Component to HDMI converter

[Kailea]

I have a new arrangement in my entertainment room that is going to have me hooking everything I have, entertainment wise (game console and PC) to my Monitor, and all it has is an HDMI port.

I am going to use an HDMI switch bix, but my main problem is that my PS2 and Wii wont beable to be hooked up without using a converter.

I was wondering if anyone has used one before, or is using one now, and can tell me if there is any horrible video/audio lag on them. I honestly have no other way of hooking this stuff up, other then HDMI, without getting a new Monitor/TV, and I cant do that right now ;p

[Cheezeman3000]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

Most of the time with HDMI you're going to get a lag no matter what. The best option then is usually VGA, so does it have a VGA input? Most monitors do... so if it does I'd suggest you get the "HighBox," a Chinese component-to-VGA converter that's relatively cheap on ebay (about $30). If you can find it. I've been using it with my Wii on my HDTV and it works flawlessly, no lag or anything.

[Kailea]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

Most of the time with HDMI you're going to get a lag no matter what. The best option then is usually VGA, so does it have a VGA input? Most monitors do... so if it does I'd suggest you get the "HighBox," a Chinese component-to-VGA converter that's relatively cheap on ebay (about $30). If you can find it. I've been using it with my Wii on my HDTV and it works flawlessly, no lag or anything.

mmmm I did not think of doing it that way, it does have a VGA, and a DVI port as well, with audio out and in plugs so I could rig something up.

I did not realize HDMI had this lag issue, my 360 and my friends PS3 seem to do fine *shrugs*

EDIT: I tried looking up this issue, and it seems all of the things I found where back in 2008, you sure HDMI still lags like that? because again....my 360 seems fine.

[Icemage]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

The bigger problem with anything-to-HDMI conversion is that depending on the hardware involved, it may or may not like the HDMI handshaking. If it doesn't, all you get is a black screen for your trouble.

Component-to-DVI is a much better proposition.


Icemage

[Kailea]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

The bigger problem with anything-to-HDMI conversion is that depending on the hardware involved, it may or may not like the HDMI handshaking. If it doesn't, all you get is a black screen for your trouble.

Component-to-DVI is a much better proposition.


Icemage

mmm true, the converter I am looking at getting though, is at a local Computer hardware store, they have it setup and a DVD player hooked up with Component to the converter, then from there to the LCD TV using HDMI.


The thing is about $80 though, its why I am thinking so hard about it, also I might have a buyer for my 52in DLP TV, so if that goes through I can get the smaller LCD I want, and wont need the converter anyway -.- hate waiting. ;p

[Icemage]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

mmm true, the converter I am looking at getting though, is at a local Computer hardware store, they have it setup and a DVD player hooked up with Component to the converter, then from there to the LCD TV using HDMI.


The thing is about $80 though, its why I am thinking so hard about it, also I might have a buyer for my 52in DLP TV, so if that goes through I can get the smaller LCD I want, and wont need the converter anyway -.- hate waiting. ;p

Not all HDMI-enabled units are made equal. Is the model they're using the exact same model you're planning to use it on? Some devices have wonky HDMI handshaking at certain resolutions and not others, too. Be careful, and whatever you buy, make sure there's a return guarantee if it doesn't work.


Icemage

[Kailea]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

Not all HDMI-enabled units are made equal. Is the model they're using the exact same model you're planning to use it on? Some devices have wonky HDMI handshaking at certain resolutions and not others, too. Be careful, and whatever you buy, make sure there's a return guarantee if it doesn't work.


Icemage

oh mmm, yeah I did not think about that. I will thats for sure, but I hope this guy buys the TV, because if he does, I don't even have to bother with all this mess, I will just go pick me up a nice 32-40" LCD TV and be done ;p

[Kailea]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

did alittle looking on the internets, and it seems like going VGA would be better then trying to do HDMI, but its looking more and more like I mgiht sell that TV *crosses fingers* now to just find me a nice TV to get for around 500-600bucks.......

[Cheezeman3000]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

did alittle looking on the internets, and it seems like going VGA would be better then trying to do HDMI, but its looking more and more like I mgiht sell that TV *crosses fingers* now to just find me a nice TV to get for around 500-600bucks.......

