How Many HDMI Ports Does Your HDTV Have?

harryk asks: "Ok, this is a serious question and one I don't think has been covered, at least not with a quick glance in Google's direction. With all of the media center components that we'll all have in our entertainment racks, the biggest question that I have (actually my wife prompted me on this) is how many HDMI ports does your TV have? With the PS3, my HD-DVD player or up-convert DVD player, and my fancy schmancy new cable box or satellite receiver, how on earth will I connect all of them?"

Comments

zero

[inio]

Yep, zero. None. Nadda. Zip.

Re:zero

[Anonymous Coward]

Oh, cool, your TV has WiFi?

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

Use component. HDMI enables HDCP and *that* isn't something you want to do.

HDMI doesn't give you anything hugely useful. It can incorporate audio into the same cable with the video, however, for most people who have separate surround systems, this is an inconvenience, rather than a feature. Digital audio needs to go to the surround system, while video, component preferably, goes to the display device. If you're using your display's built-in audio, you're almost certainly involved in a sub-par overall experience

Component, thus far, is the best of the best. Good (by which I mean just good... not stupidity like monster overkill) cables will give you excellent results. How do I know? Because I have a 22-foot diagonal display sourced from a 1080/1920 projection system. Component gives single pixel resolution without any trouble; that's awesome at that amount of detail.

Remember: HDMI is bad and supporting it is the last thing you would want to do. HDMI enables HDCP, and HDCP is a pond-scum mechanism for DRM / copy protection.

Re:zero

[ydnar]

HDMI isn't bad anymore than the DVD player connected to your projector. It's a cable package that combines digital video and audio signals.

HDCP is a method of encrypting the DVI signal transmitted over an HDMI cable. DVI cables, as well as monitors and video cards that have DVI ports, can transmit an HDCP-encrypted signal just as well.

HDMI cables are handy if you have a reciever with multiple HDMI inputs--fewer cables to deal with.

Re:zero

[pe1chl]

HDMI enables HDCP and *that* isn't something you want to do.

Is capturing a DVI signal and then recording it something you want to do? I don't think so.
HDCP protects a DVI signal. That has a very high bitrate and it takes quite some effort to compress it back into the recorded material.
When you want to record something, you record the MPEG2 (or whatever compression standard) material, not the decoded output.
So, HDCP is not really a problem.

Component, thus far, is the best of the best.

Why do you consider Component the best? What was wrong with RGB that it needed to be replaced?

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

DVI cables, as well as monitors and video cards that have DVI ports, can transmit an HDCP-encrypted signal just as well.

That's why I suggest people support component. Digital channels are being misused. Analog is a great deal more difficult to screw up, and since component historically has not had encryption, it's almost impossible to mess with. I wasn't saying that only HDMI was bad; I was saying that HDMI was bad, since that was the topic, and then suggested a realistic, non-DRM infested replacement. I'm perfectly ready to stipulate that DVI is bad as well, if that'll make you happier. :-)

Re:zero

[pla]

Is capturing a DVI signal and then recording it something you want to do?

Yes, actually, since we can all but bet on future HDTV decoders (whether cable or satellite or even OTA) having nothing but DVI or HDMI connector (though they might still have plain ol' coax, for all those people who want to pay for high-res digital but watch it on an ancient NTSC TV).


Why do you consider Component the best? What was wrong with RGB that it needed to be replaced?

RGB? For the sake of argument, I will presume you refer to YPbPr rather than RGB (of which, "Component" can refer to either, along with several other variants). So two problems with that - First, no standard consumer AV equipment uses pure RGB (at least not in the US). Second, TVs do not actually display "true" red, green, and blue - They display something that, coincidentally enough, very closely matches the colorspace expressable by YCbCr (the "normalized" digital information carried by the analog YPbPr signal). Finally, and perhaps most relevant, DVDs do not encode RGB triplets - They encode YCbCr, which compresses quite a lot better while conveying almost the same information.

So to summarize that, the most common reason to need an HD cable, DVDs, involves YCbCr displayed on a YCbCr display. Converting that to takes far more work and incurs significantly more signal loss than using a YPbPr path between the two ends.

As for why not use digital - Hey, DVI works just fine. HDMI would work just fine as well, and with a higher bandwidth than DVI. But the addition of HDCP, in my opinion (and the opinion of MANY people who just don't know better - yet), makes that plain ol' low-bandwidth coax connector more appealing, since at least we can actually use the signal it carries however we want.

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

Is capturing a DVI signal and then recording it something you want to do?

No. Not personally. Though I see no reason why I should be prevented from doing so; copyright wasn't designed to support such restrictions. Capturing a component signal is something I hope to do, though.

HDCP protects a DVI signal.

