Questions about HDMI/HDCP

Redeemer Zero · 05-09-2005, 04:33 PM

Hey guys, im new here but from what ive read so far you guys are a pretty knowledgable forum so i hope you can help.

I've done all my homework on HDTV and HDMI but last week i read an article saying that HDMI isn't enough, that you will need a TV that has an HDMI/HDCP slot to get the truly highest resultion from your 360. Is this true? Is having just HDMI alone not enough? Will the quality really be THAT different between just an HDMI TV and an HDMI/HDCP TV?

I'm researching which projection LCD TV to buy and I was convinced on one until I read that article, now i'm not sure if now is the time to buy because so few TV's have the HDMI/HDCP slot (at Bestbuy LG is the only company in fact). I cant wait to buy an HDTV but when i do I want to make sure it's giving me the best possible picture, I definitely don't want to buy one around launch only to find out that i'll have to replace it to get the truest picture.

Thanks for your help guys

Patrick · 05-09-2005, 05:51 PM

You will have to have HDCP and HDMI.

They way HDCP works is by exchaning keys with the other device. The sole purpose of HDCP is to keep people from copying Copyrighted material.

Basically HDCP compliant boxes will only display on HDCP compliant displays.

But Most TV's with HDMI are HDCP compatiable. But some aren't.

What I would do is go to a shop that specializes in home theatre. BESTBUY walmart, aren't good places. Look for a "Mom and Pop" store. They usually offer better customer service with knowlegable staff.

Good Luck.

Redeemer Zero · 05-09-2005, 06:23 PM

thanks. Do you know any store chains that might be better?

So will it make that big of a difference in picture quality?

Patrick · 06-09-2005, 10:11 AM

From dvi to HDMI no unless you try to convert one to the other. From component to HDMI or DVI yes. HDMI and DVI are all digital standards. Some people believe the industry is turning away from DVI (I agree). HDMI also has sound and remote control on the same cable. Most receivers however aren't available with HDMI connections so you still need to run a digital signal to your reciver as well. If you are running an analog signal to your recevier the video will be ahead of the sound. Visa verca.

I think there is a chain called The BIG Picture. Also check out your local phone book.

GL

Redeemer Zero · 06-09-2005, 08:46 PM

hey thanx P, and im glad to hear that theres such a big difference between component (which im using now) and HDMI. What i really want to find out is if anyone has seen the difference between a tv with just HDMI and a tv with HDMI/HDCP. Should a guy like me who wants to go into the HD market buy a quality HDMI tv or patiently wait for more tv's to adopt HDMI/HDCP?

Nomino · 07-09-2005, 02:12 PM

It's a complete myth that there is such a big difference between component and digital, such as DVI or the (seemingly now standard) HDMI. Just for the record, HDCP makes no difference to picture quality at all - it's just copy protection.

Back to HDMI vs component. It all depends on the TV you have, your image source, and your cables. With a state-of-the-art panel, top-of-the-range DVD player, and cables that cost thousands, then yes, you will get a better image with HDMI over component. The truth is, for most people, there absolutely no difference in picture quality between HDMI and component. In fact, component is often said to be better because it offers a "softer" image, which looks more natural.

With that said, if you but a TV now and it does not have HDMI with HDCP, you are wasting your money.

Patrick · 07-09-2005, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomino

In fact, component is often said to be better because it offers a "softer" image, which looks more natural.

Some people say the same about tube amps and the sound they make.

Digital does make a big diffrence compared to analog. look at vinyl compared to CD's 3.5 floppys compared to a CD-RW. Its the same way with video. Thats why DVD replaced VHS There is a diffrence in quality its not a myth.

If it is a myth why is the industry leaving it for a new standard?

Give me digital anyday.

Redeemer Zero · 07-09-2005, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nomino

It's a complete myth that there is such a big difference between component and digital, such as DVI or the (seemingly now standard) HDMI. Just for the record, HDCP makes no difference to picture quality at all - it's just copy protection.

Back to HDMI vs component. It all depends on the TV you have, your image source, and your cables. With a state-of-the-art panel, top-of-the-range DVD player, and cables that cost thousands, then yes, you will get a better image with HDMI over component. The truth is, for most people, there absolutely no difference in picture quality between HDMI and component. In fact, component is often said to be better because it offers a "softer" image, which looks more natural.

With that said, if you but a TV now and it does not have HDMI with HDCP, you are wasting your money.

so Nomino, if HDCP makes no difference in picture quality, why would i be wasting my money to buy a tv now that only has HDMI? Patrick, what do you think? Is anyone else having the "to buy or not to buy" right now or at all for the launch of 360?

