HDMI output, but no HDMI input on TV/What about Upconversion?

Question

I may seem ignorant on new technology, but here it goes. I have an HDMI output on my HD-DVD, and a HDMI input/output on my receiver. But I have no HDMI input on my TV (it's about 6 years old, so it's ancient in the technology world). I can connect via HDMI cable to the receiver to get "HD" sound (or whatever you want to call the sound output). And I suppose I can use component cables to get a pretty good video. But don't I loose the upconversion benefits with respect to normal DVDs of the HD-DVD player w/o HDMI? Is there anyway to take the video signal from my receiver to the TV beside component input? I don't think my TV even has a DVI input. Am I basically SOL on the upconversion benefits here?

Edit to add that I have an HDTV set, not a standard one. It can go up to 540p/1080i. So upconversion would have some benefit.

Answer 1

You will lose upconversion benefits on prerecorded DVDs, because the industry has mandated hardware limits that prevent such upconverting players from outputting a 720/1080 signal through the component out.
Discs that aren't protected should upconvert just fine to 1080i.

Answer 2

Here's the thing, you have updated your DVD component nicely but not your TV yet. A six year old TV is ancient by HD standards. Your current TV broadcasts in 480i (analog & 4:3 aspect ratio). HD-DVD (digital) starts at 480P. Your HD movies can be upconverted to your new HDTV in 720P,1080i or 1080P wide screen, all digital, 16:9 aspect ratio with your HD-DVD player. But you have a analog TV. When you do buy a new HDTV it will have newest HDMI input connector to upconvert for HD viewing and listening. HDMI digitally transfers sound and video from yo ur DVD player which is capable to upconvert to your new HDTV you are going to buy. DVI is excellent but only transfers video. You can go online and buy converter connectors. And you will still need to hook up a separate audio from DVD to TV. But why bother with mixing old and new technology? Go to www.Vizio.com for excellent and affordable LCD & Plazma HDTV's. Check them out and then go buy one at Sams or Costcos. You can also buy a HDMI cable there. Good luck!

EDIT: If you have a HDTV with no HDMI or DVI inputs then find out what inputs you have and go from there. It will work.
Try this link http://www.cablesdirect.com/connector.asp
Here's a good one too http://www.cnet.com/4520-7874_1-5108580-5.html?tag=lnav

Answer 3

Upconverting to what? You have a standard definition tv set - which is 480i. Regular DVD's are 480i. Upconverting them supposedly makes them 720p but it depends on the upconverting software as to whether the picture improves or not. BUT since your tv set is only good for 480i there is no benefit to upconversion. Forget upconversion and just use component cables as they will give you the best possible analog signal for the set that you have.

Answer 4

I don't think the cable type has anything to do with upconverting at all. In fact, some people will tell you Component is better than HDMI for some applications.

I know I use component and I can tell a difference when I play it through my upconverting PS3 vs a regular DVD player.

weeder

Answer 5

Use really good component (rated for the resolution you want) cables and make sure your settings are configured to the best resolution you can get out of all three devices.

Using a power center will help eliminate high freq transients in the power this will help as well.

Answer 6

X2 hdmi splitter should work fine for you, go ahead but make sure you buy only for trusted brands, if need be search in yahoo and google to find the best deals.

Answer 7

Componet video gives you just as good of picture as HDMI. Upconversion is BS, digital video is encoded changing it many many times. the analog componet only gets changed once, at the reciever. the "professionals" use componet video

just remember, digital isnt always better

Answer 8

HD-DVD (and Blu-Ray) will output 1080i via component - so you will get the best signal your TV can handle.