If you have an older cable/satellite box or other high-definition AV source component, you may not have an HDMI output - which is fine until you purchase a brand new HDTV that only has HDMI inputs. The Calrad 40-281H Component Video / Analog Audio to HDMI Converter solves that problem by converting your component connection into an HDMI connection. It is also a great solution if your want to reduce the wire clutter in your home theater from the FIVE cables it takes for a component video and analog audio connection, down to ONE HDMI cable that can transfer all of the same video and audio over a single cable. Simply plug your existing component video and analog audio cables (or a new shorter set of cables) into the converter, then connect an HDMI cable between the converter and the HDMI input on your HDTV, projector or display, and lastly connect the power supply to the converter and plug it in - that"s all there is too it!