HDMI (HDCP) for HDTV don't get burned! 1080p sets ship

[David Farber <dave () farber net>]

Begin forwarded message:

From: Peter Bachman <peterb () cequs com>
Date: July 31, 2005 11:01:05 PM EDT
To: dave () farber net
Subject: HDMI (HDCP) for HDTV don't get burned! 1080p sets ship
Reply-To: Peter Bachman <peterb () cequs com>


Dave,

(and fellow IP'ers)

There's been some talk about HDMI digital video connections on the list.

If you are planning on buying a new TV soon and are confused by the  
various labels on what will work with
your HDTV cable box, (f you still use one), or just hooking up  
directly with no box to the cable company via CableCard,
then you may want to look for the "Digital Cable Ready" label. These  
started appearing about a year ago in
stores with a DCR logo. It is about your choice to use a set top box  
or not.

It is also some degree of assurance that your future
purchase will meet current standards for digital television.

A television thus labeled will come with an HDMI (HDCP enabled)  
digital connector that
is required if you want to display "digital"  information from your  
cable box when the data is encrypted between cable box
and television. A set that does not have HDCP, but does have DVI or  
HDMI won't work. DVI
is also used for computer monitors, not always with HDCP.

There are also "analog" high definition connections that will still  
be compatible for some time, known
as "component video". That's the three connectors, red, green and  
blue. What is currently controversial is that
the new upcoming DVD formats may require digital connectors to pass  
the HD and above quality DVD signals. Thus
an HDMI connector with HDCP is your safest bet to be able to hook up  
with the high definition DVD formats
that will be introduced in the near future.

"This digital television is capable of receiving analog basic,  
digital basic and digital premium cable television
programming by direct connection to a cable system providing such  
programming. A security card

provided by your cable operator is required to view encrypted digital  
programming. Certain advanced and

interactive digital cable services such as video-on-demand, a cable  
operator's enhanced program guide

and data-enhanced television services may require the use of a set- 
top box. For more information call

your local cable operator."

The whole can be read at the following link.

http://ftp.fcc.gov/oet/info/rules/part15/part15-61305.pdf

Note that certain DVD players that will operate in  the new 1080p  
format this Fall or later, (above current current HDTVquality) may  
enforce "downrezzing" the signal,( i.e. reducing thequality of the  
signal to the current level obtained with your current progressive  
scan DVD player) if you do not use the supported HDMI connectors and  
cables. Televisions are now available that support 1080p but the DVD  
players will be arriving in two different formats, like Beta and VHS  
started out.

thanks,

-pb

peterb () cequs com




-------------------------------------
You are subscribed as lists-ip () insecure org
To manage your subscription, go to
 http://v2.listbox.com/member/?listname=ip

Archives at: http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/