Cheapest HDMI or HD-SDI to SD? [Archive]

Shawn Nelson

04-24-2007, 09:52 PM

I need to be able to take either the HD-SDI or the HDMI output and drop it down to SD for steadicam and for my Sony PVM 9" on set monitor. I am well aware of the AJA solution, but paying almost $2000 for a freakin downconvert does not sit well with me. I'd rather spend that money on more Red accessories.

Anyone aware of another solution?

I thought of one way that I am fairly certain will NOT work but I can't figure out why not. I found a HDMI to VGA converter for almost $200
http://cgi.ebay.com/HDMI-to-VGA-RGB-HD-15-Component-Video-Format-Converter_W0QQitemZ330110696932QQcmdZViewItem

Then you can get a simple VGA to component cord
http://cgi.ebay.com/VGA-Card-to-S-Video-RCA-TV-Display-Adapter-Cable-c011_W0QQitemZ230118889763QQihZ013QQcategoryZ31531 QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It would physically work, but what would the display look like?

Nathan Troutman

04-24-2007, 10:16 PM

I thought of one way that I am fairly certain will NOT work but I can't figure out why not. I found a HDMI to VGA converter for almost $200
http://cgi.ebay.com/HDMI-to-VGA-RGB-HD-15-Component-Video-Format-Converter_W0QQitemZ330110696932QQcmdZViewItem

I don't think this is converting the signal from a resolution standpoint. It's converting the digital HDMI into the analog VGA signal but the resolution in is the resolution out so that wouldn't help you. I believe the HDMI out on RED is going to be 720P (I don't know if this is rumor or fact.) It would be nice if it was a selectable resolution output since obviously the camera is using the quicktime wrappers to pull the 720P resolution from the 4K. Why not give more options?

Computer LCD monitors are fixed resolution but they have scalers built in to take different input signals and display them. A 22" LCD monitor can be had for $250 with a DVI input (HDMI and DVI are compatable and can be connected with an adapter or an HDMI to DVI cable.) It may not be "studio" reference quality, but shooting RAW and on-set how important is it to be perfect when this is such a cost effective option?