No. HDCP doesn't "protect" the signal. It was never at risk. Saying it "protects" it is misdirection and hyperbole. What HDCP actually does is prevents the end user from (for instance) time shifting, recording for personal archival recovery, capturing the news on one's wedding day, you name it, it is in the way. DRM is not "protection", it is an insult to the consumer. It says "we assume you are a lawbreaker, and that you will violate copyright." It is presumption of guilt by fiat, the condemnation of one individual because of the acts of another (if it is even that), and nothing you can say will lift it one centimeter above those miserable goals.

Why do you consider Component the best?

It is the best generally available to the consumer. As far as RGB goes, one thing wrong with it is that the color gamut available isn't realistically broad with RGB or any other three-axis system you can name (and of course, that includes component.) Another is that RGB isn't generally available, so it's not really relevant to the issue at hand. Likewise, no 4 or greater axis system is generally available, and so that (again) leaves us with component. Component has the agreeable characterisic of being recordable with three high-speed A/D convertors, or as a triple analog stream if media were to become available that could accept three channels of such dense data. Good analog recordings have many merits. Digital have some too, of course, but unfortunately the industry is mostly using digital to screw the consumer, so I'm inclined to bypass them at this time as best I can, and suggest the same to others. At the moment, HD 1920 by 1080 is the top end, and component works just fine for that. So there is no need whatsoever for HDMI or DVI in the HDTV space. The industry can (and probably will) make an artificial need by intentionally degrading the component signal; such plans are, I hear, in the works. I have one word for that: Despicable.

Re:zero

[iainl]

Over here in Europe, finding a TV that takes in an RGB signal is a hell of a lot easier than finding one with a component (YCbCr) input. Plus, most that do also take RGB over VGA as well, which is just as good.

Returning to the original argument, there's nothing wrong with HDMI. Just say no to the HDCP encryption if you find it so onerous.

Re:zero

[Anonymous Coward]

Except component is analog. At least use DVI without hdcp. (The copy protection that is in use with the newer DVI interface that includes audio and encryption ~ HDMI)

Most can't see the waves that are introduced when you use component, but if you look for them you'll see them.

Re:zero

[Anonymous Coward]

Ditto

Re:zero

[lubricated]

>>Why do you consider Component the best?

The price/perfomance ratio can't be beat. HDMI/DVI cables tend to be expensive. RCA cables in comparison are quite cheap even good ones.

Re:zero

[phaser125]

But HDCP carries over DVI just the same as HDMI. I use a projector with only a DVI input, yet it supports HDCP and if you plug in a device that requires HDCP in order to display, it works just fine. Matter of fact, using the HDMI connector on my cable box I have to use an adapter to go to DVI... It doesn't change anything, it just connects pin for pin to a different shaped plug.

When you first switch to the cable box on the DVI input on the projector, the cable box is complaining that you need an HDCP compliant monitor to display it... then after a second or two that display goes away, because it negotiates the encryption between the projector and the cable box.

HDCP is CRAP, but you shouldn't ignore or talk bad about HDMI cables just because HDCP came along at the same time.

HDMI is also beneficial if you have a good receiver that switches HDMI inputs. That way you can use the receiver to switch the audio and video, and not only that, the receiver will get its audio right out of the same cable, then pass the video on to whatever you're using as a display. A very simplified hookup in this manner, if you can afford it. Most receivers that feature this kind of functionality run upwards of $1k+ , not to mention the display and the cabling.

Re:zero

[Gr8Apes]

Component cables can also carry digital signals. What made you think that doesn't happen? My HDTV only accepts digital signals on "component" cables. My HD tuner only has digital component outputs. Tends to work very nicely.

BTW, those cables cost me US $12 for 6ft.

Re:zero

[Utilitygeek]

Because I have a 22-foot diagonal display

Frank's 2000" TV!

Re:zero

[harryk]

As the original poster I thought I'd chime in for a moment. I certainly agree with you that HDCP is bad, and as another posted noted that HDMI (itself) is not necessarily bad, but is only acting as a transport medium for the bad control. I guess my reason for posting the question in the first place is this:

With the unwaving push to HDCP, and DRM control, I am going to assume that we will be pushed (as consumers, lets not kid ourselves) into using HDMI in the future. I've seen some pretty decent HDTV sets, with a number of component inputs (3 or 4 seems typical right now), just none of them had more than one HDMI. I wasn't aware of the ability to daisy chain HDMI, but knowing that now seems logical.

Me... I'd prefer to use component for as long as possible. Currently 3 of my media devices are connected to the TV via component. Thats my PS2, Xbox, and my DVD player. I don't have immediate plans to buy either the xbox360 or the PS3, but may in the future, and quite honestly I have NO plans on buying a new HDTV just to be able to play games on. Currently, I have digital cable, but they don't offer component out (atleast not on this box), and my PC and Dreamcast are connected via S-Video and RCA, respectively.

