Aurora problems - not switching to composite input

[sexton_mallard]

For a while I have been running a HDMI to composite converter to feed content to 405 lines. In the past I had intermittent problems with the Aurora not switching from the test card C to the input signal. Fiddling with PAL<>NTSC and removing/replacing USB power to the composite converter normally forced it to switch.

Now after replacing the HDMI converter, changing the composite lead and varying the input voltage to the Aurora it refuses to 'switch' at all on either of my HDMI converters - somewhat frustrating! Input from a Freeview receiver works but frankly broadcast TV rarely interests me as I prefer playing content via a laptop.

Anyone experienced this problem? Is there a setting that can make the composite input default?

[FRANK.C]

In order to switch to composite the Aurora needs to detect a valid 625 line signal.
If the HDMI to composite converter is set to NTSC output the Aurora wont switch.
Or if the PAL output of the HDMI to composite converter is in some way non-standard or distorted the Aurora wont switch.

Frank

[sexton_mallard]

Thanks Frank. Not even the vertical colour bar test screen generated on the HDMI converter gets through when the HDMI input is disconnected so it is not something like video resolution from the laptop upsetting the HDMI converter. The issue seems intermittent. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't.

[FRANK.C]

I have a HDMI to composite converter but use it very little. Looking at it's output on a scope when it won't switch might reveal something.
Could it be something like a hum loop distorting the video?

Frank

[sexton_mallard]

Thanks Frank. I don't have a 'scope handy at the moment but I'll try the composite input to a modern TV and see it is misbehaves or displays any noticeable distortion or hum bars etc.

I recently purchased a rather nice A/V cabinet and have modulators, Freeview receivers and converters in the cabinet which keeps SWMBO happy in my home office area! Perhaps there is some 'crosstalk' going on. I always keep the minimum of devices switched on and running as a rule.

[McMurdo]

The aurora is a bit fussy with its video source. I have a cheap dvd player here which causes it to intermittently switch back to the test card especially on scene changes. My Blackstar pattern generator drives it crazy. A sony dvd player is more stable. (yes these are uk region 2 discs).

My hdmi to composite converter I've not tried on the aurora but it sometimes confuses my PVR which intermittently goes to black screen or mutes the sound, something I think it's doing in response to imperfect PAL. An analogue TV copes with it fine.