Belkin AV360 1080P HDMI-MDP Input Adapter Review

[TheSandman2236]

More details coming soon...I just picked this up today.


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http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=508267

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H0360LL/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY

[Durious]

That's awesome so glad I seen this I was about to buy the other device today as my iMac is on the way!

[wrw23maths]

According to the Belkin Website, whilst it accepts 1080p, it just converts it to 720p, so surely this is no better than the other adapters which only accept 720p.

[Twinsbb17]

It sure would be nice if Apple updated their 21.5" iMacs to support this...I'm waiting til the fall to get me a new iMac so this would sure be swell.

[TheSandman2236]

According to the Belkin Website, whilst it accepts 1080p, it just converts it to 720p, so surely this is no better than the other adapters which only accept 720p.

Yeah I just saw that -- well hopefully they'll update it to 1080p. It still looks amazing.

[JSAYER]

Would it be possible (or are there any alternatives) to use this on my 2010 15' MBP?

[slicecom]

Still awaiting the detailed review you promised! :p

[TheSandman2236]

I'm working on it -- it might not be til the weekend because of work.

[Dichotomic]

I'm looking forward to hearing what you have to say about this product. I'm ordering an adapter on Monday, and I'm undecided as to what brand.

The 720p output, is that a hardware limitation? I would assume if it was possible to make a 1080p output adapter someone would have done it already...

How do you like the quality from your 360? Does it look nice on the iMac display? My need for the adapter is because I have a PS3 and no HDTV.

[MacRodster]

Would love to see some in game graphics and further updates from this thread please ;)

[GeorgeN111]

I will be picking up one of these always liked Belkins Products after i get my Mac after the refresh. However they don't seem to be available in the UK apple store. And i can not seem to find this product in any UK store.

[chrmjenkins]

Nice pictures. Love your setup.

AFAIK, the no 1080P is a limitation of the iMac (it doesn't support 1080p over input). Let me see if I can find a link to support that.

edit:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=10401829&postcount=967

This post, and thread in general, outlines the options and current problems.

Also see this review of a similar product: http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2010/06/kanex-xd-review-your-27-imac-now-plays-nice-with-your-ps3.ars

According to the Belkin Website, whilst it accepts 1080p, it just converts it to 720p, so surely this is no better than the other adapters which only accept 720p.

This is still an improvement over other adapters as there is now a wider range of input resolutions you can have your xbox/ps3 set to and still get a good signal at the output.

Would it be possible (or are there any alternatives) to use this on my 2010 15' MBP?

No, MBPs do not accept, nor do they have a port for, video input.

[TheSandman2236]

Holy crap everyone, I'm extremely sorry for the delay. I've been SWAMPED at work. I will have some time to do some testing on this tonight.

First of all, I would like to see what everyone would like to hear out of the review. I will test the obvious -- I have an Xbox 360 Slim, PS3 Slim, and a WDTV Live Plus to test with. Let me know what you would like to see out of the review. Thanks!
:apple:

[slicecom]

Mostly I'd like feedback on how the picture looks. Since its only 720P does it look blurry or is it upscaled to look very sharp? Also some high res pictures of the PS3's home screen (XMB etc...) would be great. :)

[sleyeu]

is this sold in the uk?

could you tell us how it looks like when you are half a meter from the screen, 1 meter away from the screen and 2 meters away from the screen?

is 720p resolution any good? always played on 540p...

[henrikrox]

Mostly I'd like feedback on how the picture looks. Since its only 720P does it look blurry or is it upscaled to look very sharp? Also some high res pictures of the PS3's home screen (XMB etc...) would be great. :)

You do know most games run native at 720p right? Uncharted 2, killzone, lbp and the list goes on.

So ask yoruself if uncharted 2 looks fantastic on a 50" screen how do you think it will look on a 27" screen. On the 27" there is alot more pixels per inch.

[Mr Freezetag]

The solution:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4823801/atlona_at_hd620_hdmi_mini_display_port_to_mini_display_port/

http://www.atlona.com/ATLONA-HDMI-MINI-DISPLAYPORT-TO-MINI-DISPLAYPORT-SCALER-AND-SWITCHER.html

If you read the details this takes 1080p resolutions and scales it up to the 27" display's 2560x1440 resolution, and also the 24" 1920x1200. First device I've seen with the scaling!!!!

Now what I want to know is if on these devices, switching from your xbox 360 and plugging in an HD cable box via HDMI is going to be a not-so-smooth switch OR if it would be no different than plugging in a camera into a usb or a HDD....