Perhaps in the future we'll see HDMI pass through devices become more common place (and hopefully DRM free), or we'll see TVs with as many HDMI inputs as we have component today. Either way, I just wanted to get a feel for the market today.

Thanks for the feedback.

Re:zero

[compupc1]

Except that like it or not, Blu-Ray (and maybe HD-DVD) only show hi-def content in standard-def on analog outputs. I am correct about this, no?

Re:zero

[drinkypoo]

I think they might do 720i/p, but not 1080. I seem to recall reading that someplace, but I've been wrong before.

Re:zero

[pe1chl]

future HDTV decoders (whether cable or satellite or even OTA) having nothing but DVI or HDMI connector

and then you want to buy a future HD recorder that has DVI input? I'm afraid you have to build that yourself, as no sensible equipment manufacturer will come up with one.
of course there will be timeshifting HD receivers. when certain media companies try to limit their capabilities, the proper response is to boycott those companies. they don't have the right to single source of entertainment.

RGB? For the sake of argument, I will presume you refer to YPbPr rather than RGB

No. I am referring to RGB. The RGB that every TV manufactured the past 25 years has, available over here in Europe, and also is found on every computer monitor since the VGA standard was introduced.
When TVs in your country don't have RGB inputs, you must be held back by manufacturers. At least the picture tubes, that are the same all over the world, operate on RGB signals.
Every other signal must first be converted to RGB before it is sent to the cathodes (or these days the LCD). There is no point in arguing that another color system has better quality, when all other systems (including component, s-video and composite) end up being converted to RGB.

Re:zero

[pe1chl]

DRM is not "protection", it is an insult to the consumer. It says "we assume you are a lawbreaker, and that you will violate copyright." It is presumption of guilt by fiat, the condemnation of one individual because of the acts of another (if it is even that), and nothing you can say will lift it one centimeter above those miserable goals.

You know what, the official policy of the US goverment is far worse than that!
"people who have done bad things to us may have lived in your country. we think. so we attack your country, destroy your infrastructure, throw bombs on your civilians".
Even though they have never done anything wrong, they are presented with agressors that demolish their property and send lies into the world about the purpose and goals of this activity.

And what is worst: a lot of American citizens actually support this policy. Small wonder that in such a country DRM systems are developed and supported.

Re:zero

[jonnythan]

They might "tend to be" expensive, but HDMI and DVI cables can easily be bought for the same price as component cables. Check out monoprice.com for high quality HDMI cables with prices like $10 for 25 feet.

Re:zero

[gravis777]

I am pretty sure that I remember reading that the component on HD-DVD supports 1080i unless the content had HDCP on it that disabled high def through the component, and last I heard, no discs that have been released has crippled that response. If you want 1080p though, and full HDCP support, you need the HDMI, but as they are currently not crippling discs (last I heard, things may have changed), and as I am not aware of any sets that support 1080p, I see no reason for upgrading my perfectly good HDTV to support HDMI.

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

I am no fan of our current government. If I could, I would remove each and every one of them from their jobs, and instruct the replacements that the same will happen to them if they foul up like the currect crop of incompetents has. I'd jail Bush for illegal wiretapping, publicly shame several (then) ex-members of the supreme court for constitutional erosion, withdraw our troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, restructure and downsize the military to protect our borders and interior and NOTHING else, eliminate all drug and other "mommy" laws, free the political prisoners resulting from those laws, revise eminent domain to only be possible under the very most extreme circumstances, return lands stolen by eminent domain to the rightful owners if they so desired, restructure immigration policy so that immigration was again possible for people who don't hold degrees, implement a socialized medicine system, return foreign aid (and a whole bunch of other social crutches) to the private sector, begin a national effort to make roads safe by preventing access by animals, fund research for non-animal meat sources, extend responsibility for consequences to legal officials and employees (in other words, if they screw up someone's life by inaction, incompetence, or inappropriate action, they ARE responsible.) I'd severely limit copyright terms (perhaps to 3 years), eliminate the patent system entirely in favor of an informal trade secret approach, implement a flat tax, limit legal interest rates and make usury a crime again, drop the minimum wage which I consider simply a barrier to work... and lots more. The US is simply a terrible mess, as far as I am concerned.

Re:zero

[Anonymous Coward]

> I have a 22-foot diagonal display

That's called a "wall", isn't it?

Re:zero

[GWBasic]

Remember: HDMI is bad and supporting it is the last thing you would want to do. HDMI enables HDCP, and HDCP is a pond-scum mechanism for DRM / copy protection.

