Freeview HD box with component out?

[Pabs1980]

I have a projector which insists upon stretching any HDMI signal to 4:3 and does not have the option to change it to 16:9 (great i know, but thats another story)

Other inputs, (composite, component) do have the ability to change aspect ratio to 16:9.

I get around this by using my iMac to play Blurays from the HDD with a media centre program called Plex, with which i can change the aspect ratio and save the setting. This means i can watch movies via HDMI (Plex is a fantastic media centre for those with Macs btw.) The projector is receiving an image which is more like 16:7, but displays it as 16:9.

Anyway, obviously i don't want to watch HDTV in 4:3, so it would seem that the only option is to either get a converter such as the HDfury, or find a Freeview HD box with component out. HDMI is not an option, as without a program like Plex to 'fix' the image before it is sent to the projector, i will be stuck with a stretched 4:3.

Given my problem, can anyone else think of a better solution? Or just advise me of a box with component?

Thanks to anyone who takes the time to help.

Paul.

 

[nwhitfield]

As far as I can recall, from one of the spec documents, component output is specifically not allowed on boxes that have Freeview HD certification.

 

[Pabs1980]

Specifically not allowed? hmm, sounds odd, but if that is the case i suppose i'd better look for another solution.

HDMI Male To 5RCA Component Video Audio Cable Converter on eBay (end time 16-Jun-10 07:47:28 BST)

Would this work from a Freeview HD box (HDMI) to the projector (Component)? This is only about £3 where the HDfury is £100+

Would i need a special box that would work with this cheap cable? Damn this is confusing...

 

[Chris1712]

As far as I can recall, from one of the spec documents, component output is specifically not allowed on boxes that have Freeview HD certification.

Could be an issue with HDCP, I think the HD channels utilise it.

 

[nwhitfield]

Just dug out the docs; DTG receiver recommendations 1.7, which are based on the D Book specs for the UK:

"Receivers SHALL NOT provide any functional analogue HD component outputs."

 

[MarkE19]

HDMI Male To 5RCA Component Video Audio Cable Converter on eBay (end time 16-Jun-10 07:47:28 BST)

Would this work from a Freeview HD box (HDMI) to the projector (Component)? This is only about £3 where the HDfury is £100+

There is a very good reason why the cable is £3 and the HDFury ~£100 - there is absolutely no hope in hell of the cheap cable ever working, it is physically impossible! HDMI is a digital only connection and the Component on 3 phono's is an analogue only connection. You must have hardware conversion to convert from digital to analogue. These cables are a complete rip off designed to only part the non techie folk on eBay from their cash.

Mark.

 

[Gavtech]

There is a very good reason why the cable is £3 and the HDFury ~£100 - there is absolutely no hope in hell of the cheap cable ever working, it is physically impossible! HDMI is a digital only connection and the Component on 3 phono's is an analogue only connection. You must have hardware conversion to convert from digital to analogue. These cables are a complete rip off designed to only part the non techie folk on eBay from their cash.

Mark.

I like the 'Get out of jail free' notes at the end of the Features list.

 

[Clem_Dye]

Having just bought a Fury2 so that I can use my upscaling DVD player with my old Sony plasma that only has component inputs, I can confirm that the Fury2 works as billed. Via my panel I can now get a 1080i/50 picture from the DVD player - no HDCP issues at all!


Clem

 

[Pabs1980]

Thanks for all your help, i had a feeling the eBay cable was a non starter, but thought it best to ask.

Looks like its the HDFury for me then.

Much appreciated.

Paul.

 

[grahamlthompson]

Before you spend the money consider thst a free to air HD satellite box combined with a dish will give you full HD from component for BBC-HD, ITV1-HD and Luxe-HD plus more if you have a motorised dish. No HD-Fury required and you can likely get the lot for less than the price of the HD-Fury