If anyone has purchased this please let us know. Also I was wondering if a 2 to 1 HDMI splitter would allow you to plug in 2 HDMI devices at once (have them both constantly connected to your imac) yet be able to pick and choose on the computer which one to use. Because it makes no sense to buy 2 of these devices ($$$) so you could have 2 HDMI hook ups.

Thank you and you are welcome

[Mr Freezetag]

Also look at this thread that has already discussed some devices and some people have already tested them.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=10703375&highlight=#post10703375

Cheers

[sleyeu]

Also look at this thread that has already discussed some devices and some people have already tested them.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=10703375&highlight=#post10703375

Cheers

But not the belkin I believe, and the atlona is more expensive. Apple will probably never update the iMac to take in 1080 as it isint in the best of interest for them. Unless the apple tv will do 1080, probably 780 or 1440 to compliment it's own brand.

[GeorgeN111]

Could you please tell me where you purchased this i have been looking everywhere and have not been able to find it i am in the UK but i will be travelling to USA on Tuesday so i will be able to pick it up there if it is available from retail stores in the US

[chrmjenkins]

The solution:

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/4823801/atlona_at_hd620_hdmi_mini_display_port_to_mini_display_port/

http://www.atlona.com/ATLONA-HDMI-MINI-DISPLAYPORT-TO-MINI-DISPLAYPORT-SCALER-AND-SWITCHER.html

If you read the details this takes 1080p resolutions and scales it up to the 27" display's 2560x1440 resolution, and also the 24" 1920x1200. First device I've seen with the scaling!!!!

Now what I want to know is if on these devices, switching from your xbox 360 and plugging in an HD cable box via HDMI is going to be a not-so-smooth switch OR if it would be no different than plugging in a camera into a usb or a HDD....

If anyone has purchased this please let us know. Also I was wondering if a 2 to 1 HDMI splitter would allow you to plug in 2 HDMI devices at once (have them both constantly connected to your imac) yet be able to pick and choose on the computer which one to use. Because it makes no sense to buy 2 of these devices ($$$) so you could have 2 HDMI hook ups.

Thank you and you are welcome

As I pointed out above, the iMac doesn't support more than 720p over input, so the fact that these converters can scale to the iMac's native resolution is pointless at this juncture. Apple needs to update the iMac.

[/V\acpower]

But not the belkin I believe, and the atlona is more expensive. Apple will probably never update the iMac to take in 1080 as it isint in the best of interest for them. Unless the apple tv will do 1080, probably 780 or 1440 to compliment it's own brand.

nah, it would be on their best interest, just that it need a bit more hardware to scale a 1080 signal to 1440p (2560x1440). Right now it support 720p (1280x720) because its exactly the half of the native resolution, so it doesn't need scaling.

[Mr Freezetag]

As I pointed out above, the iMac doesn't support more than 720p over input, so the fact that these converters can scale to the iMac's native resolution is pointless at this juncture. Apple needs to update the iMac.

The scaler is able to upconvert any HDMI resolution to match the native resolution of an Apple iMac 27” (2560x1440).

This device is not the same as these other adapters without scaling....

Go look in the other forums where people have compared them side by side to the earlier adapters. This one blew the old ones out of the water. Now I wonder why? Obviously not 720p.

[chrmjenkins]

The scaler is able to upconvert any HDMI resolution to match the native resolution of an Apple iMac 27” (2560x1440).

This device is not the same as these other adapters without scaling....

Go look in the other forums where people have compared them side by side to the earlier adapters. This one blew the old ones out of the water. Now I wonder why? Obviously not 720p.

I checked again, this appears to be correct.

[sleyeu]

The scaler is able to upconvert any HDMI resolution to match the native resolution of an Apple iMac 27” (2560x1440).

This device is not the same as these other adapters without scaling....

Go look in the other forums where people have compared them side by side to the earlier adapters. This one blew the old ones out of the water. Now I wonder why? Obviously not 720p.

The iMac can only take 720 and 1440 and one more small one.

They may have different algorithms which makes the quality better or worse, or may look better to someone.

I believe that the atlona can output 1080p but the iMac just won't take it.

[bringinsexymac]

The iMac can only take 720 and 1440 and one more small one.

They may have different algorithms which makes the quality better or worse, or may look better to someone.

I believe that the atlona can output 1080p but the iMac just won't take it.


I have the latest iMac and it can handle 1080p as well as 720. I don't know what you are all talking about. But you seem to have no clue about the imac resolution.

