HOW TO CONVERT HDMI TO STANDARD DEFINITION - A Low Cost Solution….
© 2011 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
New technology is always great, but with it comes an entire new set of problems and the need for inexpensive solutions. Many of Today’s Blu-Ray players, mini digital video cameras and television display devices lack analogue connectivity. Interfacing such signals is near impossible unless some form of an analogue conversion is available. Such external solutions are typically very expensive and surpass the cost of the new HDMI device. So, let’s say you wish to view HD programming on your non-HD TV display, or wish to copy a Blu-Ray disc to DVD, or transfer recorded HD material from your mini camera to an analogue editing program on a stand-alone editor or MAC/PC. What’s a practical solution?
RAM Electronics Industries offers a problem solver with the model V3081 HDMI to composite/S-Video converter. This compact box offers an HDMI connection that is selectable to convert to either a composite video or S-video jack that may be switched between PAL or NTSC TV standards. It includes stereo audio jacks as well.
(TIP: Copyrighted material is subject to international law that may restrict or prohibit copying. I, nor the manufacturer, do not endorse duplication of such material unless you are the copyright holder. When in doubt check the intellectual property laws before proceeding.)
The operation is simple. Select PAL or NTSC operation, plug the HDMI cable into the converter, select the output desired and match up with the appropriate video and audio cables.
(TIP: You need to complete these steps and power up the converter prior to powering the source or other device. Failure to select the proper TV standard, PAL or NTSC, will result in a black & white, unstable image. Power everything down, make the proper selection, and reboot as previously discussed)
I tested the converter using various monitors, a Casablanca editing system, a Kodak digital camera and video inputs of a computer’s video board. The results were favorable considering the low cost of the converter. Since HD signals typically use a 16:9 format, a squeeze and stretched image were somewhat noticeable. It would be nice if a letterbox switch selection were available to compensate for this effect. Color, noise and resolution were very good when compared to the original signal. A loop-thru capability is missing which means repatching is necessary for returning to non-converted use.
At the price it works well when compared to similar units. My only complaints were previously stated and thus reflected in my rating. Available on line: www.ramelectronics.net/
MSRP: $69.95
GADGETEER’S RATING: H H H
Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products at no cost and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.
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