No. HDMI is a cable that combines DVI (video) with audio. It's designed to allow for a single cable connection between a device and a television.

HDCP can run over DVI. My TV has DVI and supports HDCP. Many LCD monitors have DVI and support HDCP.

Do not equate HDMI with HDCP. HDMI is a variation of DVI, and both support HDCP.

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

Do not equate HDMI with HDCP. HDMI is a variation of DVI, and both support HDCP.

I didn't. Read the post again. I said that "HDMI enables HDCP, which in fact it does, and which in fact component does not. That was, and is, the basis for my suggestion that component be the preferred transport for HD content. Digital transports are being misused. So I suggest they be shunned. This is practical because (a) component gives you just as good an image, (b) is very difficult to encrypt without pissing off the entire consumer base and (c) is difficult technically as well. I didn't mention DVI per se because HDMI was the subject.

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

That's called a "wall", isn't it?

What is underneath the screen is a wall, yes. The screen is custom built.

I bought the building (which used to be a church) specifically because behind where the pulpit was, above the chair-rail, a nearly perfect 16:9 space exists in a room that has very high ceilings. I saw that wall and the rest, as they say, was history.

Re:zero

[afidel]

It depends on which device has the better components, in many cases a relativly cheap DVD player can have much better scaler hardware then even an expensive display, so using component analog cables can give a better picture than DVI/HDMI because the analog signal loss with decent cables over a short run is less than the difference between the scaler hardware.

Re:zero

[unitron]

Do you, by chance, have a source for a pin-out of the 8 pin SCART connector to which you could direct me?

Re:zero

[htnprm]

Spot the WAY fan...:-)

Re:zero

[Fulcrum of Evil]

Look up JAMMA interfaces - they use scart.

Re:zero

[ErikZ]

Also zero.

I bought one of those projectors designed for business people. It can do 1080i and I use a component to VGA adapter to do it.

Re:zero

[iainl]

Sorry, I must have a missed the reference to 8 pins, then. SCART has 21 of the buggers.

Re:zero

[MightyYar]

You mean the video camera plug? Like this?

If that's what you mean, then you can cross-reference that diagram with this one.

Note that there is a mono version of that cable as well.

Re:zero

[unitron]

My thanks to those who have replied.

Apparently I'm mistaken about it being a SCART connector, it's apparently Japanese in origin, specifically the EIAJ E8. I haven't been able to find a picture, just a scan of an old Taxan monitor manual page, but I'm pretty sure it's the same as what I've got on the back of an old Fisher tunerless TV and and old (piano key SP speed only VHS like you'd see on AV carts 25 years ago) Panasonic VCR.

Again, thanks to all.

Re:zero

[Anonymous Coward]

What makes you think those cables are carrying a digital signal? Where's the clock? What synchronizes the bitstreams?

Re:zero

[ice666]

You Have my Vote. When you going to be running for President?

Re:zero

[fyngyrz]

I am 100% unelectable. Believe it.

re:

[asparagus]

a) 2.
b) http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=hdmi%20switch er

Buy a switch

[LoRdTAW]

I have only seen two at most. Try this: http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20switch%204port.htm

Re:Buy a switch

[nukem996]

Didn't USB start out with only 2 ports on a computer and then grew, hell my desktop has 10. It will probably be the same thing.

Re:Buy a switch

[Country_hacker]

Only 10? Wuss.

Re:Buy a switch

[joto]

So what is that heating device used in the pictures?

Re:Buy a switch

[SharpFang]

Several high-power resistors.

Re:Buy a switch

[htnprm]

Thanks for the link...X-)

My HDMI Count = 0

[Freaky Spook]

Im not adopting HDMI yet, there are too many question marks sitting over it for me to invest the large amounts of $$$ needed to get everything onto it.

Its going to be a good and successful format but I don't want to purchase devices now and find out in 2 years I have to replace my reciever just because some movie studio's aren't happy with its Encryption and decide to use something else.

Im going to wait until this technology is well and truley adopted before I change. Thats why I have been holding out on getting a new TV/Reciever and will not worry about the PS3 as I will be getting a Nintendo Wii

Re:My HDMI Count = 0

[arivanov]

A DVD player with HDMI is only 10 pounds or so more then an equivalent DVD player without (based on Philips prices). All TVs above 23in are now HDMI enabled as well so HDMI and HDMI price are not really a distinguishing factor when buying new kit. It is the other ports, legacy support and relevant features which matter - VGA, DVI, SuperScart, card reader for digital, digital support etc. I spent quite a bit of time making sure that my new TV got the lot - every single one of them and funnily enough it ended up having an HDMI port as well (which I do not use).

