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General A/V Converters

AV converters turn a signal in one format or on one connector into another, so older and newer equipment can work together. The AV:Link products here include HDMI to Scart and HDMI to composite converters, a composite to HDMI converter, a digital to analogue audio converter and 4K and 8K HDMI audio extractors, with a TOSlink splitter and a 3-way stereo source switch. The Genie HDSDI02 shows an HD-SDI source on an HDMI monitor.

Choosing General A/V Converters

Match the output on your source to the input on your display or amplifier.

HDMI to older TVs and displays

The 122.417UK converts HDMI video for older TVs and displays with an analogue Scart interface and has a switchable PAL and NTSC output. For a screen with composite RCA sockets instead, the 128.512UK converts HDMI video and audio to analogue composite and is also switchable between PAL and NTSC. The 122.417UK and 128.512UK are USB powered and come with a USB power lead.

Composite and HD-SDI sources onto HDMI

Going the other way, the 128.511UK takes composite RCA audio and video from older games consoles, video recorders, camcorders and DVD players and outputs 720p or 1080p over HDMI. The Genie HDSDI02 shows a 3G-SDI, HD-SDI or SD-SDI source on an HDMI monitor and has a BNC loop-out for an extra SDI display, for CCTV HD-SDI cameras and broadcast monitoring.

Taking audio out of HDMI

An audio extractor gives the sound from an HDMI source its own output. The 128.514UK extracts optical Toslink and 3.5mm analogue audio at HDMI resolutions to 3840 x 2160p @ 30Hz, while the 128.518UK extracts HDMI, Toslink, coaxial and 3.5mm audio, handles 8K HDMI at 7680 x 4320 @ 60Hz and supports VRR, HDR10 and Dolby Atmos.

Digital audio to analogue

The 128.510UK converts optical Toslink or coaxial digital audio to RCA left and right outputs and a 3.5mm headphone jack, for consoles, TVs, projectors and Blu-ray players with no RCA or 3.5mm output, and handles 24-bit S/PDIF at 32, 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz.

Splitting and switching audio

The 128.516UK TOSlink splitter shares one optical audio output between two devices and needs no additional power. The 128.234UK switcher connects up to three stereo sources to one amplifier, selected by push buttons.

ConnectionProductDetail
HDMI box to a Scart TV122.417UKPAL or NTSC output
Camcorder to an HDMI TV128.511UK720p or 1080p output
HDMI to composite RCA128.512UKVideo and audio, USB powered
One optical output, two devices128.516UK1x2 TOSlink splitter, no power needed
Three stereo sources, one amp128.234UKPush buttons, RCA sockets

Related categories

More adaptors are in AV adapters and HDMI cables and adapters, and wall plates in HDMI sockets and wall plates. For longer runs see AV distribution and extenders in the audio and visual department, and the AV:Link range and our help and support blog.

Brands we stock in General A/V Converters

AV:Link and Genie.

Frequently asked questions

How do I connect an HDMI device to a TV that only has Scart?

Use the AV:Link 122.417UK HDMI to Scart converter. It converts high-definition HDMI video signals to analogue Scart for older TVs and displays, has a switchable PAL or NTSC output and is plug and play, and it is powered over USB with the lead supplied. The 122.417UK suits Blu-ray players, games consoles, Sky HD boxes and laptops.

Can I connect an old video recorder or camcorder to a modern TV?

Yes, the AV:Link 128.511UK converts composite RCA audio and video to an HDMI output that is switchable between 720p and 1080p. It is made for older games consoles, video recorders, camcorders, DVD players and set top boxes that need to connect to modern TVs, projectors or monitors, and it comes with a USB power cable.

What does an HDMI audio extractor do?

It takes the audio from an HDMI source and gives it a separate output. The 128.514UK extracts optical Toslink and 3.5mm analogue audio at HDMI resolutions to 3840 x 2160p @ 30Hz, and the 128.518UK extracts HDMI, Toslink, coaxial and 3.5mm audio from 8K sources, with support for VRR, HDR10, LPCM 5.1/7.1 and Dolby Atmos.

How do I connect an optical audio output to RCA inputs?

Use the AV:Link 128.510UK digital to analogue audio converter. It converts optical Toslink or coaxial digital audio to RCA left and right outputs and a 3.5mm headphone jack, handles 24-bit S/PDIF at sampling rates of 32, 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz, and is plug and play with a USB power lead supplied.

Can I view an HD-SDI CCTV camera on an HDMI monitor?

Yes, the Genie HDSDI02 converts HD-SDI to HDMI so that an SDI source can be shown on an HDMI monitor. The HDSDI02 supports 3G-SDI, HD-SDI and SD-SDI video, has a built-in equaliser to increase the working distance and transmission stability, and has a BNC loop-out port for an additional HD-SDI display.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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