I have no HDMI input on my big screen (bought it just before HDMI was standard), but there are several other possible solutions - I just don't know which would work best.
Choosing between composite, component and DVI, which would provide the best quality picture and sound for use with my new AppleTV? Or perhaps you have another suggestion.
Just remember the AppleTV only has an HDMI output.
HDMI and DVI has the same bandwith. I've been using an HDMI-DVI adapter for a few years now and it's no problem. Since DVI don't support audio you just need to take the digital out on apple tv out to your home theater reciever.
Composite is analog, so that won't work without a converter. Either an HDMI to DVI or HDMI to component cable should be sufficient, but you will need to run the audio separately.
As others have stated, DVI will work fine. You can get a HDMI-->DVI cable for less than $10. The problem is audio. It appears that the new ATV only has a "optical audio" option. IF your big screen has an optical audio input, you should be in business with the new ATV. The only problem I see is if you're already using the DVI input, switching back and forth will be a PITA.
If you also have cable or satellite service, connect that with a component cable.
As Macaby indicated, if you have an optical audio input on your TV, an HDMI to DVI cable is your most inexpensive way of connecting (I would recommend Monoprice for the cable--I have one that connects my MacPro to my LCD monitor which is HDMI).
If you need analog audio out from the new Apple TV, check out Monoprice--they have an HDMI switch that is remote controlled and takes an HDMI input source (the new Apple TV) and outputs analog audio and HDMI--you will still need the HDMI to DVI cable.
I use the Monoprice 4 into 1 HDMI switch with toslink audio output because I needed additional HDMI inputs (my Sony Bravia's 3 HDMI inputs are already taken up by HD DVR, BluRay, and Xbox 360) and needed to consolidate input sources to one digital audio input on my surround sound processor. It works very well--the switching is a bit slow--takes about 5-7 seconds to switch from one input device to another (which is a bit slower than my TV's internal HDMI switch), but the price is very reasonable at under $50 vs. hundreds of dollars for a high end HDMI switch.
I am considering the new ATV. I am sure my tv has optical audio in but i'd rather use my receiver (which unfortunately is analog but was high end in its heyday). What options do I have?
The old ATV or mac mini seem like alternatives but there's a lot disuading me from going those routes.
capaho wrote:
Composite is analog, so that won't work without a converter. Either an HDMI to DVI or HDMI to component cable should be sufficient, but you will need to run the audio separately.
I'm in the same situation: I have a great tv, but no HDMI (or DVI) but I can accept up to 1080i on component and I have optical digital available. Does this mean that there is a reliable HDI to Component cable out there? And if so, the new ATV might work for me?
i didn't try it but i will buy it for sure to plug the apple tv in the old plasma i have...
and is trustable... the guy who pass me the link he got some stuff from this web site... and is free shipping