[chrmjenkins]

I have the latest iMac and it can handle 1080p as well as 720. I don't know what you are all talking about. But you seem to have no clue about the imac resolution.

You're talking about display resolution, not the resolution of inputs that it can accept. As for display resolution, there's no reason to do anything other than native unless you like looking at sub-optimal larger sized elements.

[Willo3G]

As I pointed out above, the iMac doesn't support more than 720p over input, so the fact that these converters can scale to the iMac's native resolution is pointless at this juncture. Apple needs to update the iMac.

Hey chrmjenkins, you know if apple is working on 1080p input? that will be awsome if they do it!!! HOPE SOOO (ANY NEWS?)

[chrmjenkins]

Hey chrmjenkins, you know if apple is working on 1080p input? that will be awsome if they do it!!! HOPE SOOO (ANY NEWS?)

No idea. Seems like a feature that isn't that critical, meaning it could go either way. For now, just get a box that can upconvert 1080p to native.

[Willo3G]

No idea. Seems like a feature that isn't that critical, meaning it could go either way. For now, just get a box that can upconvert 1080p to native.

any brand, links, store for this box! thanks for your info man! :)

[chrmjenkins]

any brand, links, store for this box! thanks for your info man! :)

Start with OP. I doubt you'll find this sort of box in any brick and mortar store. Maybe Fry's if you have one near. There's other brands and features besides the belkin too.

[slicecom]

Looking into buying this, but I have a question. I know that it can play audio thru the iMac's internal speakers, but I have studio monitors connected to my iMac thru a USB Audio Interface. Does the audio go to the output source you have selected in OSX, or does it only work thru the internal speakers?

[iMacN00b]

No idea. Seems like a feature that isn't that critical, meaning it could go either way. For now, just get a box that can upconvert 1080p to native.

I love my Kanex XD (currently limited to 720p, but supports 1080p, if & when the imac display allows it.) but I would loooove it even more if Apple would allow 1080p on the display EDID!

I guess I can dream.... :D

[slicecom]

I love my Kanex XD (currently limited to 720p, but supports 1080p, if & when the imac display allows it.) but I would loooove it even more if Apple would allow 1080p on the display EDID!

I guess I can dream.... :D

I was leaning toward the Belkin AV360 as from what I understand, it can accept both 720p AND 1080p (of course it downscales that to 720p) but that way I would never have to worry about switching my PS3 back and forth from 1080p to 720p when I unhook it from my TV and hook it up to my iMac.

[iMacN00b]

I was leaning toward the Belkin AV360 as from what I understand, it can accept both 720p AND 1080p (of course it downscales that to 720p) but that way I would never have to worry about switching my PS3 back and forth from 1080p to 720p when I unhook it from my TV and hook it up to my iMac.

Sounds sensible. I only have a 720p TV (An old Pioneer 43") so don't have that issue, and the Kanex was the only option in my apple store here in Norway.

The Kanex is a good convertor though, I experience no lag or issues whatsoever. Sitting back a few feet the screen looks OK, but it would be the icing on the cake if it did 1080p. As I don't have a 1080p TV I would love to try out some Blu-Rays on the imac too.

We can't download films from iTunes here in Norway, so it's like Apple are doing everything they can to prevent me from seeing HD film!

Blu-Ray drive = Nope
iTunes HD film download = Nope
1080p input from an external Bluray (ps3) = No sir.

If I wasn't a chilled type of guy, I might actually be frustrated by that.

I guess Apple have their reasons.

/iMacN00b.

[chrmjenkins]

There are options that will upconvert 1080p to native. The AT-HD620 is one example, but it is expensive ( $200). There are more options out there.

[tc3jg]

There are options that will upconvert 1080p to native. The AT-HD620 is one example, but it is expensive ( $200). There are more options out there.

Like?

[slicecom]

Looking into buying this, but I have a question. I know that it can play audio thru the iMac's internal speakers, but I have studio monitors connected to my iMac thru a USB Audio Interface. Does the audio go to the output source you have selected in OSX, or does it only work thru the internal speakers?

Never did get an answer on this...

[TheSandman2236]

Never did get an answer on this...

It goes through any audio source your iMac is connected to -- I have a 2.1 system hooked up to it :)

[TheSandman2236]

Start with OP. I doubt you'll find this sort of box in any brick and mortar store. Maybe Fry's if you have one near. There's other brands and features besides the belkin too.

I bought mine at the Apple Store here in Chicago locally.

