Convert Component to RGB at DVinfo.net

Peter Bircham · September 3rd, 2004, 04:05 AM

If anyone is interested, I have just purchased the obsolete Xblaster from here

http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinfo.php?lc_code=KD-XB&uneek=487098286

Shipped very quickly.

It is designed for the Xbox but converts 480p or 720p to RGB. I have plugged it into the component outputs of my HD10 and straight into a monitor. Much higher resolution than using the S-video or composite to a TV. I though it would provide a better picture while shooting, and it will.

A couple of warnings, my AOC 1280x1024 LCD screen insisted on displaying the picture as 640x480 for some reason, so cut of a significant amount of the image. However, an old 14' CRT works great, even though it's max resolution is 1024! Also this CRT doesn't seem to mind if it's 480p or 720p, treats it the same? I have a higher res 17' CRT, but haven't had a chance to try that one yet. One issue is the aspect ratio is slightly distorted, with the image slightly stretched vertically. This does not matter for my purposes, as I wanted it for a larger display while shooting to monitor things like lighting, focus, colours etc and that it does well. I suspect this is a factor of the monitor’s lack of abailty and a better monitor would allow adjustment of the image.

Still it is quite a nice cheap option, especially if you have some old monitors lying around. It was retailing at $199 and is on special to clear it out at $59.

Ken Hodson · September 4th, 2004, 01:13 PM

Interesting. Do you get a "live" feed while shooting?
I believe the HD10 only outputs SD resolution via component out while recording. And only HD via component out off of tape. What are your observations?

Peter Bircham · September 4th, 2004, 01:23 PM

"Do you get a "live" feed while shooting??

Yes, it includes all the screen information from the display, basically the same as the on camera LCD.

"I believe the HD10 only outputs SD resolution via component out while recording"

Yes, I remeber reading that now you mention it, that explains why my 1024x768 monitor can show the ouput no problems

"HD via component out off of tape."

Haven't tried it yet

September 3rd, 2004, 04:05 AM	#1
Peter Bircham New Boot Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 8	Convert Component to RGB If anyone is interested, I have just purchased the obsolete Xblaster from here http://www.copperbox.com/lite/popinfo.php?lc_code=KD-XB&uneek=487098286 Shipped very quickly. It is designed for the Xbox but converts 480p or 720p to RGB. I have plugged it into the component outputs of my HD10 and straight into a monitor. Much higher resolution than using the S-video or composite to a TV. I though it would provide a better picture while shooting, and it will. A couple of warnings, my AOC 1280x1024 LCD screen insisted on displaying the picture as 640x480 for some reason, so cut of a significant amount of the image. However, an old 14' CRT works great, even though it's max resolution is 1024! Also this CRT doesn't seem to mind if it's 480p or 720p, treats it the same? I have a higher res 17' CRT, but haven't had a chance to try that one yet. One issue is the aspect ratio is slightly distorted, with the image slightly stretched vertically. This does not matter for my purposes, as I wanted it for a larger display while shooting to monitor things like lighting, focus, colours etc and that it does well. I suspect this is a factor of the monitor’s lack of abailty and a better monitor would allow adjustment of the image. Still it is quite a nice cheap option, especially if you have some old monitors lying around. It was retailing at $199 and is on special to clear it out at $59.

September 4th, 2004, 01:13 PM	#2
Ken Hodson Trustee Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 1,315	Interesting. Do you get a "live" feed while shooting? I believe the HD10 only outputs SD resolution via component out while recording. And only HD via component out off of tape. What are your observations? __________________ Damnit Jim, I'm a film maker not a sysytems tech.

September 4th, 2004, 01:23 PM	#3
Peter Bircham New Boot Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Auckland, New Zealand Posts: 8	"Do you get a "live" feed while shooting?? Yes, it includes all the screen information from the display, basically the same as the on camera LCD. "I believe the HD10 only outputs SD resolution via component out while recording" Yes, I remeber reading that now you mention it, that explains why my 1024x768 monitor can show the ouput no problems "HD via component out off of tape." Haven't tried it yet