Most Monitors Won't Play New HD Video
-Vista's content protection will block or blur high-def movies on today's displays.

Scott Spanbauer
From the November 2005 issue of PC World magazine

If you dropped a bundle on a high-end computer display or HDTV, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when you slip your new high-definition DVD of Star Wars: Episode III into your Windows Vista PC. Vista, the next version of Windows that's slated to appear in about a year, will feature a new systemwide content protection scheme called PVP-OPM.

Read More (http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,122738,00.asp)

Geez.

I'm already disappointed to learn that my HDTV[with component inputs only] will probably not work with the new HD-DVD/Blue-Ray players because the copy protection requires HDCP.

It will still work as a player---except the output will be restricted to 480p.
[What's the point in that?]

Now, there are going to be the same restrictions for computer playback also?

This might actually hurt the rollout of HD-DVD/Blu-ray.

"Bah, humbug--too much trouble and expense...my regular DVD player still works...."

So! 480 lines it is!

I knew there was a reason I didn't spring for HD, yet.

"What do you want to do today?"

I'm already disappointed to learn that my HDTV[with component inputs only] will probably not work with the new HD-DVD/Blue-Ray players because the copy protection requires HDCP.

From what I've gathered, HDCP requires either a DVI or an HDMI connection. Most HD sets out on the market seem to be equipped with one of those connection types (my unit has HDMI, as does my Comcast HD digital cable box), but some of the older units do not, nor do some of the 'value' priced models out there now.

I've been recommending to my friends for some time now that they should be sure to buy an HDMI or DVI equipped unit when looking for an HDTV.

An article about HDCP. Particularly interesting the toward the end about what happens when keys are stolen ....

http://www.engadget.com/entry/1234000727051424/

Cheers!

-Matt

My 16 year son said HD is over rated!! He was joking, but at this stage he is almost right.