[wilko251088]

I have been using a drbott hdmi to mdp convertor for a year now. It was £75 off eBay from Germany ( I live in uk ) the picture in 720p looks just as good as most hdtvs as the mac screen is superior quality and the led technology is the best out there I'd say.

[Xenc]

Is the image sharp and clear?

[slicecom]

Is the image sharp and clear?

No, it's not at all. It's a little more clear with the Atlona AT-HD620, because it upscales from a 1080p image rather than a 720p image, but it's still not sharp and clear. It is the best that can be done on a 2560 x 1440 display with only HD input though. I'd say it looks sharp if you're about 5' away from the monitor, but not if you sit where you normally do to use OSX.

[Andythed]

I hear people say that the image is blurry

Is this only because people sit so close to the mac screen?

At the distance people sit from a mac, doing the same with a tv would surely not be great either?

I dont know, questions....

[Xenc]

No, it's not at all. It's a little more clear with the Atlona AT-HD620, because it upscales from a 1080p image rather than a 720p image, but it's still not sharp and clear. It is the best that can be done on a 2560 x 1440 display with only HD input though. I'd say it looks sharp if you're about 5' away from the monitor, but not if you sit where you normally do to use OSX.

Thanks for the reply. I've now had the chance to use both the Atlona AT-HD620 and the Kanex XD with my iMac, and found the image quality of the latter to be the better of the two. I experienced interference with the AT-HD620 when connecting my Xbox 360 to it.

Sitting near to the screen, like you mentioned, does give a rather blurry image. However the quality looks great when sat at a distance.

[anfrice]

OK Listen here peeps....
I own a Belkin AV360....
I use it to marry my ps3 with my iMac 27inch
The iMac only supports 720P even though the device allows 1080P...
I sit pretty much the same distance as I do when I am surfing the web and the picture looks very very very good...
A lot go games run on 720P anyways so its all good and since your playing on a 27inch screen with more pixels and less space, the picture naturally is great...
The sound will naturally come from the hdmi source into the iMac ( ps3 to iMac )------ although on you device, ps3, xbox, blu ray etc you can have plugged in what ever audio source you desire like gaming headsets, surround sound system or whatever and just select on ur device that u want ur audio to come from the desired device an BAM... done
Generally if your iMac is switched on, and all your connections are plugged in, one you turn on the device attached to the av360, the mac will switch straight to the picture. Once you switch off your device then the mac swill switch back to your osx. ALTHOUGH... if it doesn't do this automatically or you want to switch screens without turning off your devices such as pausing your game, going on ur osx then back to your game... simply hold the command key and press F2. This will allow you to switch between both screens.
Even though the av360 automatically converts the res to 720P, meaning you can leave your device (ps3 etc) on 1080P, I would recommend changing your device to 720P. This will give you a more crisp 720P picture as the av360 doesn't have to work as hard to downscale your picture and lets it use all its powers to give you a smooth connection between devices.

In a nutshell, picture is awesome, sound is awesome.... Belkin a v360 = Awsome...

Please look me up on youtube under anfrice or reply to this blog if you want me to post youtube videos of my set up.

peace out :D

[Richdmoore]

I would love to buy one if it supported the thunderbolt iMacs. Hopefully it is something that will be invented in the future.

[slicecom]

Even though the av360 automatically converts the res to 720P, meaning you can leave your device (ps3 etc) on 1080P, I would recommend changing your device to 720P. This will give you a more crisp 720P picture as the av360 doesn't have to work as hard to downscale your picture and lets it use all its powers to give you a smooth connection between devices.

Not true. The AV360 takes the 1080P picture and UPSCALES it to 1440. You get more detail that way, but yes, the image is interpolated up to 1440. Having viewed both, 1080p upconverted to 1440 looks better than 720p on a 1440 screen.

[anfrice]

Not true. The AV360 takes the 1080P picture and UPSCALES it to 1440. You get more detail that way, but yes, the image is interpolated up to 1440. Having viewed both, 1080p upconverted to 1440 looks better than 720p on a 1440 screen.

Yes but if the iMac is only going to give you 720p, then that was my point. I think I get a better picture when the ps3 is set on 720p and not 1080p when using my Belkin with the iMac 27

[slicecom]

Yes but if the iMac is only going to give you 720p, then that was my point. I think I get a better picture when the ps3 is set on 720p and not 1080p when using my Belkin with the iMac 27

The iMac gives you 1440p no matter what because that's how many pixels it has. The difference is its either upscaled from 720p with the Belkin or 1080p with the Atlona.

