resolution as this screen only accepts 1080i for HD, and also wanted to post on this to see opinions on the validity of using it for the new HD-DVD or the Blue ray; Would be very helpful if we get some ideas as initally it was thought these noughty boxes will be blocked as soon as their numbers are known and licence wil be revoked so they are rendered useless.
someone also suggested previously that we should start buying these boxes before they are banned from the market as previously happened with the german brand. Is there any knowladge on the audio from these boxes can they carry the new HD DTS format for example? It would be good to get updated opinions on the matter.

[dudeonline]

I wasn't aware that this screen only accepts 1080i, interesting. Funnily enough last night I decided to set the HDMI output of my Sony RDR-HXD860 to 1920 x 1080i and the TH50PV30B accepted it. The menus of the DVD Player were really dark, however the playback was ok. The picture does look very good, a little stuttered sometimes on some panning across the screen (that could be the player of course) but other than that very detailed. I tried comparing the 1080i setting to the 480/576p setting (I was using Lord of the rings - extended edition). My initital thoughts are that the 1080i setting is more 3d like and has more detail, but more testing is needed. I have left it on the 1080i setting for now. I'll give an update again, after more testing...

[Kamin99]

I have sky HD running via componet & Zektor HDS4 switcher ,and i must say the PQ of the HD content is little short of stunning particulary BBC HD , National geographic and discovery channel

I await furthur analysis to this naughty box, and maybe some comments on their validity in current and future technology

[dudeonline]

Its good to know that Sky HD works well with this plasma panel as I have considered subscribing. Also that the 1080i scaled down works well too.
I don't know whether sky are still supplying the boxes with component connections or if they are now HDMI only... I think I would prefer to try an HDMI only sky box with the Vision FC4 before committing myself if that is the case.