Re:My HDMI Count = 0

[Lectrik]

A DVD player with HDMI is only 10 pounds or so more then an equivalent DVD player without (based on Philips prices).

Well, those ten pounds make it a much more effective blunt weapon... Imagine what those ten pounds worth of electronics could be doing if it weren't being used for Evil (tm) incryption

And yes I know you were probably talking the monetary unit, but that isn't as funny.

You can get a DVI switch...

[v783650]

http://www.engadget.com/2006/09/09/gefen-rolls-out -4x1-8x1-1080p-capable-dvi-switchers/

Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[linuxkrn]

Well my TV has two. However, many devices, the higher quality ones anyway, have in and out HDMI. For example, some receivers have HDMI switches built into them. Also my DVD player allows you to have HDMI in, and OUT. When the player is on, it shows DVD content, otherwise it goes into pass-through mode.

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[flooey]

Well my TV has two. However, many devices, the higher quality ones anyway, have in and out HDMI. For example, some receivers have HDMI switches built into them. Also my DVD player allows you to have HDMI in, and OUT. When the player is on, it shows DVD content, otherwise it goes into pass-through mode.

That sounds suspiciously like how USB was originally sold. "Yeah, the computer only has two ports, but practically every USB device will allow another device to daisy-chain onto it, so that won't be a problem at all." I'll be interested to see if that pans out at any better.

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[Monkeys!!!]

Does a set up like that give you any signal loss/signal lag?

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[Jaruzel]

In Europe this concept has already been proved previously using the SCART or Peritel connector. Devices with these sockets tradtionally have two of them, and when the device is off the signal is passed through from one socket to the other with supposedly no degradation.

I can tell you now, MOST homes in the UK are currently daisy chaining their Cable/Sky box through their DVD player/recorder into their TVs via several SCART cables.

So, no, HDMI chaining isn't silly, it's a damn good idea.

On a personal note, I have a very large and powerful A/V Amp - all my devices connect to that with one cable going from it to my output device (a Panasonic Projector). The Amp does all the video/audio switching for me ( as well as providing 7.1 DD/DTS kick ass sound :) ).

-Jar.

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[Opportunist]

The question is how good this chain will work. Or rather, whether chaining through devices from different manufacturers will cause the DRM to hicckup and refuse to work.

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[joto]

Just because most people have to put up with it, doesn't mean it's a good idea. Personally, I find it much easier to just have to turn on my TV and playstation, than to turn my TV on, VCR off, DVD off, playstation on, only to find out that I have to switch cables anyway, because the playstation was disconnected because I used the nintendo last time. Given the choice between 1 and 20 input connectors, I would choose 20, even if they daisychain.

Daisychaining is good as a last resort. It should not be the default.

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[flooey]

So, no, HDMI chaining isn't silly, it's a damn good idea.

I wasn't saying that HDMI chaining is silly, I think it's quite a good idea. I was just observing that that's how USB was originally described, yet none of the manufacturers actually went ahead and put those ports on their USB devices, so it ended up useless. I'd be interested to see if anyone making HDMI devices actually puts the port on there.

Re:Two on TV, but devices can daisy chain

[LunaticTippy]

I have a keyboard with 2 usb ports on it. I thought it was brilliant and wished every USB device had it. Now you tell me it was the plan all along. Pretty sad!

Not Enough

[TrailerTrash]

My "TV" is a projector with HDMI input. The receiver is an upsampling unit that has two HDMI inputs, a series of component inputs, and the obligatory s-video and RCA inputs. It upsamples whatever it gets from non-HDMI sources and shoots it up to the projector.

The two HDMI inputs I have are the HD-Tivo and the DVD player. I hooked a PC to the component input, but the upsampling process made the display fuzzy. I'd get a video card with HDMI output and try that, except both of my HDMI inputs on the receiver are used up. You can buy "hubs" to multiplex the HDMI, but they are very expensive.

Sigh. My next A/V system will have to have 3-4 HDMI inputs, one for the computer, and possibly one for (the as yet unpurchased) HD-DVD player.

Guess that's the cost of being an early adopter.

Re:Not Enough

[Nazmun]

Why not just add a switchbox for the lesser used hdmi devices, and switch between them? I haven't bought a graphics card in the last 4-5 years without a dvi port which is the most important function to most for hdmi.

You also said "dvd" player and not hd, since when and why do you need hdmi for standard res dvd's?

Re:Not Enough

[TrailerTrash]

When last I checked (a while ago) switchboxes were pretty expensive (and one more thing to deal with, possibly *shudder* something not on my master remote control). If that's changed, that's great.

Everything I have has to end up on the HDMI wire - the HDMI wire to the projector is the only way to get the signal to the projector, which is permanantly mounted in the ceiling, with the HDMI wire behind the drywall.

