Is my DVD recorder now obsolete?

[gothicmuse]

Until about a month ago, I had regular old-school digital SD signals coming through my satellite receiver and was able to record the odd show for posterity or to watch at a later date onto a DVD disc. A month ago, we got the HD upgrade and I started looking for a way to downconvert my HD DVR output into my SD DVD recorder. I have tried HDMI to RCA (three cable) on two different converters and only got audio on one of them/no video and nothing whatsoever on the other.

So here's my question, aside from running through a computer, is there any way to downconvert my HD signal to my SD recorder? I don't care much about the quality as long as it isn't as bad as VHS was in the past. As long as the recording is viewable, I'm happy.

Thank you for your help in advance.

[usually_quiet]

I have tried HDMI to RCA (three cable) on two different converters and only got audio on one of them/no video and nothing whatsoever on the other.

I'm not sure what you mean by "I have tried HDMI to RCA (three cable)...". If you mean that you used used a simple cable like this, then no, those won't work: http://www.amazon.com/Mokingtop%C2%AE-1080P-Video-Audio-Adapter/dp/B014QKJ2J4/

You need something like this, which uses electronics to convert and downscale the digital HDMI signal to SD analog video and audio: http://www.amazon.com/ViewHD-Composite-Converter-Include-Adapter/dp/B00LK95VNQ/

If you already tried an electronic box, are you certain that you bought an HDMI to composite converter? Electronic signal converters only work in one direction. Many people buy a composite to HDMI converter by mistake.

If you really did buy an HDMI to composite converter, the ones that the ones that have their own power supply that plugs into the wall are more likely to work.

Note that many of these devices do have picture quality issues, even when they do work, so it is a good thing that you don't expect a great picture.

[gothicmuse]

The converter I used was from Radio Shack because it had been recommended somewhere in my surfing

https://www.radioshack.com/products/radioshack-hdmi-to-composite-converter?variant=7187960453

It does not have its own power source so that may be a telling detail.

The other product I used was from GearBest in Germany. http://www.gearbest.com/cables-connectors/pp_254162.html also without its own power source.

Thanks for the option, I really hope it works. I'll let you know after I return all of the equipment I've had failures with.

If anyone else has other advice bring it on. I'm willing to give most things a go at least once....

[usually_quiet]

The other product I used was from GearBest in Germany. http://www.gearbest.com/cables-connectors/pp_254162.html also without its own power source.

Those are intended to draw power from a USB port on a PC using the included USB cable. They do not always work if the USB cable is plugged in to a TV or other home theater component. The USB connection on those devices is often a little under-powered compared to the USB port on a PC.

[gothicmuse]

Thank you so much for your help. I received the powered converter and it worked like a charm. Now I can start unloading my DVR...