HD PVR connection issues

[gidget562]

For Christmas I am getting an HD PVR but I came upon a couple of cable issues. First off I do not have any component cables for my Xbox 360, and I use HDMI. I have Astro A40s(gaming mic) which plugs into an optical port provided by a audio converter thing that is plugged into the component cable spot. So, I wouldn't be able to use my mic while recording. Do i need the component cables? Because that would eliminate the problem if I don't need them.

[usually_quiet]

The HD PVR requires a component video connection for HD recording. It can't use HDMI directly. You would have to find an HDMI to component converter, which isn't always easy to do. See this post and a few beyond for an explanation https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/341365-Recording-HDTV-Satellite-with-PC?p=2125100&v...=1#post2125100

It also requires an optical SP/DIF connection if you want to record 5.1 audio. It can use an RCA analog stereo audio connection if stereo audio is acceptable.

This version of the HD PVR includes universal component cables for game systems http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815116074

[gidget562]

So if my xbox is connected to the tv via HDMI cable, i can still somehow hook it in a component converter?

[usually_quiet]

So if my xbox is connected to the tv via HDMI cable, i can still somehow hook it in a component converter?

Yes. If you can afford them and if you can find one that is of decent quality for sale from a reputable source. They are of dubious legality in many parts of the world including the USA, so people who sell them are frequently told to stop. If you read the reviews for the ones in the linked thread in my previous post, you will see that the products have some issues and not everyone is happy with them. You will still need to use additional cables for audio.

You will need a powered HDMI splitter to use the TV with an HDMI cable. Otherwise, you can use the HDPVR's component pass-through to send video to the TV.

It would be much less costly to forget about the microphone just use component video cables without a converter and hdmi splitter. The two together could cost close to the price of the HD PVR.

[Chopmeister]

I just got mine, together with most of the rest of what I need, and plan to hook things up over the Christmas break. Plan is:
- 4x2 HDCP-compliant HDMI matrix splitter (already purchased) into which pay tv box, consoles etc all connect.
- first output connected to TV
- second output connected to HDFury (already purchased) HDMI to component converter
- HDFury connected to HD PVR (already purchased) which plugs to laptop

The only bit I'm missing is a power cable for the HDFury, the plug for which is kind of obscure. It needs regulated 5VDC at 500mA, which is fairly standard, but with a plug that is 0.65mm diameter center pin & 2.6mm outer diameter which seems to be hard to find. No one seems to carry the correct cable anymore. I think I have located a plug that is close enough, so will just cut a USB cable and solder the correct wires - I have a USB power supply rated to 1000ma.