[anfrice]

The iMac gives you 1440p no matter what because that's how many pixels it has. The difference is its either upscaled from 720p with the Belkin or 1080p with the Atlona.

OK I think the point of this is being missed...

yes the belkin supports 1080p or 1440p or whatever
yes the iMac screen res is 1440p

I already know all this

But once you connect the av360 into the display port and the hdmi from ur device into the av360, then the only resolution your going to get is 720p
The iMac only allows this and thats just it. Even though all devices connected can handle a much higher resolution, unfortunately you aint going to get it as thats just how it is.

Have a look at the provided link - http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=508267

Then click on features and read dot point number 4 which I will quote "Accepts full 1080p signal, provides 720p to iMac"

[slicecom]

No, I think you're missing the point. The iMac can display up to 2560x1440 through the displayport. Since the PS3 only outputs up to 1080p, it will be downgraded to 720p if you use a Belkin AV360 as you said.

The iMac can display full 2560x1440 if its being fed 2560x1440 through the displayport. Don't believe me? Try pluging a MacBook Pro into the displayport on your iMac. If you set it to output 2560x1440 it will fill the iMac's screen with glorious 2560x1440, no scaling required. The Atlona takes the 1080p signal from the PS3 and UPSCALES it to 2560x1440 for the iMac, feeding the iMac 2560x1440. 1080p upscaled to 2560x1440 is more detailed than 720p upscaled to 2560x1440.

[panzer06]

As I pointed out above, the iMac doesn't support more than 720p over input, so the fact that these converters can scale to the iMac's native resolution is pointless at this juncture. Apple needs to update the iMac.



AFAIK, the no 1080P is a limitation of the iMac (it doesn't support 1080p over input). Let me see if I can find a link to support that.

edit:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=10401829&postcount=967

This post, and thread in general, outlines the options and current problems.

Also see this review of a similar product: http://arstechnica.com/apple/reviews/2010/06/kanex-xd-review-your-27-imac-now-plays-nice-with-your-ps3.ars



This is still an improvement over other adapters as there is now a wider range of input resolutions you can have your xbox/ps3 set to and still get a good signal at the output.



No, MBPs do not accept, nor do they have a port for, video input.

While HDMI sources are limited to 720p any displayport/mini-displayport (mdp) input works at the full 1440p resolution. And no 2010 MBPs do not have input but they do output to the iMac at full 1440p on the iMac display.

No, I think you're missing the point. The iMac can display up to 2560x1440 through the displayport. Since the PS3 only outputs up to 1080p, it will be downgraded to 720p if you use a Belkin AV360 as you said.

The iMac can display full 2560x1440 if its being fed 2560x1440 through the displayport. Don't believe me? Try pluging a MacBook Pro into the displayport on your iMac. If you set it to output 2560x1440 it will fill the iMac's screen with glorious 2560x1440, no scaling required. The Atlona takes the 1080p signal from the PS3 and UPSCALES it to 2560x1440 for the iMac, feeding the iMac 2560x1440. 1080p upscaled to 2560x1440 is more detailed than 720p upscaled to 2560x1440.

^This is correct, there is no limit associated with the iMac input as long as the input received is from a displayport device. This feature is exactly why I bought the 2010 version. My Alienware gaming laptop with 2GB ATI 6990 is awesome on the iMac 27" screen at full native resolution because it has a mdp output port. No adapters required, just a simple $12 mdp cable.

Cheers,

[anfrice]

No, I think you're missing the point. The iMac can display up to 2560x1440 through the displayport. Since the PS3 only outputs up to 1080p, it will be downgraded to 720p if you use a Belkin AV360 as you said.

The iMac can display full 2560x1440 if its being fed 2560x1440 through the displayport. Don't believe me? Try pluging a MacBook Pro into the displayport on your iMac. If you set it to output 2560x1440 it will fill the iMac's screen with glorious 2560x1440, no scaling required. The Atlona takes the 1080p signal from the PS3 and UPSCALES it to 2560x1440 for the iMac, feeding the iMac 2560x1440. 1080p upscaled to 2560x1440 is more detailed than 720p upscaled to 2560x1440.

Ok.... Seeing this thread is a "Belkin AV360" review then I assume you would understand that I'm soley speaking about the resolution due to the AV360

Not the iMac res
Not the display port specs

I'm am purely making a point that when u connect the av360 to a ps3 and an iMac.... You unfortunately get 720p......

[JCarregoso]

Any way to use this with the iMacs without Minidisplayport (With Thunderbolt)?