Redeemer Zero · 07-09-2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick

Give me digital anyday.

i whole-heartedly second that!

BionicSniper · 11-09-2005, 03:09 PM

if you buy a tv with hdmo that doesnt support hdcp (or what ever it is) then you WILL NOT be able to view most things because the tv will not be able to respond to the security information...... but there will be some hackers that make a hdcp spoofing box

TRouBLe · 11-09-2005, 03:16 PM

PPl think that if you don't have HDTV games will suck.
Xbox is HDTV compatible but i still has the best graphics on SDTV.
I know this is the next-gen thing but MS said that they oblige developers to support 480p.
So cheer up even if you don'y buy an HDTV you'l' still enjoy you 360.
I know i will cause i don't have an HDTV

scutterboy · 13-09-2005, 03:56 PM

It's a moo point! You know? Like a cows opinion... Who cares?

The original 360 wont have HDMI support. It's component only. There arent any HDMI connections.
I have a HDMI/HDCP compatible Plasma. From the XBox 360 I will get Hi Definition 720p or 1080i but only using the component (YUV) connection. Hi Def is given.. HDMI is alluded to, maybe becoming available, if and when the market conditions suit. --

HDMI = High Definition Multimedia interface.. This carries DIGITAL high def Pic and sound. There is no analogue to digital conversion so the picture is pure.
DVI = Digital Video Interface (interconnect) As above but without audio.

High Definition -- 720p or 1080i. = image resolution and refresh standards. Available in digital and component analogue feed.

HDCP = High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection scheme created by Intel.

HDCP is integral to HDMI and unless or until the XBOX 360 becomes HDCP compliant it will not get a HDMI connection.

My money says that the first batch isn't HDCP compliant so wont have HDMI.. It'll be when the HD-DVD or Blue Ray batch are released that the hardware will have gained HDCP and then get a HDMI connector.

Patrick · 13-09-2005, 05:15 PM

The point is moot not moo.

but its not moot. The relivency is the fact that buying a non-HDMI/HDCP compatiable TV compared to one that doesn't support it would be a waste of money.

There also eventualy might be breakout boxes available for non-HDCP medium. but when you put connections into a line quality goes down.

also HDMI has remote controls in the signal path DVI doesn't. This I think, I'm not 100% sure, allows devices to be daisy chained with HDMI.

JAMESB22 · 13-09-2005, 05:30 PM

Last week I bought the $50 dollar Hdmi cable for my Tv. And I can't tell the diference in picture, and sound, I use optical digital to my surrond sound anyway. But now I have less cables and cooler bragging rights! I love My 34" Sony HDTV !!!!

Redeemer Zero · 21-09-2005, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patrick

The point is moot not moo.

but its not moot. The relivency is the fact that buying a non-HDMI/HDCP compatiable TV compared to one that doesn't support it would be a waste of money.

There also eventualy might be breakout boxes available for non-HDCP medium. but when you put connections into a line quality goes down.

also HDMI has remote controls in the signal path DVI doesn't. This I think, I'm not 100% sure, allows devices to be daisy chained with HDMI.

so everyone should be waiting for the hdmi AND hdcp slot to become more standard? will it ever, or is just an hdmi connection sufficent? ive found lots of tv's with just an hdmi slot but no hdcp, why is that if its SO crucial?

Diamond · 21-09-2005, 10:06 AM

I'm so very confused now. After reading these posts I'm going to go have a stroke. Brb.

ThriceBB · 21-09-2005, 10:33 AM

ok....im very confused now too. i dont really know anything about HDTV, but i have been shopping around for one too for the 360. im not even gonna waste my time trying to understand what you guys say lol....so here is the TV that i was pretty much decided upon. dont try to explain anything to me lol...all the TV talk just doesnt comprehend with me lol. i just want to know if this is a good TV to have for the 360?!? heres the link....

CLICK

Diamond · 21-09-2005, 11:11 AM

I don't know anymore. I think I'm just going to wait until after Christmas when all the new stuff goes on sale.

Heclo · 21-09-2005, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ThriceBB

ok....im very confused now too. i dont really know anything about HDTV, but i have been shopping around for one too for the 360. im not even gonna waste my time trying to understand what you guys say lol....so here is the TV that i was pretty much decided upon. dont try to explain anything to me lol...all the TV talk just doesnt comprehend with me lol. i just want to know if this is a good TV to have for the 360?!? heres the link....

CLICK

Yes, that tv will be excellent for the 360, as it support both 720p and 1080i resolutions, and it has 2 component inputs (the HD output of the xbox360 will be component) and it also has a HDMI port.