FreeviewHD decoder with analog HD output - does such a thing exist?

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aros71

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#123153 26-Jun-2013 13:58

So I have a DishTV T1020 which works reasonably well for me, feeding my 5 year old Sony Bravia 46" (which doesn't have freeview built in)

Only problem is, I'm a little short of HDMI inputs on my home theatre amp.

Since I only seldom watch TV, I am a little resentful that my WDTV box (shortly to become a HTPC) is relegated to a YPbPr input while the Freeview decoder takes an HDMI port. When the WDTV is pensioned fof the HTPC, I'll need that HDMI port.

The Freeview box does have component out, but it downscales everything to SD. Which is a bit ANNOYing!

Ideally I'd like a FreeviewHD decoder that will output HD over Component. One with PVR (or at least a USB port for the external HD)

Anyone know if such a beast exists?

Adam Rosner

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#845633 26-Jun-2013 15:30

An alternative is to get a HDMI switch. Other threads have suggested ones from Rapallo http://www.rapalloav.co.nz/index.php/hdmi-2/hdmi-processing/hdmi-switcher.html. One advantage of a pigtail version is that you need 1 less HDMI cable to connect things

I think the no HD on component was a Freeview NZ restriction for certification. 1 redeeming feature of the Extra Terrestrial box was that it did do HD on component - but that was 1 pro with a lot of cons!

aros71

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#845639 26-Jun-2013 15:39

cb1: An alternative is to get a HDMI switch.

Good idea, but very low on the Wife Acceptance factor.

I can see it now:

TV CHEATSHEET
===========

If you want to watch a BLURAY or DVD, select DVD input
If you want to watch TV, select DVR input and then click "Input 1" on the little black box with the blue light
If you want to watch a movie off the hard drive, select DVR input then click "Input 2" on the little black box with the blue light

This would be guaranteed to result in tech support - kids will want to be watching a movie when I am just heading into a meeting at work, etc.

But, being serious, you've confirmed for me what I suspected: No HD over analog. Not what I wanted to hear but thanks

Guess I'll have to find some way of getting YPbPr from a HTPC at HD. I suspect I am in for a world of Pain...

Adam Rosner

aros71

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#845642 26-Jun-2013 15:40

<thought>Or actually - is there such a thing as an *automatic* HDMI switcher - it will pass through whichever input is active?</thought>

Adam Rosner

joff_nz

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#845673 26-Jun-2013 16:55

If you are building an htpc anyway, could that be used to supply your freeview?

cb1

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#845679 26-Jun-2013 17:03

From the description of the pigtail hdmi switch

"Switches HDMI automatically between all your devices.
Sky HDi, Freeview HD, PS3, Xbox360. No Power Required."

They usually select the last device that was turned on

chiefie

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#845697 26-Jun-2013 17:41

Logitech Harmony remotes... Best SAF (Spouse Accepting Factor) modifier.

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kiwijunglist

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#845724 26-Jun-2013 18:50

You mentioned Satellite dish so I assume you are talking about Freeview DVB-S Satellite. (ie Freeview Not HD)

The signal is 576i SD (That's only 268 vertical lines per frame). You are not getting HD picture from a satellite freeview box.

PS. When people say "FreeviewHD" they are referring to Freeview digital terrestrial DVB-T. If you want FreeviewHD you need to ditch the satellite.

HTPC / Home automation (home assistant) enthusiast.

B1GGLZ

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#845725 26-Jun-2013 18:55

kiwijunglist: You mentioned Satellite dish so I assume you are talking about Freeview DVB-S Satellite. (ie Freeview Not HD)

Really. Where?
The Op said it was a Dish TV T1020 which is terrestrial HD.

Brunzy

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#845729 26-Jun-2013 19:08

There was an HDT ( Hyundai) box that did it , you may get an unapproved box that does.
It is downscaled as per the Freeview spec.

DarthKermit

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#845730 26-Jun-2013 19:16

Component video is an analogue singnal, and not in HD.

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old3eyes

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#845732 26-Jun-2013 19:21

Brunzy: There was an HDT ( Hyundai) box that did it , you may get an unapproved box that does.
It is downscaled as per the Freeview spec.

I had one of those and it did HD via analog. Pity the PSU went bang and I couldn't get a replacement.

According to an email I got from the freeview shop this DVR will do HD over analog still

http://www.freeviewshop.co.nz/hyundai-combo-satterrestrial-recorder-p-495.html

Regards,

Old3eyes

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Dunnersfella

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#845737 26-Jun-2013 19:44

To make thing easier... sell your current AVR, then move to one with more HDMI inputs. Depending on what you currently have, it may not cost you too much.

ilovemusic

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#845738 26-Jun-2013 19:54

Some early non-FV approved decoders like the infamous Dracos did output HD through component but as suggested above, you're better off upgrading your AVR.

If you're not too discerning, you can find an AVR with 4 HDMI's for around $500.

RunningMan

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#845743 26-Jun-2013 20:12

DarthKermit: Component video is an analogue singnal, and not in HD.

While HD over component is generally disabled on Freeview certified boxes, component can carry HD video.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_video#Analog_component_video

JimmyH

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#845765 26-Jun-2013 21:09

DarthKermit: Component video is an analogue singnal, and not in HD.

Incorrect. Component can carry HD all the way up to 1080p.

And to answer the OPs question, yes Freeview terrestrial STBs that output HD over component do exist. Just make sure that you don't get one of the "official" freeview certified ones, as the Freeview spec that makers have to comply with to gain certification requires them to gimp the boxes in many ways. One of these is limiting analog output to SD only.

The Visione VE4000 box that I used to have would do HD over component. There were others, and I assume there still are.

The mainstream retaiulers are unlikely to have them - FV "leans" on them to carry only the official boxes and leaves them out of their advertising/propaganda if they don't. Your best bet is online.

The other option (which is a bit more complexity for set up but should be invisible to users) is something like an an HDFury - HDMI in, HD analog out. Again, you would have to order this online.

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