If I run a second physical cable from a PC/laptop DVI to the projector, the display is great. Presumably a DVI->HDMI adaptor would do the same for me, except I don't have any more HDMI inputs on the receiver. That was the upshot of my message, I wish my receiver had at least 4 inputs.

Re:Not Enough

[hansamurai]

My upconverting DVD player requires HDMI to upconvert the SD resolution picture to HD. I've heard about firmware hacks with other players to get passed this, but not for my player.

Re:Not Enough

[Mistah Blue]

Newer DVD players will upsample. My Sony one I got when we got the Samsung DLP upsamples (to 720p) and is connected via HDMI. The DVD's look better than they did on the old analog TV (with no upsampling of course).

Re:Not Enough

[jonnythan]

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.as p?c_id=101&cp_id=10110&style=

$28 for a manual pushbutton HDMI switch and $80 for an automatic/remote control one.

No line out???

[Deliveranc3]

What happens when "Dad's on TV!" We can't record anymore... FUCK THAT!

Re:No line out???

[Bemopolis]

It's okay -- you can buy COPS on DVD now.

Bemopolis

only 1

[nighty5]

only 1

monoprice

[Leto-II]

You'll get lots of replies about HDMI switches, and most will probably have links to overpriced switches. I've always found the best deals at monoprice. They've got some HDMI switches here.

Um, harryk, bud

[UbuntuDupe]

With the PS3,

I stopped reading at that point. You're pretty much beyond hope.

Re:Um, harryk, bud

[kahanamoku]

plus, if he's prepared to wait for the PS3, he can wait for the TV's to come out with more than 2 ports!

in answer to the question of how to plug them all up, most people buy an AV Amplifier (that way you get the surround audio as well) and theres no point upconverting a DVD player to 1080 over HDMI, you might as well use the component cables into an Amp and let it upconvert onto HDMI for the Amp-to-TV transport.

oh, and my Toshy TV has 2 ports. :)

Carry-offs.

[Anonymous Coward]

"How Many HDMI Ports Does Your HDTV Have?"

Better question is: how many have a HDTV set to begin with?*

*Please put your addresses and times you'll be home below.

2 hdmi + 2 dvi

[Geekboy(Wizard)]

2 hdmi, and 2 dvi. as I understand it, hdmi is pin-compatible with dvi (or something along those lines where a converter is easy and works).

Re:2 hdmi + 2 dvi

[adrew]

Yeah, I just bought a Sony 34XBR970 (34" widescreen CRT HDTV) -- was waiting until prices got into the 3-digit range. It has an HDMI port (and two component inputs). I bought a $15 DVI -> HDMI cable to hook my MacBook Pro to the TV. It works great...the computer immediately recognized it as a "Sony TV" and displayed the compatible resolutions. It will do up to 1920x1080 but 1280x720 looks the best.

Skip the home theatre section and look around the computer cable section for the best prices (I got mine at Fry's). The same cable from Monster was like $65.

Re:2 hdmi + 2 dvi

[Tacvek]

HDMI is basically DVI and SP-DIF (digital audio [coaxial or fiber]) together on the same cable. Strictly speaking some of the most recent revisions of HDMI have diverged somewhat from the DVI spec. However, DVI devices can use the decoding chips for HDMI and thus support anything (besides audio) that HDMI supports, incuding HDCP and the new color depths (for example).

Re:You can get a DVI switch...

[Osty]

You act like that's something new. Audio Authority has had 2x1 and 4x1 DVI switches supporting 1080p and HDCP for some time now. Nothing supporting HDMI directly (neither does the one you linked), but HDMI <-> DVI is trivial.

You'll still need an audio mux (I like the 1177), and it doesn't look like AA's cheaper DVI switches support auto-switching, which is disappointing. Still, the IR remote should be convenient enough.

The only benefit to the Gefen item you linked is that it ships with cables for $350, while the AA is cableless at $350. Not that it really matters, since you'll still have to buy an HDMI to DVI cable to use either of them with HDMI sources and outputs.

Or you could spend $3500 and get the AVX-661 set and route 1080p video and digital audio through your entire house via Cat5e!

Its ports are legion

[Timesprout]

and soon it will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine muhah muhah muhahuhahuhah

Re:Its ports are legion

[gbobeck]

Mr. Rogers in a blood stained sweater will stop the the legion of HDMI ports.

My TV had 5 HDMI ports

[Jah-Wren Ryel]

My TV has 5 HDMI ports because I spent ~$130 on a 5-to-1 HDMI switch.

Re:My TV had 5 HDMI ports

[Anonymous Coward]

The specs on the webpage say different http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id =101&cp_id=10110&cs_id=1011002&p_id=2777&style=&se q=1&format=2#description

" - HDCP Compliant."

