Re: HDTV and interfaces

[Jim Noble <yahoo-groups@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

brougham Baker wrote:
> Does anyone know of an executive summary on HDTV and the interfaces
they are
> using?
> I'm considering the Dell Ultrasharp 2407WFP 24" widescreen LCD
Flat Panel
> http://accessories.euro.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=uk&l=en&s=dhs&cs=ukdhs1&sku=59234
> Says the resolution is 1920x1200 pixels- so over proper HD res.
Supports
> advanced features like PIP (Picture in Picture) and PBP (Picture By
Picture)
> Has loads of inputs and usb hub+ card reader but it is the DVI-D
(Digital)
> with HDCP that worries me- is this going to be around for a bit? Will
it
> accept a signal from the DVI interface on my Radeon 9800pro as I'm not
sure
> it does HDCP. Gave me a 5.7 for Aero and 4.5 for Gaming on Vista RC2.
>

HDMI is DVI re-wrapped in a smaller connector with added digital audio.
Adapters are available to go between the two in either direction. Either
form factor can use HDCP.

If your video source is HDCP encrypting its output, you can't watch it
on a screen that doesn't support HDCP (at least not via HDMI/DVI). Use
of HDCP is triggered by the source material though - just because your
hardware supports HDCP doesn't mean it will be using it. eg. I don't
think Sky HD is using HDCP at the moment, but they have the option of
turning it on (and annoying a lot of early adopters who don't have HDCP
enabled DVI/HDMI ports...)

So you will be able to use your Radeon card with that monitor, but you
won't be able to use it to watch a HDCP encrypted video via the PC (but
you could connect something else to the monitor that does support HDCP...)

Jim





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