I don't have HDMI input on my TV, but I have RCA, RGB, S-Video, Audio input, and a few others. What options exist to make the Apple TV work and still get HD quality (aside from getting a new TV)?
Thanks!
Apple TV (3rd generation)
Welcome to the Apple Community.
DVI
Some users with DVI have managed to get their TV's to work with DVI-HDMI cables. DVI carries no audio, so alternative connections need to be explored to enable audio. DVI doesn't necessarily support HDCP as well as other standards used by HDMI (which may or may not be an issue)
Analogue (component, composite etc)
There are hardware converters that will convert HDMI to various other types of output, however there are some issues with doing so that you should be aware of.
HDCP
HDCP compliant converters will not allow you to watch HDCP protected content such as that from the iTunes Store. Non compliant converters exist but we cannot discuss them under the Terms of Use for these communities.
Resolution and aspect ratio
I'm not aware of any converters that will scale the output from the Apple TV, any TV or projector which is used will ideally need to be widescreen and support resolutions of 720p (Apple TV 2), 720p/1080p (Apple TV 3), although the Apple TV does have a number of 4:3 resolutions it supports, but these may not be available if the TV doesn't broadcast them.
DAC
Most types of HDMI to non HDMI connectors or converters won’t carry audio, in such cases you may also need to convert your optical output to an analogue signal using a DAC.
DAC (Example Only - Not a recommendation or suggestion that this is suitable in your circumstances)
Welcome to the Apple Community.
DVI
Some users with DVI have managed to get their TV's to work with DVI-HDMI cables. DVI carries no audio, so alternative connections need to be explored to enable audio. DVI doesn't necessarily support HDCP as well as other standards used by HDMI (which may or may not be an issue)
Analogue (component, composite etc)
There are hardware converters that will convert HDMI to various other types of output, however there are some issues with doing so that you should be aware of.
HDCP
HDCP compliant converters will not allow you to watch HDCP protected content such as that from the iTunes Store. Non compliant converters exist but we cannot discuss them under the Terms of Use for these communities.
Resolution and aspect ratio
I'm not aware of any converters that will scale the output from the Apple TV, any TV or projector which is used will ideally need to be widescreen and support resolutions of 720p (Apple TV 2), 720p/1080p (Apple TV 3), although the Apple TV does have a number of 4:3 resolutions it supports, but these may not be available if the TV doesn't broadcast them.
DAC
Most types of HDMI to non HDMI connectors or converters won’t carry audio, in such cases you may also need to convert your optical output to an analogue signal using a DAC.
DAC (Example Only - Not a recommendation or suggestion that this is suitable in your circumstances)
So there's no way to have full Apple TV functionality without an HDMI input on my TV? If I have DVI, what alternative connections exist to enable audio? Are they built into the converter, then just run audio red/white from the converter to the TV? Still, would this solution prevent accessing iTunes-purchased content, Netflix, Hulu, etc?
If you use DVI you won't need a converter and you could use the optical output for audio, it may or may not support HDCP.
your tv is old and the issues you face with the appletv and hdcp is not an issue isolated to the appletv other boxes would face the same issues
hdcp is a drm std required by the studios to block their media from being copied and it's not going away
so your tv is going the way of being a monitor rather then a tv in todays world
I have connected devices with HDMI outputs using an HDMI to Component Video converter. There is no loss in quality that I can detect.
Ziatron wrote:
I have connected devices with HDMI outputs using an HDMI to Component Video converter. There is no loss in quality that I can detect.
That of course depends on the content itself and perhaps whether you have the right glasses on or not.
Would this comply with the HDCP issues reference above? I'm leaning towards just getting a new TV instead of trying to salvage this old 42" Marantz Plasma from 15+ years ago... 😟
Would what comply with the HDCP issues, please.
^^^ Winston's first reply at top of page
There won't be any guarantee with any converter used, the monitor would need to be HDCP compliant in order to view protected content, and functionality could cease at any time. It would be best to purchase a new one.
If you purchase a converter, it should tell you exactly what it should do, so yes you should be reasonably sure whether it will work or not. However there will still be scaling issues as mentioned, so if you are willing to look at a new TV that is probably the best thing to do.
For the avoidance of doubt. IF a converter IS compliant, it WILL NOT let you view protected content.
How to connect Apple TV without HDMI input, what are my options?
