HDMI to Composite

[vol.2]

Hello there. I am looking for the best way to get from an HDCP HDMI signal to a Composite signal (480i 4:3). I also need to be able to letterbox stuff that is 16:9 because I don't want stuff to be stretched or cut off.

I currently was looking at an extron DSV 605, which can get from HDMI to Component and handle letterboxing. Then I would need to get from Component to Composite, but I don't know what I would use for that. I found some random Amazon devices, but I am unsure of the quality or anything.

Can anyone comment here on a good or recommended way to do what I'm trying to do?

I think it goes without saying that I'm looking for the best possible quality of video with the least number of devices I can manage. Love to get in one; hopefully no more than two?

Thanks in advance for any bright ideas!

[orange808]

Could you share more details?

What are all the source signals and devices you want to use? Just HDMI inputs? What resolutions and refresh rates are the inputs? Post all the displays you plan to use and all the output signals you want. Is it a consumer CRT? Do you just want 480i output? What's your budget? How much lag/delay is too much?

How much can you adjust your display? If your display has robust features, you may want to just transcode. Do want a recommendation for transcoding or a full featured scan converter?

[vol.2]

sure!

input sources will be game systems and internet tv dongles (ala chromecast)

HDMI outputs to a CRT with a composite input.

budget. within reason, but i could spend a few hundred or so if i had to. (willing to watch ebay for a better deal on an interface)

lag/delay isn't a huge bother to me.

display i'm currently using has no real adjustments on the outside for geometry. (all on the inside) i would like a way to ensure that 16:9 is letterboxed on this 4:3 CRT and that 4:3 content can be zoomed in and out to the edges to fine tune.

[orange808]

Ok.

I don't believe the DVS 605 outputs 480i.

I use an Extron VSC 700 unit. I really like the results. It's my favorite 480i machine. I have many processors that can produce 480i, but I can't say any of them do a "hands down" better job.

The VSC 500 and VSC 700 should give you identical quality. Get the cheapest one you can find. They both output composite and svideo natively. For best results, try to get a 500 or 700. I have tried the VSC 300 and it doesn't look quite as good.

The VSC units have great user interfaces. Personally, I find them so easy to adjust, it feels like I'm cheating. You will be able to adjust the size of the screen without hassle. If you don't mind losing correct aspect ratio, you can force a 16:9 onto a 4:3 screen.

The Extron VSC's are reasonably fast. Under a frame of lag.

The VSC units only accept RGB flavored inputs, so I recommend an HDFury 2 or HDFury Nano to convert HDMI inputs to RGBHV HD15 (VGA). You may be happy with a cheaper converter. It's up to you. The HDFury devices handle most HDCP. You may want an HDFury 4 if you are going to attempt PS4.

input device >> HDFury/HDMI to VGA >> VSC 500/700 >> CRT display

[vol.2]

Ok.

The VSC units have great user interfaces. Personally, I find them so easy to adjust, it feels like I'm cheating. You will be able to adjust the size of the screen without hassle. If you don't mind losing correct aspect ratio, you can force a 16:9 onto a 4:3 screen.
y

Ok. Thanks for the reply. So, is there no way to have 16:9 content display letterboxed on my 4:3 CRT? (Take for example a chromecast that only outputs at 16:9)

Also, what's the diff between the HD fury regular and the Nano? Am I sacrificing image quality with the Nano, or is it only features?

[orange808]

Ok.

The VSC units have great user interfaces. Personally, I find them so easy to adjust, it feels like I'm cheating. You will be able to adjust the size of the screen without hassle. If you don't mind losing correct aspect ratio, you can force a 16:9 onto a 4:3 screen.
y

Ok. Thanks for the reply. So, is there no way to have 16:9 content display letterboxed on my 4:3 CRT? (Take for example a chromecast that only outputs at 16:9)

Also, what's the diff between the HD fury regular and the Nano? Am I sacrificing image quality with the Nano, or is it only features?

The Nano is fine. It also has built in gamma adjustment.

Yes, the Extron will let you letterbox. In fact, I think the auto adjust feature will letterbox 16:9 by default.

[vol.2]

cool. thanks aaron.