This question from reader Michael came in for PC Magazine lead analyst Robert Heron:
I've got an HDTV that supports 1080p over component (or so they tell me--the Samsung HL-S5688W), and I currently have my Xbox 360 hooked up via component. I'm one of those poor folks who bought their 360s before they started coming with HDMI connections. I also have the HD-DVD drive for my 360. I love the content, but would really like to be able to use the HD-DVD player as an upcoverting DVD player as well. It's my understanding that the 360 (for legal reasons) will not output 1080p upconverted DVDs unless it's over HDMI.
So, I am wondering if getting a new 360 (or perhaps that new HDMI conversion kit that MadCatz is rumored to be working on) is the right play here. Am I going to get good performance out of those solutions, or should I just live with the fact that I don't get HDMI from my 360? Ah, the pleasures of early adopting!
Robert's answer after the jump.
Robert: You are correct about DVD video upconversion--an encrypted digital video connection (HDMI) is required between the player and display in order to perform upscaling of copy-protected DVD videos beyond 480p resolution. Using the Xbox 360's component video cable, DVD video output is limited to 480p resolution, and HD DVD playback is limited to 1080i resolution: Games and other content are scaled to 1080p resolution when the 360 is set for 1080p output.
My experience with Samsung's S-series rear-projection televisions (like the one you're using) has shown them to be above average at video processing, so 1080i video input into that TV should be indistinguishable from a 1080p source--your HD DVD movies should look good. One way to get 1080p output from the Xbox 360 when playing DVD videos and HD DVD movies is to purchase the console's VGA cable.
Your TV features a VGA input (that supports 1080p input), and because it is considered a PC video connection, it does not have the same video format (resolution) restrictions as does component video. I use the 360's VGA and component video outputs frequently to confirm the resolution capabilities of the TVs I review.
One downside of using VGA or component video input over a TV's HDMI input is image clarity. The difference can be quite subtle, but HDMI usually provides a clearer (sharper) picture because it eliminates an analog-to-digital conversion of the video signal that can degrade picture quality.
Also, I never recommend using a separate device that converts an analog video signal into a digital format, because these products tend to be expensive, and nowadays, every HDTV converts analog video input into a digital format for processing and display, although some HDTVs perform this task better than others. The MadCatz product you mentioned looks interesting. I'll be sure see the company at the 2008 CES (Consumer Electronics Show) and ask if it is doing an analog-to-digital conversion for HDMI output (likely) or direct digital output (ideal, but is it possible?).
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December 29, 2007 8:51 PM
i have the same problem with upconverting from a toshiba hd e1 to my projector over a component to vga cable,when i first put in disc it says 720p then as soon as the main menu of the dvd goes off into the film itself the dvd player puts up the message RESTRICTED TO 526P yet all hd contents can be played at 720p is there anyway past this when upconverting sd discs
January 24, 2008 1:42 PM
CES 2008 has come and gone. Did we discover if this is direct digital or an analog to digital conversion? A-D conversion is worthless, as my TV accepts 1080p over VGA, but a true digital signal is desirable.
January 31, 2008 8:45 PM
Hey i found a lot of people say the color looks washed out when using vga, ok well there is a very simple fix to this on you're tv you will have a automatic color tuner or picture mode on Sony i know its called vivid or dynamic well apply those exact settings, picture, back light, color and color temperature i find cool to be the best, Anyway apply those to your pc channel or whatever channel is displaying your vga signal and wallah perfect picture guarantied. To bad i own a sony and they have done everything possible to block xbox through vga not impressed avoid sony specially if you have a old 360 its commonsense anyway, EXAMPLE ON MY TV IT ONLY OUTPUTS 1360 X 720P through vga and another down fall you can adjust every setting except the main color setting through vga very displeasing sony only care about winning the format war at thats all. But I'm stuck with it now i can only hope a descent hdmi converter is invented for the 360 because the mad catz one apparently isn't true hdmi, never will be but it doesn't even upscale dvds :) hope this helps cheers.
February 2, 2008 8:26 PM
I've found alot of tv's dont support 1080p through vga, but alot do so make sure if you have an old xbox 360 to get one with 1080p native support, if you want to go that way, also turn the light sensor off makes a huge diffrence cheers.