HDMI - Composite?? Help Please (Boxee Box)

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ping182nz

188 posts

Master Geek

#83944 24-May-2011 08:46

Hi,

I am wanting to get a media player to replace my Modix.

I have been looking at the boxee box but my tv has no HDMI sockets. It only has component and composite.

Does anyone know if the cables from trademe work? They are HDMI to component but they say they "Don't convert the signal from digital to analog" , would a panasonic tv handle the signal?

Do you think the boxee box is the best choice to watch avi, mkv, iso etc from a portable HD? or what would you suggest.

reven

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#473298 24-May-2011 08:54

personally i would put the portable hdd on a network and just get a apple tv2. it only outputs at 720p, but that wont be a problem with your tv, and the appletv2 is only $169.

ping182nz

188 posts

Master Geek

#473300 24-May-2011 08:57

Didnt think Apple tv played avi, mkv, iso etc?

Dunnersfella

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#473318 24-May-2011 09:35

Apple TV2 can play other formats if you jailbreak it and install XBMC etc.
HOWEVER, as your TV has no HDMI ports, you're in the same position, as the ATV2 delivers video over HDMI only...

A second hand Apple TV 1 could work if you jailbreak it (they offer other forms of connectivity outside of HDMI) - or heck, why not a WDTV box of some sort?

vinnieg

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#473340 24-May-2011 10:15

Dunnersfella: why not a WDTV box of some sort?

Agreed, the WDTV Live from Dick Smith is only a tad more than the Apple TV2, but has so much more functionality without the need to jailbreak. Plus component, composite ouputs

You can even put a USB wifi adapter into the back and make it wireless if you really wanted!

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

ping182nz

188 posts

Master Geek

#473358 24-May-2011 11:12

Which is better...

http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=392902

http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=382843

I wanted the boxee box because it software looks very nice, I have it installed on my laptop which I can connect to the tv, but not a very nice setup having to turn on the laptop and wait...

richms

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Lifetime subscriber

#474380 26-May-2011 13:08

those cables only exist to work on certain devices that will mis-use the hdmi plug for analog signals. normally for space reasons.

deal extreme and ebay have active converters between hdmi and component/composite. but check the boxie etc can do crap modes like 576i if that is all you tv does on component.

Richard rich.ms