Microsoft prepping component to HDMI adapter?

Friendly tipster Evan M wasn't too stoked to see an Xbox 360 Elite headed for store shelves after he'd just purchased a Premium 360, especially considering the fact that his TV has a whole HDMI port twiddling its thumbs, just waiting to get its game on. After informing Microsoft of his displeasure through what we're sure was a politely worded email, Evan claims to have received a slightly encouraging response from a Microsoft support person, promising an upcoming HDMI to component adapter for the 'box to make his situation perhaps a bit more bearable. Unfortunately, the support person also mentioned that "we do not have information as of the moment if the cable will be sold separately," which might mean such an adapter is only destined for sales with some sort of updated Premium SKU, at least for the immediate future. We'll keep our eyes peeled.

[Thanks, Evan M]

[Heath Stahl @ Mar 29th 2007 12:09PM]

The interesting thing to see will be if this is simply an analog to digital converter (therefore hardly any real picture quality benefit) or if internally the orig SKU 360 can actually output digital to a new plug in cable.

[NoOne @ Mar 29th 2007 12:10PM]

If there is any benefits in picture quality of HDMI vs. component, then using a converter to go from an analog signal(component) to a digital signal (HDMI) will probably be lost in the A-D conversion. It kinda defeats the purpose of using HDMI, which is an all digital signal.

[Hupp @ Mar 29th 2007 12:23PM]

the picture quality wouldn't matter to me, as long as I could upscale my DVDs, and enjoy my games and HD DVDs @ 1080p

[k2 @ Mar 29th 2007 5:11PM]

why would the quality degrade? it's trancoding!

digital is not automagically better than analog for video signals, it depends on many variables (mostly interference and the quality of adc/dacs used in the display and source).

[teknomusik @ Mar 29th 2007 12:30PM]

Wouldn't that defeat the purpose? Converting from analog to digital instead of outputting straight to digtial? Correct me if I'm wrong but I think that's why they haven't released this adapter/cable already.

[Josh @ Mar 29th 2007 12:25PM]

Where's the sound coming from? Isn't the whole point of HDMI that it's a one cable solution?

[TUPPU @ Mar 29th 2007 12:31PM]

This will most likely be an analog component to digital converter.. which is basically useless since you TV does it for you.

It wont be true HDMI out becuase it would take sales away from the new $480 sku with HDMI.

[PostScript @ Mar 29th 2007 6:58PM]

I am with Hup I just want to be able to upscale my DVDs. Otherwise I could careless about HDMI my component cables are treating me just fine.

[James @ Mar 29th 2007 12:36PM]

.

[James @ Mar 29th 2007 12:36PM]

..

[brad77 @ Mar 29th 2007 12:40PM]

@Josh

Not really. The point is that HDMI is an all digital, encrypted way to connect the console to your TV. The encryption supports the DRM required by the movies studios so that you can watch HD DVD's and BluRay in their full HD glory after they've enabled the ICT (Image Constraint Token). It closes the analog hole (A-hole, if you will).

[Jeff @ Mar 29th 2007 12:42PM]

"The interesting thing to see will be if this is simply an analog to digital converter "

The bottom line is either the original Xbox 360 can output digitally or it can't, and my bet is it can't or you'd have seen an HDMI cable already.

That means any "component to HDMI adapter" is going to be basically useless for any purpose other than freeing up a component cable port on your TV. It's not going to result in better picture quality and probably will result in worse quality than straight component (it's doing another conversion).

It seems like a lot of people are still hoping for true HDMI out of the original Xbox 360, but it still doesn't seem like that's ever gonna happen... and it probably can't happen.

[colin @ Mar 29th 2007 1:48PM]

I currently have component video and digital audio going to different places. I'd like to go with HDMI video.

It's not clear if I could have HDMI (for video) and still have the AV plug in there that has the digital audio out on it - i.e. whether there's physically enough room for both plugs to be in at the same time and whether I can have signals going out both ways.

[RJ @ Mar 29th 2007 1:03PM]

According to Ozymandias' blog (a 360 developer), its just not possible:

http://ozymandias.com/archive/2007/03/28/Elite-Xbox-360-SKU-Announced.aspx#2

[Martez @ Mar 29th 2007 12:52PM]

So then the only point of this would be if you had a TV that had no component inputs and only HDMI? Do such televisions exist? I know nothing of HD sets atm, but that sounds like a kind of boneheaded move.

Actually, it sounds like something new Sony TVs would do...

