So where is the problem?
It's simple: "the HDMI input resolution is scaled to an adjustable VGA output resolution in the menu".
In other words: The device itself can not conduct "letterboxing".
When a wide-screen format is delivered via HDMI, this is obviously mercilessly implemented in the target resolution - even if this classic 4: 3 format is.
If the controlled device (eg a monitor) has the ability to change the aspect ratio displayed (shrinking, stretching, resizing, letterboxing), then you can compensate, and you'll be fine.
If the signal source has the ability to change the aspect ratio displayed (output format change with hard letterboxing), then you can compensate, and you'll be fine.
If you have neither the ability, the signal from the outset as a 4: 3 to get, even after the calculated 4: 3 to 16 back: stretch 9, you will get only a distorted picture.
This is in principle no fault of the converter, and I do not see it as a technical deficiency in the design, but it is formulated from the description as not evident or simply incorrect:
According to Duden means scale "(EDP), the size of an image or similar in compliance with the proportions change" - and that's what happened here will _not_ when input and output format have different aspect ratios.
To classify: In the present case, I have tried to connect with an old projector (Epson EMP-710) cable Germany HD receiver (Sagemcom DCI85HD KD).
The receiver sends 720p (1280x720), the projector can only XGA (1024x768).
The receiver can also 576i, 576p and 1080i, but used in all cases, 16: 9 aspect ratio as the effect is therefore always the gleiche.¹
Unfortunately, the video projector itself has no separate height and width corrections, only linear zoom and keystone correction, so I could not readjust the image.
I have connected as a counter test yet my DVB-T receiver, which dominates device-side format correction, and the whole thing was very nice because readjust. Aspect Ratio "Auto" looked at 4: 3 broadcast normally from (4: 3-> 4: 3, pure resizing), in 16: 9 broadcasts the image was distorted (16: 9-> 4: 3, compression).
Was switched at the 16: 9 aspect ratio broadcast on "4: 3 Letterbox" saw the picture again from normal. (4: 3-> 4: 3, pure resizing)
Since the same DVB-T receiver in the "Auto" format 16: 9 broadcasts in 16: displaying correctly 9 devices, it then but 4: 3 breitgezogen, I can say with certainty that "Auto", the aspect ratio easily unchanged further sends, the distortion so do not come from the receiver.
Long story short: I can exclude the source device as a distorting element. The distortion when converting 16: 9> 4: 3 is definitely coming from the converter.
CONCLUSION
The device works 99% as described. Even with the described distortion was clearly visible, which is an improvement down scaled 720p compared to PAL. Had it not been for the distortion, I would have been very happy, and it would be a fantastic improvement over previously been.
I highly recommend this device so anyone whose signal device and either have the same aspect ratio, or can adjust the aspect ratio on one side of the converter.
Who has no control over input and output proportions, should be from this device fingers!
If Ligawo / Deluxecable reading this review: A simple adaptation of the description would prevent Ausprobierorgien like my and my imminent return. ;)
3 broadcasts with cable Germany as hard geletterboxte 16: Apparently ¹ 4 are sent 9 signals, therefore makes no difference in normal TV operation.
