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HDTV Video Sources With Component Video Could Revert to SDTV At Year’s End 

January 28, 2010 in News

In a somewhat shocking piece of news, we’ve become aware that all video source equipment that currently output HDTV through component video connections could be pre-programmed to only output standard definition TV resolution (SDTV) through their component video outputs at the end of this year. What’s referred to as the “Analog Sunset” could be included in the devices’ firmware and would execute the change automatically, either on a preset date or when the device’s firmware is updated. This would result in devices such as DVD players, cable TV and satellite TV receivers only outputting their HDTV signal through their HDMI connection ports. Their component video connections would only output SDTV at 480i, the format used by standard DVD’s. Especially troubling is the fact that all cable TV and satellite TV receivers are set to automatically update their internal firmware, likely resulting in an automatic change without notice, unless it’s provided by your service provider through other means.

This is new information to nearly everyone in our industry. A transition such as this has been a hot topic for the past year but only as an eventuality. This is the first time that any date has been given, and we expect everyone will be surprised by its short time window. This information was disseminated to a group of master programmers at a high-level meeting earlier this week at Crestron Electronics. We found more information at the link below:

http://tinyurl.com/ydarlaf

This will cause a myriad of problems for HDTV users. Some use central video distribution systems to distribute the HDTV video from cable or satellite TV services to TV’s around their home. These almost universally use component video. These systems will no longer be capable of distributing HDTV. Customers with even the most basic home audio/video systems may not have TV’s with HDMI ports, or they may not be compliant with current HDMI standards due to their age, thus necessitating either a firmware upgrade or, if none is available, the purchase of a new TV or other audio/video equipment.

To say the least, we’re shocked. To date we’ve received no notice from any manufacturer on what their equipment will do in regards to the “Analog Sunset”. Speculating now, we can envision that consumer groups may sue the Advanced Access Content System (AACS), the industry’s governing body, in an attempt to delay the transition, or that government may step in to the same effect as news of this spreads. We will continue to post updates as we learn more.

Please contact us immediately if you’re concerned and we can explain your options. Owners of central video distribution systems in particular should take note of this issue.


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