[walk2k @ Mar 29th 2007 2:49PM]

A HIGHLY unlikely rumor.

A component to HDMI convertor would not only be expensive, it also would NOT support HDCP, thereby making it almost useless (unless you're the type to fret over having an empty HDMI port "twiddling its thumbs".... ??)

[ceej @ Mar 29th 2007 12:54PM]

Although, buying this adapter for increased picture quality would be pointless. This would be worth it for people who have 1080p sets that can only accept a 1080p signal over HDMI and not component

[Jake @ Mar 29th 2007 1:11PM]

My guess the MS support person was just confused and was really talking about the elite or this is just made up.
I really wish they had a good solution for me. I have a Sony XBR and it doesn't accept 1080p over componet and the VGA has a sucky audio in so I'd have to do some sort of split audio to use the vga for it to be worth it.
1080i will have to be good enough because I'm not forking over $475 just for HDMI even if I have an HD-DVD player.

[Smoke_Dawg_187 @ Mar 30th 2007 1:31AM]

Jake, the VGA cable has an Optical port on it. Try using it. It works great!

[wei @ Mar 29th 2007 1:05PM]

slightly off-topic, but what happened to the second in the back-to-back midnight announcements.. u know.. the announcement that was supposed to follow one day after the elite? did i miss something?

[SuicideNinja @ Mar 29th 2007 1:11PM]

@ceej: I don't think the 360 will support 1080p over component anyway. I'm pretty sure you have to use VGA (however, it's also analog...and can handle it just fine).

HDMI doesn't offer much for a picture enhancement on anything I've seen EXCEPT for the PS3's menu system. It helps very little with it's tiny and annoying glowing font. Gamewise...nothing worth the money or effort. When I switch to component to play my 360...and I don't see what the fuss about HDMI is all about.

My guess is that some TV's just display component like crap? It's not so much that HDMI is "leaps and bounds better" as it is that it's analog support stinks.

[Jamie @ Mar 29th 2007 1:12PM]

And the nicke'n'diming experience continues.... I am amused that Microsoft, in a rush to beat Sony to the game, releases a half-ready product, people pick it up. Revises the half-ready product to be 80% ready (elite, no hddvd drive), expects same people to pick it up a second time. And for those that wont pick up the elite, there are lots of money grabbing ways to bring it close to a full product (wifi adapter, hddvd drive, and now hdmi converter). I gotta give it Microsoft, they got balls... big balls. To microsoft, customer loyalty is something you earn. You have a lot of goodwill from your past gaming products. However, if you keep playing your customers for fools you will lose that goodwill. Once lost it is very hard to get back. Ask sony.

[soccerdude21490 @ Mar 29th 2007 1:52PM]

Yea I have a question about this....

why would it matter? Because isn't it still rendering with the Component, but then basically just changing ends to be able to connect to an HDMI?

So everything would still basictly be encoded in Component

[Blaine Stine @ Mar 29th 2007 7:46PM]

How many of you wanna bet there will be a "HDMI to Component adapter"...and the MS support person got it correct....but just mixed up his A's and D's.

[Carlton Bale @ Mar 29th 2007 3:06PM]

This is not accurate because there is no way to cheaply convert HD component to digital HDMI. High-def capable analog-to-digital converters are not simple devices and would cost more than an Xbox 360.

If you believe everything a customer support person tells you, you have way too much confidence in their ties to the company they represent. If you asked that same person if it was possible to play Blu-Ray movies in the Xbox 360s HD-DVD drive, they'd probably say "I think there's a software update planned that will allow that."

[genesabas @ Mar 30th 2007 1:53AM]

Can I use this ?


http://www.gefen.com/kvm/product.jsp?prod_id=4173

[alchemeron @ Mar 29th 2007 2:12PM]

Okay, I really don't think this is what everyone wants it to be. Word choice is important... an "HDMI to component adapter" would imply a digital to analog converter, not the other way around. What we want is an XBox a/v to HDMI cable, and that's not even possible with current hardware, and even if some kind of $200 converter were released, it still probably wouldn't be HDCP-compliant.

The "regular" XBox 360 is not going to get an HDMI out. Sorry, folks.

[JeffNLA @ Mar 29th 2007 2:21PM]

Yes - you said it perfectly alchemeron

[h0mi @ Mar 29th 2007 2:46PM]

Well, if the adapter plug in had a digital scalar, it could be possible, but that'd probably be some sort of engineering marvel, and probably cost as much as a core system. They _could_ just be talking about an adapter that converts the signal from the AV port to HDMI. It wouldn't be as "good" as the elite model, but it'd give people 75% of what they want- 1080p support for tvs that didnt do it over component/vga.

