Connecting an Older Projector to an HDMI Source: A Step-by-Step Guide
With the increasing popularity of modern digital sources such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, and streaming devices, it can be a challenge to connect an older projector that may not have HDMI connectivity built-in. However, don’t worry, with the right adapter and a bit of creativity, you can still enjoy your older projector with an HDMI source.
Checking Your Projector’s HDMI Capabilities
Before diving into the solutions, take a look at your projector’s specifications. Check the user manual or the back of the projector to determine if it has an HDMI port or an MHL (Mobile High-Link) port, which may require an MHL cable and a dongle adapter.
If your projector lacks HDMI, but has older analog connectors such as S-Video, Composite (RCA), or DVI, we’ll get to the workarounds in a minute.
Using an HDMI Converter Adapter
For most older projectors without an HDMI port, a straightforward solution is to use an HDMI converter adapter. There are different types of converters available in the market:
- Active converter: Translates the input signal (HDMI to VGA/S-Video/RCA or vice versa)
- Passive converter: Only extends or repeats the signal without actively converting (useful when the projectors HDMI is not set to output on a computer)
- S-Video-to-HDMI converter: Upscales SD (S-Video) signal to high-definition resolutions (if supported by your projector)
Purchase an active converter adapter designed for your projector’s inputs (S-Video, Composite, or DVI) to HDMI output. Some examples include:
- S-Video to HDMI converters, like the KODILINK S-Video to HDMI Converter or the MIRACO S-Video to HDMI Converter.
- DVI to HDMI converters, such as the StarTech DVI-I to HDMI 1.4 Active Adapter or the Startech.com DVI-to-HDMI active adapter.
- Composite-to-HDMI converters, such as the CableCreation HDMI Composite Adaptor or the Anycase HDMI to Composite Component AV Adaptor.
Follow the adapter manufacturer’s installation instructions and attach the converters to the inputs on both your source device (like a Blu-ray player or game console) and the projector.
Alternative Connection Methods
In cases where the above methods are impractical, alternative connections methods can be considered:
- Computer: Connect a computer (preferably equipped with an HDMI output) to your older projector through a DVI-to-VGA cable. You might need a cable with three RCA cables to convert HDMI to analog or a second computer to run the image and sound on a split screen.
- Other digital-to-analog convertors: Adapters, such as mini-TP, Scalers, and Matrix switchesers, convert HDMI to component video signals. They offer flexibility to switch and select inputs as well.
- Use a dedicated receiver or preamp: Utilize a Home Theater amplifier or a multi-channel speaker amplifier that contains an analog audio and composite video port.
Before You Get Started
Please note:
- Always read the device compatibility notes provided with any adapter to ensure it matches your source and projector equipment.
- Understand the available input formats supported by the adapter (analog RGB, Composite, S-Video, VGA, Component, etc.)
- Use high-quality RCA cables with the necessary grounding and insulation for stable connection and prevention of electromagnetic interference.
- In case the adapter box is placed more than a few feet from the device, ensure signal loss isn’t a factor.
Conclusion
By connecting your older projector to an HDMI source, you’ll be able to enjoy seamless entertainment options and immersive home theater experience. Choose an HDMI adapter or alternative methods based on your specific configuration and remember to research any compatibility considerations before starting.
How to connect this older projector to an HDMI source?
VGA to hdmi, needs to be active, passive won’t work.
HDMI to VGA adapter
1. Does this projector decode the HD copy protection built in to hdmi?
2. Does the media you want to use this for use that copy protection.
Adapting it for your computer is probably doable, but for a lot of video players, it won’t work.
Getting an adaptor for VGA to HDMI
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Amazon has an S-video Converter Adapter (to HDMI) for under $25.00.
I tried to post the link, but the moderator bot deleted it.
Adaptor
Ik!
I used to have that projector.
New projectors are cheap
Why would you want that?