Like I said... I actually did a BUNCH of research after I got my HDTV and found out my Wii was seriously lagging over component... thought about getting a Wii-to-HDMI but then noticed all the lag I had on my PS3 through HDMI (really noticeable on games like Rock Band, which has a mode that can give you an idea of how many milliseconds of lag your display has). So I did some research, decided on VGA, bought a $70-ish 'professional' converter product that ended up not converting the signal correctly (picture ended up all green), was kinda giving up but then found a review on the "high box." It has hilarious Engrish on the cover but it works like a charm! Now I can play Mario in HD with only about 5 ms of lag (not noticeable at all) instead of 50-100 (very noticeable). :D

Here's the review: REVIEW: High-Box Component to VGA Converter

Note that someone in the comments says the sound comes out as mono, which is false, I tested it and the sound came out stereo, so there's no real drawbacks to using this device in my opinion. You can also play Gamecube games with it (480i which is NOT a native VGA resolution)!

[Kailea]

Re: VGA converter wins, now what TV?

Like I said... I actually did a BUNCH of research after I got my HDTV and found out my Wii was seriously lagging over component... thought about getting a Wii-to-HDMI but then noticed all the lag I had on my PS3 through HDMI (really noticeable on games like Rock Band, which has a mode that can give you an idea of how many milliseconds of lag your display has). So I did some research, decided on VGA, bought a $70-ish 'professional' converter product that ended up not converting the signal correctly (picture ended up all green), was kinda giving up but then found a review on the "high box." It has hilarious Engrish on the cover but it works like a charm! Now I can play Mario in HD with only about 5 ms of lag (not noticeable at all) instead of 50-100 (very noticeable). :D

Here's the review: REVIEW: High-Box Component to VGA Converter

Note that someone in the comments says the sound comes out as mono, which is false, I tested it and the sound came out stereo, so there's no real drawbacks to using this device in my opinion. You can also play Gamecube games with it (480i which is NOT a native VGA resolution)!

wait.... your component was lagging? thats odd, might want to make sure your TV is not the cause of that,

but yeah with my LCD monitor, or even the new TV I am looking at, I think I will hook up my PS2/Wii using a VGA converter, and my PC/360/future PS3 with HDMI

sooooo now on that subject..... TVs ;p what is a good size for a normal gamer? I am past the "OMG must have HUGE TVz" phase, and am now looking for quality and gaming compatibility. Any thoughts?

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

I wouldn't go under 40". That's an all around good size for a room. My sister just bought a gorgeous 40" Sony 120Hrz LCD for $800 at Walmart. It's a Bravia series. I own 2 Bravias and 3 Sharp Aquos tv's and the quality on both has been outstanding. I've also bought a couple tv's for my elderly mother and aunt, one Bravia and one Aquos. They love them and so far no problems with any of their tv's, no problems with any of ours, and none with my sisters too.

[Kailea]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

oh thats cool, I was looking in to one of the Sony Bravia, but it was a 32" my current is a 52" FLP, but its just way to big for this room, and was thinking of not going below 40 myself. good to know I was headed in the right direction.

I will look into the sharps as well, see if I cant find one at a good price, the problem is I will only have about 600-700 to work with, so I might have to get one smaller then 40" but I do want to try and get a sharp or Sony. Also still trying to see if I really need 120hz or if 60 is still ok...but since this TV will have to last me a good long time, I really am pushing 120hz on myself ;p

[Cheezeman3000]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

Look on Craigslist for refurb TV's. I got a refurb 42" 120hz Vizio for about $540 in February. Not bad.

And yes, the lag issue comes from the TV. I was under the impression that every HDTV has lag issues. I know of maybe two models that don't, and they were not the ones I wanted, so I decided to figure out a workaround. Thankfully I was able to find the VGA solution.

[Kailea]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

Look on Craigslist for refurb TV's. I got a refurb 42" 120hz Vizio for about $540 in February. Not bad.

And yes, the lag issue comes from the TV. I was under the impression that every HDTV has lag issues. I know of maybe two models that don't, and they were not the ones I wanted, so I decided to figure out a workaround. Thankfully I was able to find the VGA solution.

ah I see, yeah I was thinking of getting a referb as well, then I can get the size I want for the price I can aford...but I have only dealt with refurb computer hardware (and have had no problems) never dealt with refurbed TVs before.

[TheGrandMom]

Re: Component to HDMI converter

Once you have the money to buy a tv, watch TV Coupons and Deals and www.dealnews.com for tv deals. I've saved a lot of money using these sites for electronics. I use the hell out of them near Christmas and it really helps.