We'll have to see if this comes to fruition.

[turtlesoup @ Mar 29th 2007 1:54PM]

Component to HDMI is just not possible. Do some simple research and you'll understand why. Engadget is the National Inquirer of the electronics world.

[DEEZNUTZ @ Mar 29th 2007 2:45PM]

Your wrong... do your own research. There are already receivers that will take a component input and output via HDMI. So IT IS possible.

[wigby @ Mar 30th 2007 1:07PM]

of course it's possible. it just serves no purpose (quality-wise) nor is it economically feasible. if microsoft makes them, they'll charge $250 for them and stupid people who feel they must use hdmi will buy them. i guarantee microsoft said nothing about this and only said that there are hdmi to component cable solutions on the market.

[Justin @ Mar 29th 2007 2:06PM]

"suicideninja" said:

HDMI doesn't offer much for a picture enhancement on anything I've seen EXCEPT for the PS3's menu system. It helps very little with it's tiny and annoying glowing font. Gamewise...nothing worth the money or effort. When I switch to component to play my 360...and I don't see what the fuss about HDMI is all about.

This is a ridiculous statement. Please know what you are talking about before doing so. Uncompressed pure digital is a vast improvement over analog based component connection. The only reason the XBOX 360 will not see much of a difference is because its 1080p is all up-conversion.

[h0mi @ Mar 29th 2007 2:25PM]

In perusing various forums, a "YMMV" needs to be said. Maybe you see a difference. In doing google searches on avsforum.com and other sites, some people think component looks better, such as this post in this thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=9815675&&#post9815675

[DEEZNUTZ @ Mar 29th 2007 2:42PM]

Yeah, your VAST IMPROVEMENT statement is just not true. Component is capable of carrying a 1080P signal as well, but because of DRM paranoia, they won't use it for such. Now, in theory, a pure digital signal is best, but, as h0mi pointed out, it's in the eye of the beholder. MANY have experienced tint problems and color bleed issues using HDMI. Perhaps these problems have been resolved but even so, the improvement is minimal at best and MOST will not see a difference in a side by side.

[js @ Mar 29th 2007 2:07PM]

iTV, FTW!!!

[Ryan J. @ Mar 29th 2007 2:54PM]

Is it possible to have some sort of add on that the XBOX 360 feeds video and audio information to via USB and then is output via HDMI? Could this be what they are talking about?

[h0mi @ Mar 29th 2007 2:51PM]

You're right... It helps resolve issues when you have 1000 cables plugged in for your dvd player, your whozits, your 360, your other consoles and then have 1 HDMI cable into the tv.

These receivers are a little pricey though, most (cheap) HDMI receivers only route HDMI connectors to HDMI.

[tbag @ Mar 29th 2007 2:50PM]

I think the point of this adapter is for those of us who have HDMI ports standing around holding their man parts while I have to switch my component inputs because everything and its dog wants to connect that way. Sad is the plasma with 2 empty HDMI ports and 2 components that have to some how hold DVD, Xbox 360, PS2, and digital cable box.

[djphatjive @ Mar 29th 2007 5:53PM]

http://sewelldirect.com/gefen-component-vga-hdmi-adapter.asp?adpath=/Google/HDMI%20Converters/06-05-02//Component+Audio%20to%20HDMI//60&keywords=component%20to%20hdmi&search=search&gclid=CMqW9Z3bmosCFTIeGAodwisSDQ

THERE BITCHES!!!!!!!

[Carlton Bale @ Mar 30th 2007 6:37AM]

The gefen converter will definitely work. There are several A/V receivers that do component-to-HDMI conversion as well. But there will be no "simple cable" solution as speculated in the original post.

[Matt B @ Mar 29th 2007 4:39PM]

My personal favorite is the bricked 360 to new PS3 fanboy converter. XD

[Anonymous @ Mar 29th 2007 4:39PM]

As others have said, a true component to HDMI conversion is impossible without a scaler (costing a boat load of money) but I think what they are talking about is a cable that takes the component feed and then converts it to HDMI (with some loss in quality) and then routes it to your TV. Personally I can't find any usefulness with this, other than displaying 1080p on a HDMI only 1080p TV. My Playstation 3 and my Dish HD DVR are both plugged in via HDMI, so the HDMI ports on my TV are all gobbled up. For me atleast, component is a savior. I'm saving up for one of those receivers so I can plug in a ton of stuff and output it all to one HDMI input on my TV, but they are 300 bucks at the least, and I don't want the least XD.

