I just purchased a Toshiba HD-DVD player and was surprised to discover that it requires a HDMI cable to up convert standard DVD content. I have an older plasma display that has component inputs, but no HDMI. While the plasma does not support 1080p signals, I am very happy with it and the benefit of 1080p over 1080i or 720p isn't worth the cost right now. I can understand the rational behind protecting HD content via HDMI (although I don't agree with it), I can't figure out why someone would require HDMI to do an up convert. Perhaps this is a cost savings issue in the hardware itself? Seems unlikely as it outputs 1080i over the component. I searched the setup menu and couldn't find any option to change this. Any ideas?

it's the way it is. no player (hddvd, bluray OR regular dvd) will upconvert sddvd via component. yes, it's a copy protection issue. a silly one, but not much we can do about it.

no, you can't change it.

Thanks for replying! I recall seeing some high-end dvd players that could up convert to component a few years ago. The main thing that has changed is HDCP/HDMI - could the HDMI/HDCP license require that DVD players NOT support upconverting through component? If so, this would be another anti-consumer move that just doesn't make any sense. It is very hard to sympathize with the media industry on piracy issues when they do this kind of thing.

Thanks for replying! I recall seeing some high-end dvd players that could up convert to component a few years ago. The main thing that has changed is HDCP/HDMI - could the HDMI/HDCP license require that DVD players NOT support upconverting through component? If so, this would be another anti-consumer move that just doesn't make any sense. It is very hard to sympathize with the media industry on piracy issues when they do this kind of thing.

no. it's not a hdmi licensing issue.

there were a few (quite awhile ago) that did, but that haven't been any for quite some time.

frankly, i sympathize with neither side on the "piracy" debate. the media industry deserves to get slammed for some of what they do, but the consumers who turn a blind eye to stealing are equally to blame.

OK I just did some more googling and it seems the root cause of this limitation is in the DVD licensing area:

http://www.engadgethd.com/2006/06/20/ask-hd-beat-dvd-upconverting-over-component/

I also found out that HDCP uses a very weak encryption scheme (and yes I am a software developer with experience in security/encryption) so I wonder if it will soon be replaced by something "more secure" thus requiring yet another overhaul to my A/V system. Sorry if I sound bitter here, but I really feel jaded by this completely pointless limitation imposed by the "latest" technology.

it's the way it is. no player (hddvd, bluray OR regular dvd) will upconvert sddvd via component. yes, it's a copy protection issue. a silly one, but not much we can do about it.

no, you can't change it.

Sure you can...search Ebay and these forums for VisionFC4. I just bought one for this very reason and with my Toshiba XA2 it upconverts via component now just fine and my HD DVD's still play visually stunning! My standard dvd's look great upconverted with the REON chip in this player. Bout 175 bucks for this product.

:rolleyes:

yes, you can use a breakout box... that's not the question he asked...

It is the DRM law. It is illegal to upconvert except through HDMI. There were a few machines that were hacked including an old Zenith and a few others. The manufactures would be sued it they allowed it. This is a good example of the power of the film companies.

They'll have to catch me first...