AV To HDMI Converter Reviews & Buying Guide 2018

Before HDMI exploded in popularity, there was AV signal. This was the industry standard for years. It typically came with most video and audio devices including gaming consoles, mixing boards, camcorders, projectors, and video players. When technology started to improve, HDMI became the new industry standard. It slowly took over and replaced the old signal. This resulted in a sharper image and crisp audio. Today, HDMI is the industry standard.

AV to HDMI Converter Buying Guide

Choosing to switch to HDMI is a big step. You want the process to go as smoothly as possible. There are several things you want to take into consideration before and during the buying process. This will help to ensure that you get a good HDMI converter to replace your AV signal.

Types of HDMI Cables

There are four basic types of HDMI cables available.

• High Speed with Ethernet
• High Speed without Ethernet
• Standard Speed with Ethernet
• Standard Speed without Ethernet

Standard speed HDMI cables can handle and transmit up to 1080 resolution. High-speed HDMI cables can handle resolutions beyond 1080. The price for the higher speed cables can be slightly higher than standard speed cables. Whether or not you need an Ethernet connection depends on how old your television is. Make sure to double check before you go shopping.

The Difference Between AV and HDMI

AV stands for audio/video. The standard AV cable has three sleeves that are color coded. The yellow sleeve is for video, the red sleeve is for audio, and the white sleeve is for stereo audio. They connect to the corresponding jacks in the television set.

You can get composite AV cables or component AV cables. The composite AV cable is more traditional. It has the three color-coded sleeves we talked about. The component AV cable has five sleeves. You get three sleeves for video, and the remaining two are for audio.

HDMI stands for high definition multimedia interface. The main difference between this cord and the traditional AV cord is that the HDMI cord allows for uncompressed video and audio data to stream through it. It allows for the video to keep the highest frame rate possible. This gives you crystal clear and bright video. It also keeps the audio data from warping or clipping. It also allows people to transmit video in real time.

You can plug this into your television set through the HDMI port. It only goes in one way, so there is no way to have confusion about whether or not you have it plugged in properly or not.

Important AV to HDMI Converter Considerations

Length

You want to ensure that you choose the correct cable size. The size is the length that the cable can clearly and efficiently operate. There is always space between your HDMI converter and your television or screen. You'll need to measure this length and buy a converter that spans this distance. This will help you get the best results from your converter.

Material Quality

You want your converter to be made out of materials that will be resistant to breakage or damage. You want to find a hard case converter. Not only is a hard case more resistant to damage, but it is also less likely to be affected by outside interference. Things like other frequencies, signals, and electromagnetic interference will have a more difficult time getting through a hard case.

Resolution

If you buy a converter that advertises 780p, do you expect to get 1080p for your resolution? The answer is no. Double check any converter that you buy. You want one that has a higher resolution, so you get a crystal clear picture with bright and bold colors.

It's better to spend a little more for higher resolution to make your purchase worth it. It should be compatible with 4K Ultra High Definition, 1080p, and HDCP 2.2.

Power

Your AV to HDMI converter comes with one of two power options. It's either active or passive. An active power source means that the converter will need its own power source or power strip to work. It might also need to use a USB port. The final power choice for an active converter is batteries.

If your AV to HDMI converter has a passive power source, you won't have to worry about having an external power source available. This type of setup minimizes clutter. It also makes it easier to place your converter where you need it without worrying about trying to hide cords.

Lagging

Ideally, your new converter won't have any lag time when you use it. Lower end converters can have a problem with extended lag time. This can reduce the amount of enjoyment that you get when you use your converter. If you can afford to spend a little more upfront, get a higher-end device, so you don't have to worry about it lagging.

Durability

Accidents do happen. When they do, you want to ensure that your AV to HDMI converter survives them without damage. Look for a sturdier build and a harder outer shell. This will help to protect the internal pieces in the event of a fall. These devices can also run hot if they're on for an extended period of time. This can make them uncomfortable to handle.

Connectivity

You want to ensure that your device has good connectivity. This will help to ensure that you get a strong signal and a clear picture. Look for gold plated connectors because they're renowned for their connectivity capabilities. They're also extremely resistant to outside interference.