AV hookups - Component YPbPr to composite RCA

[Jonk67]

Ok I'm trying to hook up a 2001 Direct TV box to a new component TV. Originally I've read that you can't hook between the 2 without a converter box but now many TV company's are building the conversion in the TV.

The Direct box has RCA red/white/yellow output, coax and S-Video to choose from, no HDMI in '01 (there is a USB port but doubt it is for AV output or that the TV's USB would accept an AV signal through it as it's probably for JPEG, etc. on the TV).

The TV is a Vizio E320AR and the inputs for rear are described as:

Connections - Inputs (REAR)
HDMI:3 (rear)
Component:1 (rear)
Composite:1 (shared with component input)
PC:1 VGA (rear)
RF Antenna:1 (rear)
Ethernet:n/a
USB Ports:1 (rear)
http://store.vizio.com/e320ar.html

Does this (bold) mean that the RCA cables can hook to the YPbPr in some fashion? It's my understanding that YPbPr is only video and the RCA yellow may go to the Blue if there is a yellow ring on the blue. What do I hook the red/white to for sound? Do I need to combine the yellow to blue with another connection to get the sound?

I'm also hooking up a new Samsung in the same house and for some reason there is a direct box for each TV (6) so I don't want to have to buy 6 new Direct boxes and am not worried about HDTV quality as it's for my MIL's place so she won't want to pay the difference if she can just see TV she won't notice or care about the HDTV upgrade.

What would you do that would be better than coax (current hookup) but <$100?
Jon

 

[Fst Blk]

You can hook the 3 component RCA to the YPbP, but the color will not be correct. That is what the 5 lead does is split the color up in three shades. The USB is a service port only and provides no function to you.

Actually coax is actually a better connection that the 3 component RCA (if using a rg6 coax wire and connector, not rg45) and just a tad less quality than the YPbP. If she's not worried about the difference between HD and SD then I wouldn't concern myself with a better connection that the coax.

Bill

 

[Jonk67]

Thanks, I'll look for an RG6 coax cable vs. pulling one out of my old spares box. It's just that the coax are so finnicky to any movement of the set or box that they have lines unless I get the cable just right.
Jon

 

[Fst Blk]

Get a snap and seal fitting. They will no longer be finnicky then. The crimp end connectors are terrible.

Bill

 

[Jonk67]

Thanks, I'll look for the snap and seal (Radio Shack? or TV store?).

Can I buy used 'newer' Direct boxes with HDMI output and swap them out one at a time moving the card into the newer boxes? Will this improve the picture clarity without having to step up to HDTV upgrade charges?

The small print for most commercials is barely readable, will the HDMI connection with normal Direct service give a finer picture? I need to be able to read the Viagra warnings on the commericals...
Jon

 

[Fst Blk]

I've never messed with the Directv stuff so I'm not sure, but I know Dish has gotten away from the cards and programs the boxes themselves with the mac address of the box.

Bill

 

[RapidRabbit]

I'm in the same boat as you. Just bought new hd tv and my dish box is 12 years old. No hdmi. Have you tried calling direct tv? They would probably swap out your boxes with newer ones. If you buy used ones you would have to call and have them activated I think.

 

[Jonk67]

Thanks, I guess I'll start with Direct TV cust. service and see what's available. I am hoping that an improved signal through an HDMI cable would give a finer picture as I'm guessing the coax cable can't process 720P & up. I just hope the basic service w/o HDTV Direct upgrade will give me a sharper picture.

I still don't comprehend why we need 6 indiv. boxes for 6 TV's with Direct (have to ask the mgt. co. again that handles the contract). My Dish box can control 4 TV's min. - 2 TV's have to be hard wired directly to the box (like 2 adjoining rooms where you could run a wire from the box directly to the 2 TV's) and 2 TV's that are on my cabling throughout the house. Only issue is you have to watch whatever channel the other TV it's paired with is on. Usually not an issue because we have it split to TV's that normally aren't on at the same time.
Jon

 

[apollard]

Look before you leap into new Directtv boxes & contracts. I used to have directtv. When our 2003 vintage DVR went out, we called and they shipped us a new box for $99. And signed us up for a new two year contract. From the get-go, the new DVR sucked. Slow response time, took forever to browse listings, and color scheme with such low contrast nobody can read it well.

We started complaining when we got it, and never got any help or answer - except "You are under contract and will have to pay a fee if you cancel". Never once did they even offer to exchange it, and when I asked, they said it would be $199 fee. They did tell us they had taken equipment design in house rather than a 3rd party. And that they were getting lots of compliants. 6 months later I told them to kiss off and paid the fee. Dish equipment has been great, and the customer service even better.

YMMV, of course.

 

[Fst Blk]

IMO Dish has the best DVR on the market. I'm spoiled.

Bill

 

[apollard]

IMO Dish has the best DVR on the market. I'm spoiled.

Bill

Between Directtv & Dish DVRs, Dish wins hands down. However, our old Directtv/Tivo box was the equal of the Dish, and better in some respects - and it was a 2003. Gotta think the Tivo boxes now are great now also.

But Dish has the best customer service I've seen from any company in a long time.

 

[RapidRabbit]

+1 for dish.

It would nearly impossible for direct tv to get me to switch from dish. Never had a problem with dish and their customer service has been outstanding.