Beyond TV to HDMI connection

[btvbuddy]

Would it be wise to convert a DVI Beyond TV output to a HDMI HDTV input? Or DVI to Component? Which gives us a better quality setup?

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by btvbuddy

Would it be wise to convert a DVI Beyond TV output to a HDMI HDTV input? Or DVI to Component? Which gives us a better quality setup?

I am converting a DVI to HDMI on my Sony HDTV and it looks great. I believe that HDMI is supposed to be much better, but I'm sure that I lose something in the conversion. I just got a DVI to HDMI converter for about $30 US. What video card are you using ?

[btvbuddy]

This is for a new fresh setup for this LCD / HD display

http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTE...hdtv_flatpanel

There are 5 inputs, the component is labeled 1080i. I really do not know anything about HDMI right now. I decided to build a new solution so I am completely open to any ideas this for a bedroom setup.

Have been a Windows user since time-began :-( and I am actually concidering a mac-mini setup that has a DVD drive and DVI output. Do not have a solution yet but I know I do not want a PC in the bedroom.

I am running a Windows 2003 Server with Beyond TV in the home-theater downstairs. Thanks in advance for any ideas for my bedroom setup.

[blitzkrg]

hdmi is DVI + audio + HDCP, there isnt any conversion being done by using an adapter, it's just not sending the audio over.

[nanook105]

Maybe it just isn't in the pictures, but I don't see the HDMI connection. All I see is the component input. What outputs does your video card support ?

[btvbuddy]

The single HDMI is behind a closed door panel in rear.

I was figuring that in a PVR setup I would use it instead of the component input which I could use for DVD. As far as video card, the Beyond TV server downstairs is a AIW 9000 and that has DVI. I really want to keep that server out of the bedroom. Some kind of a small sized PVR-type solution would be good. This means new hardware I guess, which is why I mentioned the mac-mini as an idea (is mac-mini even PVR capable?)

The smallest PVR setup I have used is a shuttle-based, and even at that size it seems to be too much for the bedroom. A thin-media player with Beyond TV Link would be what I want but that does not exists. Maybe a Haupp MVP?

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by btvbuddy

The single HDMI is behind a closed door panel in rear.

I was figuring that in a PVR setup I would use it instead of the component input which I could use for DVD. As far as video card, the Beyond TV server downstairs is a AIW 9000 and that has DVI. I really want to keep that server out of the bedroom. Some kind of a small sized PVR-type solution would be good. This means new hardware I guess, which is why I mentioned the mac-mini as an idea (is mac-mini even PVR capable?)

The smallest PVR setup I have used is a shuttle-based, and even at that size it seems to be too much for the bedroom. A thin-media player with Beyond TV Link would be what I want but that does not exists. Maybe a Haupp MVP?

I don't believe that any of the SS products work on macs, so I don't think that is an option. If you want to use live TV in the MBR, then the MVP probably isn't a good option (there are still issues with live TV playback on the MVP)

I just built a Link PC using this case:

http://www.newegg.com/product/produc...82E16811119072

and highly recommend it. It is a little bigger than some of the other desktop/small htpc cases, but it looks like it could be part of a regular entertainment center. Also, it is very easy to work with, air flow is excellent, and it is quiet. I use an Nvidia 6600GT. It comes with 2 DVI and one Component outputs, so you have choices. I also use Beyond Media (DVD Library plug in) to play my DVDs, so I don't need a DVD player.

[btvbuddy]

nanook105,
Thanks for sharing that link setup. Yes, I have considered that case and similar configs it's just the size, power, and noise issues that concern me for a bedroom. If the mac idea is out then I am forced to consider a TIVO. Yes I said it but I still do not believe I said it. DirectTV has a 99 tivo with a 50 rebate with a $5 month charge. Small box pvr, has no dvd. Is it just me or is there a real market for a MVP Haup-like device - would it be a MCE2005 extender?

[videobliss]

I'm not when it's coming out, but if you're thinking about using a Mac Mini as a computer in your bedroom, AOpen has a very similar product.

AOpen Mini PC

[btvbuddy]

So, using let say the Nvidia 6600GT how would I get my audio and video into the HDMI input? The card only video output. Some sort of combine cable is needed since HDMI is both audio and video right? I keep sticking to HDMI because I was told it's better, is that not the case?

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by btvbuddy

nanook105,
Thanks for sharing that link setup. Yes, I have considered that case and similar configs it's just the size, power, and noise issues that concern me for a bedroom. If the mac idea is out then I am forced to consider a TIVO. Yes I said it but I still do not believe I said it. DirectTV has a 99 tivo with a 50 rebate with a $5 month charge. Small box pvr, has no dvd. Is it just me or is there a real market for a MVP Haup-like device - would it be a MCE2005 extender?

I think that there is an untapped market for these types of set top devices. I own three of them (MediaMVP, PrismIQ, and GoVideo), but none of them come close to a PC running BTV/BM.

Actually, the setup in my MBR might work for you. I am connecting one of my BTV servers to the TV in my MBR. The BTV server is in a basement closet, and my MBR is on the second floor. I connected an svideo cable out from the video card to an RF modulator, and then ran a standard cable from the RF modulator to the TV in the MBR. I also ran a a USB2 extension cable to a powered hub in my MBR where I plug in a Firefly and an RF keyboard/mouse. Finally, I ran extension speaker cables (you can also combine the sound into the RF Modulator) to PC speakers in MBR. End result is BTV in the MBR without a PC in the bedroom. The video quality isn't as crisp from the RF modulator, but it is very good. If it is close enough, you could also run a long svideo cable instead of the modulator, but then you would also have to run separate wires for the audio.

[nanook105]

Originally Posted by btvbuddy

So, using let say the Nvidia 6600GT how would I get my audio and video into the HDMI input? The card only video output. Some sort of combine cable is needed since HDMI is both audio and video right? I keep sticking to HDMI because I was told it's better, is that not the case?

DVI only has video, so when you convert DVI to HDMI, you are only converting the video. Unless your HDMI source also includes separate audio inputs, you are out of luck if you want audio out of your TV.

[Rich A]

HDMI is an all in one special cable. It handles video, audio and if I remember also remote signals. It's really only made for interconnecting between devices that HAVE that type of connector (HDMI) . I doubt your HTPC has anything like that.

For a "complete" discription of it and how it works refer to this link :

http://www.hdmi.org/consumer/faq.asp

There's a similar "connection type" in Europe which combines video and audio etc. (maybe SECAM ? ) Something like that. Your newest DVD players etc. may start coming with that type of connector. It will reduce the jungle of interconnect cables in your A/V Rack. But I think you would only want to use it with an output device that actually has that type of connector. Otherwise you'd be putzing with media converters and/or connecter adaptors.

As far as video quality goes .. your component (three video sigs) should be as good as anything you can get out of the PC. Next down would be straight VGA and then S-video and the worst would be composite.

[btvbuddy]

Thanks you are right, that HDMI has a RCA L & R just for PVR use. I appreciate your feedback, I might have to go with dedicated PVR downstairs sending a/v signals either wirelessly or via CAT6 upstairs to the bedroom. In that case it seems that I need to give up on using the HDMI input.

[merrypig]

Do you mean SCART rich?