A new client wants an update, but I'd like to know the alternative to tossing out 2 Denon AVR3805s (composite, S and component), a 50" Fujitsu plasma with no HDMI inputs and all interconnecting wires not accessible, buried in an external wall; and a larger Samsung in another room.

It'd be easier to tell them that they won't ever be able to show 1080p than that they'll have to replace the priciest parts of two systems!

Its time to update.

I've seen a few HDFury's work, but wouldn't install one for a client.

Denons are coming up on 10 year usage.
Time for upgrade.
BTW, it's not just 1080p they're missing. It's smartTV features, 3D, 4K, etc.

As to your question, HDFury is still the only way.

I have used the hdfury3 on a couple of occasions with good results

Just got an email from vidabox with a new hdmi to component converter.

[Link: vidabox.com]

If they wont update antiques, they wont pay $300 for a converter. just sayin,,,

I have used the HDFury many a time with old PVID systems. You do need to warn your client they could be a firmware update away from needing a real upgrade. Put this in writing...

If the update for a Denon AVR-3805 is $300, they'll definitely go for it! Or even $600! Is it possibly only $900? I'm just sayin,' too!

Rereading these responses I see nobody particularly commented on the fact that it will turn what might be an update into a construction product if I have to run HDMI to the TV. It's not far away but the walls are closed and the wire route is unavailable.

I can't very well suggest a TV that does HDMI if there's no way to get the signal to it! That's why I started out looking for HDMI to component conversion, so I could use the existing cabling. Heck, I could use an IOGear RF extender to go the three feet! Maybe that's what I'll do.

I've seen an essay/ad from 2007 where a guy is selling his AVR-3805, so ten years seems like a definite age possibility.

Thanks for helping to define things. I'm replacing the receivers and probably also the TV. There's another receiver in another room, the TV is newer and (I think) has HDMI inputs and the wiring is accessible.

From the website:

Do we know if the SPDIF is also only two-channel?

Edit: If they sell through distribution, please PM me the company names.

Thanks!

Ernie, what's available in terms of cabling?
RG59, RG6, Cat5?

If you have coax, can you use [Link: snapav.com] or the like?

Do the TVS have dvi?

Thanks, guys.

I haven't pulled the TVs off the wall yet. I'm estimating what it will take to update these systems and will present the information with a couple of things still up in the air.

The Fujitsu might have DVI. The Samsung, maybe not. As for cabling, there's definitely component video, so video, but probably nothing else. These were installed before much of anybody thought of using CAT5 unless they used it for the IR sensor.

I can get video to the TVs in the worst case by using the IOGear piece for the four feet to the TV, then convert to Component... but that'll cost half the price of a new TV.

As I see it there are several options:

Assuming coaxial video cable has been run....

1) Assuming NO HDMI on display: Use HD Fury converter at the source end to convert HDMI output to YUV and keep existing cabling to screen as-is. We have done it often (we used to sell a lot of Fujitsu Plasmas!) and it works fine.

2) Assuming there is an HDMI input available on the screen: Use an HDMI to coaxial cable converter TX-RX pair. Wyrestorm do one, and although I have not used it, I have seen the demo and it works.

If YUV has been converted to Cat5 and Cat5e cable has been run, or there is a spare one there...

3) Assuming there is an HDMI input available on the screen:Use an HDBaseT Transceiver pair to send HDMI to the screen over Cat5. You will of course need to do a test first to ensure the Cat5 installed is of a type, and has been installed correctly, that it will support HD video