HT Video help

[Jacob Dryer]

I just got AT&T U-Verse and finally upgraded to HDTV service. The set top box has component out (required for hd) and my projector has VGA in.. has anyone had any experience with using a transcoder to go from component to VGA?



Specifically I was looking at picking up the item in the link below. Any thoughts?

 

[Thomas Rogers]

JD,



Save your money and get a new projector with HD input capability. It would be a shame to downconvert that signal to analog/VGA quality.



If not willing/able to do that, then I see no need to have HDTV service, IMHO.



TJR

 

[Jacob Dryer]

unless I'm confused vga supports 1080i so it will still be a HD signal to the projector.

 

[John D 3]

JDBoxes,



I used to work in the HT industry. I think (but its been a while, so its possible I'm wrong) that its just a "mapping" so to speak.

If your box has component, and your projector has a DB15 input, its just a matter of mapping. For example, there are companies (Audioquest, if I remember correctly makes some) which make component cables which can be terminated either Y,Pb,Pr (component) on one end and VGA (DB15) on the other end.

The box you showed might work, have no idea really, but in theory, I think it'll be fine.



I just looked to see if I had any Audioquest cables lying around which might be terminated that way, but mine are all component on both ends...sorry.



John D

 

[Thomas Rogers]

JDBoxes, since you only had VGA input I assumed an older projector, and those going back a few years had native resolutions typically lower than 1080...that's why I said what I said.



TJR

 

[Jacob Dryer]

The projector is only about 4 month old, while 1080i isn't it's native resolution it does support it.



My other option would be to convert the signal out of the box from HDMI and run it back to the projector as DVI.



Would that be a better option than doing the transcoder? I just don't know the differences in DVI and I don't want to end up with 50ft of DVI cabling thats useless to me.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

JDBoxes, yes, you would be better getting an HDMI to DVI cable. That way you are completely digital.



Do a Google search on: HDMI to DVI cable



One quick find below:



TJR

 

[Jacob Dryer]

I've always heard good things about monoprice and shipping will only be 1 day.

 

[Thomas Rogers]

BTW, do you really need 50'?



TJR

 

[Jeff Harwanko]

I believe that this might be what you are looking for. I've purchased from them before, and have been very satisfied. This cable comes in 6', 12', 25' and 50' lengths.



Hope this helps

 

[Jacob Dryer]

Do I NEED 50 no, but 25 isn't enough. I have to run it all the way around the living room and up the wall so I'd rather have the extra, I'm sure I won't notice the signal degration and even if there is some it's still an improvement switching to HD



DE-Trac I don't think I can use that because of the

This cable is primarily used for connecting video projectors with Component-in capability through it's VGA port. It can only function with a VGA port that is either able to recieve or transmit Component signals (Y, Pr, Pb).



IT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO CONNECT YOUR COMPONENT VIDEO SOURCES TO A REGULAR COMPUTER MONITOR OR HDTV unless you monitor specifically has this capability. Most do not. (Please check the documentation for your computer monitor)

My projector doesn't have component in so I don't think it's smart enough to use the vga as component which is why I was looking at the transcoder.





Either way I think I'm just going to get the hdmi to dvi cable I linked.. hopefully that works out.

 

[Jeff Harwanko]

Good call. If you can stay digital (HDMI to DVI) that is definately the way to go. I should have read the post in a little more detail. Good luck!

 

[Thomas Rogers]

JDBoxes...it's a digital signal. It either degrades to the point that you get picture breakup, or it doesn't. Chances are 40' or so won't be an issue. It's not like an analog signal where you can lose quality the longer distance you go, and see snow, etc.



TJR

 

[Jacob Dryer]

Good deal just ordered it, I'll let you guys know how it turns out.

 

[Jacob Dryer]

Got the HDMI to DVI cable today (the one I linked above) installed and it's working great. 1080i coming out of the projector to my screen. Good stuff.



Just for giggles here are some pics of my setup.

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I built the cabinet/dvdrack/screen holder

 

[Thomas Rogers]

Nice setup, JD.



Glad it is all working for you.



TJR