Hi,

I have been looking at various video switching AV Receivers (i.e. Denon) and I have a question.

Most of them have various inputs and outputs (Component, SVideo etc) but do any of them convert from one to the other?

For example, if I connect to a television/plasma using the component out on the receiver, and then select an s-video input (i.e. DSS) will I get a picture?

Thanks

Graham Walmsley

Graham, the general answer is that some receivers do convert format (composite to S-video, S-video to composite), and some don't. Some do in only one direction, others both. You have to check the specs or ask the manufacturer.

There are also outboard conversion devices available for this purpose, of varying quality.

However, as far as I know, no receiver converts anything to component video. Some do switch between component sources, but there is no conversion, just switching. Component has to be carried unchanged from the source to the display device.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

Larry what recievers do you know that convert s-video to composite and composite to s-video?

Graham: there is a unit made by silicon image that will upconvert an s-video signal to component see it here: [Link: dvdo.com]

Thanks for your feedback.

What I am trying to acheive is a single connection to the display with the receiver doing the video switching. A component connection to the display would give me the maximum quality for any video source and would also allow me to run a line doubler as well.

Graham

The DVDo is a line doubler.

I don't know which receivers do the conversion, only that some do, and like I said, some only in one direction. If I were in the market for a new receiver, I'd have to do comparisons to know which do what you're seeking. Homework time.


Keep in mind that a doubler, while an improvement, will not be equal to a direct or switched component-video connection. Component video, like a digital audio signal, once converted to another format, will not carry the full resolution of the original.

The iScan unit may put out a signal that connects to a component input, but understand that it will not be a component signal as would be delivered by a component output from a DVD player.

Larry
www.fineelectricco.com

I have never heard of a unit that does the conversions of composite to s.Just curious where you got that info from.And he was aking how to switch video only using component and that is very possible if you have a receiver that switches component and you use the DVDO to upconvert your s-video source.Not ever having to convert the format of the DVD player.

Vinny, I think you have the original question wrong. Here is some info:

The Onkyo 696, 797, 898 convert from composite to S-video and vice versa. The Kenwood Sovereign 5900 and 5700 (right number?) do the same AND convert from composite or S-video to component video, but not from component to the lesser formats.

Several others do the composite to S-video conversion. I believe the new Marantz receivers and possibly the Yamahas.

It is possible that some Pioneer or Sony or Panasonic receivers do this as well, but I don't follow the cheap brands.

This message was edited by Spiky on 02/19/02 16:47.33.

Graham,
Your comment above about maximum quality may or may not be achieved with one of the receivers I mentioned above. They probably do not have as good a converter as the iScan or a similar product.

Although I have noticed no problems with the Onkyo 898 converting composite to S-video on my 27" TV. Perhaps on a big screen it would be worse.

Thanks again for the feedback.

I have been looking at the Denon AVR-3802 but it looks like I will need to run Component, S-Video and Composite connections from the receiever to the display and just switch the inputs on the display to match when I change sources on the Receiver. My only concern is when I change over to a Plasma or Projector that it will not support all three types of input.

Graham

Graham,

Depending upon your receiver's inputs, I know how you can cut down on the number of inputs to your monitor. This method WILL NOT increase your video quality. For about $20 you can purhcase a small "dongle" that will allow a composite signal to be sent over an S-Video cable. I purchased mine at Keene Electronics, but you can find some other vendors by searching through previous threads on this forum.

I connect the composite video output from my VCR with an RCA cable to one side of the dongle, and an S-Video cable from the other side into one of the S-Video inputs on my receiver. Now I only have "two" types of output from the receiver to the TV -- component and "S-Vid," which includes the composite signal from the VCR. Hope this helps!

-Bruce

Bruce,

Yes it does. It means I only need 2 inputs to the iScan and a single component connection to the progressive display.

Graham

Checkout the Monster Cable Entech CVSI-1. This unit has 1 composite input, 1 s-video input and 1 component input. It them converts all of your receiver's composite and s-video outputs to both RGB and componet video."It is then routed directly to the componet video inputs on your TV, makeing TV or projector input switching a thing of the past." See this site:
[Link: monstercable.com]

I would like to have one of these bu have not been able to find it for less than $955. If anyone knows of a cheaper price, please let me know.

Hi,

Checked out the Entech but it appears to be only available in 110V version and will not work here in the UK.

Does anyone know of a UK compatible product that does the same thing?

Graham