Question How can I convert from HDMI to component video signal on my legacy TV?

[Dandi Lyon]

I have an older SONY CRT TV, their FD Trinitron/WEGA line, model KV-32XBR250. I’m using a TV streaming box (supplied by my Canadian cable TV provider, Rogers Communications) that outputs HDMI, 16:9 aspect ratio, in 720p and higher 1080 video modes. My TV supports only 480i interlaced, in 4:3 and a 16:9 enhancement (which was a new feature in 1999 video technology). My provider supplied me with a converter to go from the streaming box HDMI digital interface to my TV in analog composite video format—as a single channel, typically a yellow connector—which gives me a 4:3 aspect ratio picture. But since my provider's output is 16:9, the picture on my TV scales images that appear vertically squashed.

My TV also supports higher quality analog S-Video (two channel) and component video signals (three-channel red, green, blue connectors in YPbPr colour space) allowing 16:9, which I am trying to enable. (The 16:9 resolution displays fine when I'm sourcing from my DVD player, which natively outputs component video).

There are such converters that go from HDMI to S-Video or component video that I can buy on eBay and Amazon for as low as $20, but it’s not clear to me if they support 480i output (which I realise might lose some scan lines in the conversion). When I ask these sellers, some say they do go to that resolution, and others say they only support 480p (non-interlaced), which would not display on my TV. (Makes me suspicious how much these vendors, often from China, know the product they are selling.) My cable TV provider even took the time to test out one of their converters, but the technician could not get the HDMI signal to display on my TV in 16:9; I suspect that it could not output to 480i, just to 480p.


Short of upgrading my TV, I thought I’d contact someone on this site before taking a chance buying something online that I can’t test out beforehand, and ending up having to return it if it fails to work.

Any constructive help would be appreciated.

Thanks, and regards. Roar!

 

[stonecarver]

If you can give me a couple of days I can find my box that does everything you are asking. The issue is all or most of my audio and video stuff is packed in a bedroom from floor to ceiling from a move.

The device I have was about 2 grand but were talking over 20 years ago. For the life of me I can't remember the name of it.

I see them on ebay now and than for almost nothing these days as tech has moved on.
It has on screen menu and a touch pad that you make all your choices for routing and final screen resolution.

It does HDMI- DVI-Composite-component- s video
480i 480p 1080i 1080p bi directional.

Like I said I need to find it than I will find a link and post it.

 

[Dandi Lyon]

I'll wait for your reply with bated breath. Tho, in no big rush, I've waited this long. But I think I saw on eBay what you were talking about, and even then, those solutions were on the high end of my budget. I was hoping to pay no more than $100. Thank you, Mr. Stone Carver.

 

[Corwin65]

$99 gets you a new TV probably the best "adapter".

 

[Dandi Lyon]

Short of upgrading my TV

Any constructive help would be appreciated.

$99 gets you a new TV probably the best "adapter".

That's what my father in the nursing home said to me. But I don't want to upgrade my TV because until I renovate my condo—I'll upgrade all my electronics then. I was asking for a short-term easy fix to get me going, as I don't watch much TV anyway, except for the occasional news story and Jeopardy! And then I'd be responsible for hauling this 175 lb. beast to the dump or trying to sell it to video console gamers.

 

[stonecarver]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2839181248...j2WkLbrvRtTWcX9HGvHHDVL71ksS7WfEaAr8yEALw_wcB

I'm still looking for my Unit but mine does what this one does in the link.

For the life of me I swore mine is called a "Theater Master" but when I google it I can't locate mine exactly. So maybe the name is close but not perfect so I will keep looking.

I see these kinds of machines here and there for under $100.

 

[Dandi Lyon]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2839181248...j2WkLbrvRtTWcX9HGvHHDVL71ksS7WfEaAr8yEALw_wcB

I'm still looking for my Unit but mine does what this one does in the link.

For the life of me I swore mine is called a "Theater Master" but when I google it I can't locate mine exactly. So maybe the name is close but not perfect so I will keep looking.

I see these kinds of machines here and there for under $100.

$810 USD. Ouch! Way too overkill for my needs. For that I can buy a new TV, and have leftover money for a pair of custom Cobra Kai pants for my Second Life avatar.

I was looking at this puppy, 1080P HD HDMI To 5RCA RGB Component YPbPr Video and R/L Audio Adapter Converter for $12.98. But the seller told me it doesn't output to 480i. Think it might?

Thanks for the tip, nonetheless.