Re:My TV had 5 HDMI ports

[Jah-Wren Ryel]

Unfortunately, you bought one that isn't HDCP compliant.

Bullshit, and I hope you get modded for it. HDCP "works" just fine with the switch.

If you don't believe me,
and you don't believe the part on the web page that says: - Certified to perform at standards set by HDMI(TM)
then maybe you wll believe this other guy's extensive test results:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=64 0183

Why isn't this...

[Anonymous Coward]

a poll? I mean... he is asking for a poll....

Re:Why isn't this...

[jZnat]

Because it takes like 20x longer to get a poll posted than an Ask Slashdot article...

Zero.

[Grym]

And I plan to keep it that way... Is it really worth selling control of devices you own just for a slightly better display? Any minor (I would argue barely perceptable) gains you might get from upgrading from DVI or component video are completely outweighed by the DRM-potential of the HDMI port.

-Grym

Re:Zero.

[DrEldarion]

You do know that HDCP can go over DVI, right?

one hdmi

[Walpurgiss]

My tv has one hdmi; one vga, two component, two composite, 1 coax, one marked dtv, two s video. It's just a 37'' $1000 lcd tv. olevia brand. We primarily just use it with the vga for my pc; but there's also the xbox on a component and a ps2 and gc on the composites. I don't plan to buy an xbox360 until something truly amazing is released for it; so thus far I've not got anything hdmi to plug in. Might get a ps3 sometime in '07 if a few great exclusives come out, but probably will just get a wii this year. Shouldn't have any problems with hook ups for a while since I guess wii is non-hd; or at most component maybe.

not a luddite

[arazor]

1 HDMI port from a TV I got around 2 years ago.

Not a HDTV luddite like most slashdotters...

One but...

[AdamInParadise]

I don't actually use it since the picture from my PC is much better on the VGA port than on the HDMI port. And my TV is a new Samsung. Go figure.

Zilch

[DDLKermit007]

I got a few Component connections and thats it.

Re:Zilch

[ender-]

I got a few Component connections and thats it.

I'm with you there. My TV has 3 component inputs, plus 4 sets of Svideo/composite connections, and two coax inputs.

[rant]
No VGA, no DVI, no HDMI. And let me just say that I am going to be PISSED if these media companies decide that my TV is only worthy of displaying their movie in 540p, even though my [$1200 2.5 years ago] TV will display 1080i with no problems.

Sure, I can understand the fact that this TV will not display 1080p. THat's a techncial issue and I don't expect it do more than it was capable of when I bought it. But for these companies to even threaten to intentionally degrade the signal because they think I'm a criminal upsets me beyond words. Now, if they are willing to replace my TV with a fully functional replacement that supports what they want, fine; but I am NOT going to spend another $1000-5000 just to make them feel better about how their movie is being watched.

I will not buy a new TV for this. I will not buy any hardware [BlueRay, HDDVD, etc] that supports the degredation of a component signal, and I will not buy a single movie that enforces that degredation.

The media companies are scared. And in their frightened state, they are doing everything possible in the wrong way. The way that will most likely drive people away. I hope they realize their mistake soon.

[/rant]

With a HDMI switch...

[Fallen Kell]

Like the title says. You connect everything with a HDMI switch. Or a DVI-I + HDCP switch...

I personally prefer Gefen, but there are others out there, although none as high quality. As you can see from the link, they make MANY different types. Everyone has different needs. Most of them are remote controllable (for all those with learning remotes, or home automating systems). Do you simply need multiple inputs? They even make ones with multiple outputs as well for controlling more then one TV with the same equipment (maybe you have a small LCD over/behind your bar, and have a big plasma across from the bar, but want to potentially display the BluRay-DVD player you just spent $1000 on both of them...)

the best answer to questions like this

[Anonymous Coward]

own less crap!

There is a difference between luddism and boycott.

[plasmacutter]

Not a HDTV luddite like most slashdotters...

considering the D in HDTV might as well stand for DRM with the rediculous number of restrictions most people will have to deal with, most intelligent slashdotters are doing a hard thing for nerds, theyre boycotting them.

Already hundreds of thousands of early adopters have been burned because the so called "image constraint" or "down-rezzing" token will reduce their picture quality on most major HD media even though they were promised full resolution.

Even tv's which were promised as fully drm compatible by hollywood and their manufacturer lapdogs mere months ago are being relegated to this ever growing list of "noncompliant" hdtv's which will never really be allowed to display true HD content.

Considering the distinct possiblity that the standards will be changed again in another few months as they have been umpteen times in the past (as the DRM get's cracked before it's even fully off the shelf), the idea of laying out thousands for a supposed "HDTV" set seems less and less compelling.

