HDMI to older DVI - Problems!?
default -- Thu, 01/22/2009 - 19:45
Hello to all,
I have recently purchased a new Tivo HD XL after being completely ticked off at my crummy Time Warner DVR for the last time. Unfortunately the picture on my 2003 JVC is completely washed out and discolored through the digital connection. The Tivo uses HDMI and my JVC uses DVI, so I have an HDMI to DVI cable connecting the two. This arrangement works fine with my Marantz DVD player and with my cable DVR, but not with the new Tivo.
The Tivo people tell me that my TV is probably too old to work with the newer HDMI, but I thought that it was backwards compatible. Can anyone tell me if they are correct? If it is a problem with the unit, I'd like to exchange it.
Finally, if it is a problem with my TV, is there any way to fix it? Can I run the signal through some external device that could convert the signal correctly? I don't want to use a receiver, but perhaps some other stand-alone device?
Thanks, in advance, for any input.
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HDMI outputs usually have two brightness ranges, one for video and another for computers. They often correspond to the "below black" and "standard black" settings found on many DVD players. See if your display has provisions for different black level settings. Your Tivo may have similar choices in its set-up menus.
If neither has black level adjustments you may find that using a scaler may solve your problem. Most scalers have picture control settings that include brightness, black level, and contrast that should let you fine tune the Tivo's picture.
Sorry if this last method is a more expensive solution than you probably had in mind, but it will solve the problem plus give you more control over all your other video inputs.
Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications
Hello to All
I have a Pioneer Elite 61" rear projection TV from the last year they were produced which I believe was 2003 or 2004. I use video inputs which are connected with Better Cables top component video cables; however, analogue in nature. I wonder if using the DVI cable to a HDMI connection would give me a better picture than my component video cables by Better Cables gives at this time. I am a tweaker who tries to get the best out of my current equipment. I know I'm officially HDMI-challenged, but I am using Directv HD signals as one source as well as a Panasonic BD30 bluray high definition as another source. My picture looks great ; however, I wonder if DVI would look even better or do not fiddle with the very good setup which I already have?
Thanks in advance for your time and your input.
Sounds like you have a great setup.
You may consider, at this point, sticking with the Component. The Pioneer is an analog display, as all CRT based ones, and a very good one. You convert to analog with component, then it will possibly have less conversions if left in component.
When you upgrade to a full digital display, DLP/LCD/Plasma, you can then take advantage of the full 1080p/24 of the BD format, staying digital all the way, eliminating conversions.
I have a Mitsubishi Diamond 55" DLP with HDMI, and I hook up the BD (Panasonic BD-55) that way, but my Comcast cable box looks great with the 1080i component hookup.
I'd say stick with that, at this point.
Hope this helps.
Mike Colwell
VinylGuy
I have an NEC 61" plasma from several years ago (2004?). It has a variety of inputs, including HDMI. But even though my non HDCP-compliant Oppo DVD player works fine using the HDMI hook-up, Blu-Ray players (I've tried three) do not. I'm guessing that the newer equipment all requires the HDCP handshake and that my NEC plasma doesn't know how to give it. I know I could use component cables to hook-up a Blu-Ray player with the NEC plasma, but then I wouldn't be getting the full HD effect. By the way, using my Sony DHG-HDD250 DVR I can get HD using OTA sources, and it gives a stunning true HD display.
Is there a way to get a Bl-Ray player to hook up with my plasma using the HDMI input?
Thanks!!