Simplecom CM401 Composite AV to HDMI converter, is a universal converter for analog composite input to HDMI 720p or 1080p (60Hz) output. It works great with either 720p or 1080p TVs, and the output mode is easily selectable with a switch on the device.
This AV to HDMI converter is for those who want to play their old consoles, without needing to hoard old television screens.
I have a bunch of old PS1, PS2, and Wii games that I still love to play, but my HD monitor has moved on from the days of messy red, white, and yellow component cables. Owning this converter is an essential part of retro gaming.
Setup is easy.
The USB power cable plug from the converter to the PS2's USB port, or a USB power dock.
The AV cables plug from your PS2 to the converter.
A HDMI cable connects from the converter to your HD monitor.
Adjust your settings on your monitor, or in the video game to fix the stretching issue.
Performance is standard.
The image looks mostly how it should, and fits nicely on a HD display.
There is no controller input lag, and no audio issues. I fact, old PS2 games sound great coming through proper speakers, rather than old televisions.
The only issue is that there is a scan line that appears in the middle of the screen, which slightly obstructs the image. It's not a deal breaker, but it is an annoyance. And I'm unsure if there is a fix.
Don't get the wrong idea from "1080p upscaling". Perhaps "image correction" would have been better wording. The display from the console will fit perfectly on your HD monitor (after some settings are changed), but nothing about the converter itself is High Def. It's only a converter. Your games will be as pixelly and blurred as they always were. The image will only be as good as the console is capable of. Nothing is improved.
Point is, if you're looking for a device that presents better image quality, and better graphics from your old console than it originally could, this isn't for you.
You're better off using the PS3's smoothing option when playing PS1, and (sometimes) PS2 games, or emulation using graphics plug-ins. And these days, a lot of great PS2 games have HD remasters as well.
In terms of design,
It's small, light, and simple. Barely noticeable in your gaming area. In a good, and bad way.
I only wish there was a way that this converter can easily sit somewhere, on top. or to the side of a console, without creating awkward clutter. It just kind of hangs to the side of the console, with wires coming out of every angle. So there's nowhere comfortable to put it.
I blue-tacked mine to the top of my PS2 slim on an angle, which works fine.
But if you're using this for more than one console, you might be in trouble.
It also feels just a bit cheap. There's nothing sleek about it's design, and it feels a tad brittle.
But simple is simple. This converter does what it's supposed to, and nothing else. Recommended for retro gamers.
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A really handy gadget for being able to (still) successfully use all of your old video and DVD equipment with your new HDMI TV. It is extremely handy to use it between a switching box (accommodating all the leads from the old gear) and the new TV. Just attach the RCA plugs from the switching box (line out) into this converter and you're away!
works well, picture quality is good, and doesn't seem to be any lag at all when playing. Would recommend to others looking to play old consoles on new TV. USB adapter is also included, it's good if you don't have any nearby USB port, easy to setup, overall that's all I was looking for.
Works like a charm- connected my Nintendo 64 via HDMI and It worked without any hassle
Worth the money
I love the fact that it came with all cables including the HDMI- sweet
Excellent in the fact that you don't have to replace your DVD Player
I bought this item as I had a reasonably new DVD player but my new TV did not have any RCA outlets, When I found this item I was excited and rightly so as it transformed my DVD player into a usable item again via HDMI.
It works perfectly.
