frog:
HDCP is in passthrough mode in the Beosystem 3 - so that isn't the problem - and i'd hesitate on buying a new box - specially as it downscales unnecessarily for your needs. The issue with the avant is different as it is the downscaler box that needs to have an active HDCP key as it is a terminator (and not really legal :) ).
The use of a down scale convertor is not illegal. HDCP is concerned with the transmission of protected content in HDMI and the possible use of a recording device using the HDMI signal. The convertor in question is not striping the HDCP for use in HDMI signals, it is downscaling the signal and converting to composite (analog) which is a non-issue for HDCP, because HDCP is only concerned with HDMI.
The major legal issue with HDCP is that it is preventing the concept of fair use for individuals. This is interesting because the ever lowering cost of renting and purchasing content really renders the idea of recording anything fairly mote and I cannot see why anyone wants to record content. The addition of iCloud makes it even easier to protect and access your purchases.
In the case of the ATV2, the issue at hand is how the device is reacting to the downscaler, and this is a solution that actually works as found by trial and error. I get a real kick out of people that have not tried to use the convertor, and post their opinion that it won’t work, as I am watching the ATV2 through the Avant, which is really the only reason that I needed the convertor in the first place. Nothing more, nothing less.