Product Review (November 2001) - Key Digital Systems
KD-CTCA2 Component-to-VGA Converter
KD-VTCA1 VGA-to-Component Converter
There was a time when consumers didn't have to worry about video compatibility issues when connecting products such as a VCR or cable box. Nothing more than a composite video signal was required to get a picture on your television. Year's later, s-video connections were introduced to carry the chroma and luminance signals separately to improve picture quality from better quality sources. More recently component connections have been introduced to maximize picture quality from component-based sources such as DVD and DirecTV set-top boxes. While many manufacturers chose to put component input and outputs on their products, others decided to use RGB connections. This incompatibility between products introduced a problem for many consumers. There became an immediate need for products that would allow you to convert from one format to the other.
A
company called Key Digital Systems (www.keydigital.com)
recently introduced two useful adapters that address this interface problem
facing many consumers today. The first product is the KD-CTCA2, which
converts component signals to a pair of RGB/HV signals. For this review,
we were only able to test the now obsolete KD-CTC which is the single
output version of the KD-CTCA2. Both the single and dual output versions
are otherwise identical. The KD-CTCA2 comes with its own power adapter
that converts wall power into 6VDC. A series of DIP-switches are used
to select the video format (i.e. 480p, 720p or 1080i) and whether composite
sync or horizontal drive output signals are desired on the RGB/HV signals.
In addition, positive or negative syncs are selectable giving the user
maximum flexibility. There's even a small trim to adjust the horizontal
position of the image. We found this converter to work very well with
virtually no video degradation in the 1080i or 480p modes. The compact
design makes it a snap to hook-up and leave dangling behind the display.
Our test included the Panasonic TU-HDS20 set-top box along with a Pioneer
Elite PRO-610HD display.
The
second product we tested from Key Digital Systems was the KD-VTCA1, which
converts RGB-HV signals to component video. We tested this adapter using
an RCA DTC100 interfaced to a high-definition Mitsubishi Diamond series
display (WS-65908). The converter
worked flawlessly and generated an incredible image on our high-definition
Mitsubishi display. We operated the KD-VTCA1 in the 1080i mode only, so
we cannot comment on the 480p performance. This adapter also includes
a trim for adjusting horizontal position, which proved to be handy during
our tests. The KD-VTCA1
is compatible with 480i, 480p, 720p and 1080i video
sources.
Both products offer a solution
to an otherwise troubling interface problem facing many consumers today.
The retail price for these adapters is lower than what we've seen from
other manufacturer's. These compact adapters offer excellent performance,
are easy to use and offer the flexibility needed to get the picture right.
- Kevin Nakano
Review System:
Display 1: Pioneer Elite PRO-610HD 58-inch
HD-Ready TV (ISF Calibrated)
Display 2: Mitsubishi WS-65908 Diamond Series 65-inch HD-Ready
TV (ISF Calibrated)
Dish: RCA DSA8900E DirecTV Plus Elliptical dish
Set-top Box 1: Panasonic TU-HDS20
Set-top Box 2: RCA DTC100