HDMI bypass

[Willyou]

The HDMI ports on our HD TV have gone bad. I'm told that the repair, if possible at all, is very expensive. Currently, the TV is connected to the cable box via coaxial cable. The picture is watchable but, it is not HD. The X1 cable box only has an HDMI out port. There are available adaptor boxes that convert HDMI signals to component signals (the TV does have component ports). Can anyone tell me if this is a viable solution to getting a HD signal. I'm told that there may be copyright issues and it may not work (don't know what that means).

[CCAndrew]

It’s your only solution, besides swapping for one of the oldest pieces of X1 equipment that actually have component ports. HDCP compliance might come into play too.

[lesmikesell]

I'd try to swap the X1 box for one of the few remaining ones that have component outputs rather than spending money on a converter.   But, even though I did put off replacing one of my own TV's with a similar bad HDMI port for a while, I'd recommend shopping for a bargain TV instead.  Prices are much lower than they used to be for what you get now.

[Willyou]

Thanks for your comments. I've been told by our Comcast local office and by a tech who made a house call that the older boxes are no longer available and that they only use the new small grey boxes that have only one HDMI output port. I have ordered one of the HDMI to component converters and will try it. If it doesn't work we'll just have to watch the lower resolution (really not too bad) picture and eventually get a new TV. Hate to do it. This has been a very nice TV with a great picture. Better than most I've seen on display in the stores.

[Willyou · Accepted solution]

I just want everyone to know that I received the converter box and hooked it up. No problem. It works great! I'm back to 1080p. It even has an optical port for my sound bar. I'm very pleased.

Thanks again for your help and comments.