No HDMI Output with Component Source

A reader asks Dr. A why he can't view some of his material on the TV he bought. Lots of people run into this problem, so we figured we'd take it to Dr. A for a solution.

Q: I have an HDTV that only has component inputs. My AV reciever supports both component video and HDMI. I have an upconverting DVD player that I'd like to use, which only outputs 1080p via its HDMI outputs. Can I connect the HDMI from the DVD player to the receiver and then output component video from the receiver to the TV? When I try this I get no picture. How come?

This is a common issue with people upgrading their systems one component at a time. Most AV receivers, with very few exceptions, will not down-convert HDMI video to the component video outputs due to HDCP copy protection. In addition to taking an extra DAC (digital to analogue conversion) step which is something not typically included in the majority of HDMI-enabled receivers, HDCP prevents any digital downconversion at resolutions higher than 480p.

So, in our experience, even those receivers which do perform HDMI to component video conversion - and switchers which do the same, are limited to sources at 480p.

There are two possible solutions to this issue. One involves the use of an HDMI to component video switcher/converter. These devices take one or more HDMI inputs and output YCbCr (component video) for legacy displays. Typically this is cost-prohibitive (~$250) and limits your resolution to 480p at the source. We'd recommend you allocate the money towards an eventual new HDMI-capable display.

The second option is to forego HDMI output from your source components and allow the display to scale the analogue signal from 480p to its native resolution. For now, cableTV boxes and even Blu-ray and HD DVD players will also allow analogue output at up to 1080i resolution. The problem with this solution is that it is short-term and does not take into account the fact that users of Blu-ray or HD DVD players may find their analogue video outputs limited to 480p at some point down the road.

HDMI is not inherently better than component video (YPbPr), however many of the new video formats are only allowing the highest resolution to be output via HDMI since it contains DRM (digital rights management - copy protection) unavailable on analogue component outputs.

As we mentioned above, most Blu-ray players, including the PS3 include the ability to output up to at least 1080i via component video. When done correctly, this should look almost identical to 1080p output via HDMI.

The simple solution is to go with component video until such a time that your entire video "food chain" is upgraded to HDMI. You'll likely be satisfied with the results and won't be forced into an upgrade until you are ready.