Component to HDMI

Wouldn't it be great if you could easily use a simple cable to convert a component port to HDMI? This would be an inexpensive way to connect a component output device, such as a gaming console or a DVD player, to an HDMI port on your television.

The only problem is that cables like this don't exist - any manufacturer could easily make a cable with these ports on each side, but it would never work because component cables are analog and HDMI cables are digital.

If you want to make this conversion you need an active converter that is taking htis analog signal and converting it on the fly to HDMI. The good news is that while these sort of converters used to cost several hundred dollars, they can now be had for under $50 - see Sewell's Component to HDMI converter as an example - this is an example of a very high-quality, low-cost solution to analog to digital conversion.

Note that these converters are not all created equal - this on-the-fly conversion is very processor-intense, so in order to receive the best-quality video you want to make sure to have the latest in conversion technology. Some older (or inferior) units can drop the signal completely - since HDMI is digital, you will not just receive a fuzzy picture if the converter malfunctions - you will lose the picture altogether.

How easy are these units to use?

That's a common question that I hear - people are worried that they are going to have to spend a lot of time tweaking their component to HDMI converter to get it right - basically, these converters are as easy to use as plugging one end in to your component source and the other end into an HDMI television.

What other things should I beware of?

In addition to an inferior graphics processor, beware of units that don't include a scaler. Without a scaler you run the risk of your television not supporting the format that is output by the component device - in this scenario you are usually stuck with a black or blue screen that says "Unsupported format" - don't take the risk, get a high-quality converter with the scaler built-in.

Heat

Because the converter is performing this on-the-fly conversion, the unit itself may at times run a little hot. Inferior units tend to overheat and can even cause a fire hazard. Higher end units, such as the Sewell one, will also get warm and should not be installed in an area where they will be exposed to insulation - try to have them either out in the open or in a well-ventilated area.