[Lou @ Mar 29th 2007 5:59PM]

because the conversion is only as good as your A-D converters. I never said digital was automatically better then analog.

If something starts off as digital, and then is converted to analog... there will be looses (depending on the A-D conversion, you might not notice it). The same goes when converting information from analog to digital... there will be difference between the source and converted information.

[deltax5 @ Mar 30th 2007 4:47PM]

Jest wondering was hdmi even possible thru USB? Like USB plugging into your 360 then the other end would be a hdmi plug. Could USB be able to do this if you updated the software on the 360 to do so?

[fluffhead @ Mar 29th 2007 8:02PM]

Dont hold your breath on this one.
First of it doesnt make any sense. Has anynone EVER seen a component to HDMI adapter? if it was that easy, someone would have made one already, and Microsoft wouldnt have gone to the trouble to add an HDMI port to the new 360.

Also why convert analog to digital if its going right into the TV anyway?

Also who is Evan M? and why does engadget believe him? And even if he's accurate, why does he believe some random Microsoft customer service rep who probably doesn't know what the hell he's talking about, and probably lives in India. I once had a customer service rep try to convince me that a standard digital TV tuner could allow me the watch a VHS tape in High definition!

I gotta call BS on many levels here, and to be honest Im kinda disappointed engadget would even pot this malarchy.

[Matthew Rasmussen @ Mar 29th 2007 8:21PM]

OK, Engadget, I'm a little disappointed in you guys here. The primary reason people need HDMI is, in the end, the HDCP problems. There's a content flag that disallows full resolution playback of DRM'd HD-DVD's over Component Video. The entire point of this is to prevent people intercepting the signal, because it's controlled from source to receiver. There could very well be a Component to HDMI converter -- they already exist in many people's A/V Receivers. HOWEVER, this won't solve the problem -- since the originating signal is not a digital signal (HDMI), and is thus NOT compliant with HDCP, even after going through a signal converter.

The end result is, sure, they could make a conversion box to make an HDMI signal -- this isn't impossible. However, it wouldn't solve the problem many people have with the system in that, if HDCP Flags start getting activated on movies, the 360 won't be HDCP Compliant because the signal from the source starts out as analog (uncontrolled, easily intercepted).

That's not to say that this couldn't be useful for some people, it's just not going to turn a Premium 360 into an elite on that level.

And to the people who think it's an HDMI to Component adapter, the 360 Elite can output Component as well -- it has the 360's A/V jack on the back. I also believe it comes with that cable, as well. I think that this situation is either a misinformed MS rep, or some kind of branded device that just isn't going to do what people want (output an HDCP compliant signal).

I mean, please, prove me wrong. I would love to purchase an HDCP'ifying box that lets me take a Component signal and get more data than what's there. I'm just saddened because the 360 literally isn't _allowed_ to output all that video to Component in some cases.

[azurex120 @ Mar 29th 2007 8:35PM]

HAHAHA tech support will tell you anything....
ok, this has been stated before, but component to HDMI is not possible. It is however possible to carry component signal in an hdmi cable, and it is possible for devices to recognize the component signal within the HDMI cable and display it. However it provides no performance increase over the original component connection. The only real "component to HDMI" cable, would have to have a device in the middle of it to do the converting. However converting always results in quality hits, so by doing this, not only will it have gone from digital to analog, but it would have to do analog to digital. While its possible, its stupid, especially if you have that spare component cable slot free...

[Matthew Rasmussen @ Mar 29th 2007 9:41PM]

Actually, azurex120 has stated truth -- there really isn't conversion going on usually in those A/V Receivers, they're just routing the Component Signal through HDMI. I apologize that my above statements were slightly off, but this just supports the point of my message -- ANY such connector really wouldn't do much for us, since the digital signal isn't there for HDCP. They may come out with a cable or adapter that plugs into the A/V plug of the 360, but this will be misleading -- it won't solve the problem of HDCP, since it's an analog signal.

[KC @ Mar 30th 2007 5:44AM]

Wow. Why MS didn't ship the elite with everything integrated is beyond me. A separate HD-DVD player, an addon for wireless and now another addon for HDMI. It's like buying a notebook today without a wireless card, without a DVD drive and without built in sound and speakers. Imagine all those devices hanging out of your xbox (or notebook for that matter).