Add to that the fact that each standards change will result in an increasingly huge maze of expensive and heterogenous cables and the likelihood that the license terms for any newer standards will require compliance with "broadcast flags", at least on cable and satellite, then youre basically paying them to ship off your convenience, time, and fair use rights wholesale.

The confusion, the continually shifting standards, the DRM.

If this were the real estate market, it would be like trying to sell a suburban new yorker a house on a bed of quicksand sitting next to a CAFO fecal lagoon.

It wouldnt matter how much more palacial the house was, or if it came with 3 dozen full time servants and a 50 acre garage of limos, it'll still reek of pig crap and it'll still be sinking into the earth.

None

[cheese-cube]

Seriously there is nothing good on TV so HD isn't worth it. I don't even think that having a colour TV is worth it. My TV has fake wood veneer on the outside and a pane of glass in front of the screen. Sometimes when I turn it on or change the volume parts of the screen go purple or green. I don't have to go outside for sun light because my TV provides enough Vitamin D through the masses of radiation that it leaks. But I don't care, television is shit so you should only watch it on a shit set.

Re:None

[bilbravo]

Someone give this guy a cookie! He deserves it for being so elite and for "sticking it" to the tv industry!

Hey, call me what you will, but I happen to think there are some very good content on TV. "House" is a favorite of mine, as well as "Lost" and "The Office" (yes, the U.S. version).

Priorities

[ADRA]

Sorry, but if you're worrying about how many port are on your TV, then you're missing half the problem to begin with. What part? The sound! If you want HDMI to you're TV, you're not getting a home theatre receiver. If you think that HDMI is more imporant than a home theatre sound system, then you're dreaming (unless you're deaf of course).

Most new mid-range receivers these days are coming out with 2 in, 1 out HDMI. If you're really that worried about running out of ports then pick up a higher end unit ($$) that has more. This has always been an issue SVIDEO, Component, and now HDMI.

IMHO, split between Component and HDMI until you can pick up a decent receiver / speakers. The visual improvements between Component and HDMI aren't substantially different unless the source device isn't implementing one of the other correctly.

Re:Priorities

[Anonymous Coward]

Very true. With my upscaling DVD player I can't tell the difference between 1080i over component and 1080i over HDMI.

Re:Priorities

[MooseMuffin]

My tv has 2 hdmi ports as well as a optical output. I don't have the cash for a speaker system yet, but I assume I can just run the optical cable to my reciever and the TV will foward the correct digital audio signal to it. You still get all of the 5.1 goodness, but with only 1 audio cable.

Re:Priorities

[Mistah Blue]

I run 2 HDMI to my HDTV (Samsung 46" DLP) - one from the Verizon HD DVR and one from my DVD player. Audio for both of those boxes is optical to my receiver. So, my sound is taken care of.

You insensitive clod...

[TERdON]

... my TV isn't a HDTV.

(on a more serious note: I don't really care about HDTV at all. I don't really watch the tube that much. As long as my 1983 vintage TV works, it'll be what I use...)

Re:You insensitive clod...

[Anonymous Coward]

I went in my own appartment five years ago. I finally bought my first TV in january. A real cheap CRT with only coax and RCA input and mono sound. I did not bother to plug an antenna to it. I have absolutely no reception. The only thing that is hooked to this TV is my PS2, to watch about one DVD a month and play a bit. This TV was the cheapest money can buy. For what I do with it, it's still overpriced. I don't really need television.

you put effort into your words

[Anonymous Coward]

but you still can't spell them: "rediculous" (inexcusable), "palacial"

you've also got "theyre", "tv's", "get's", and "youre" in there

stop trying to sound smart and work on the basics

Inputs

[MarkAD88]

My TV / monitor ( Westinghouse LVM-42w2 ) has one HDMI (HDCP) and two DVI (HDCP) inputs. Since I plan on buying a home theatre system, when I can find one, that supports multiple HDMI inputs I only needed the one HDMI input on the TV.

DVI==HDMI

[Nazmun]

HDMI is basically dvi (you can get cheap direct adapters since it's pin compatible as well) with digital audio combined.

So it's not an upgrade in video quality from dvi, it's the same thing. As for drm, thats a bit more complicated.

panasonic TX-32LXD500

[Alex]

2 HDMI ports, and Sky HD looks great on it, especially the football - that'd be soccer for you heathens who think that football is played with a rugby ball.

cheers

Alex

Re:panasonic TX-32LXD500

[bilbravo]

The World Cup was phenomenal in HD... and I am not even a big soccer... oops, football fan! :-)

HDMI?

[WgT2]

I'm hard pressed to just get passed "What is HDMI?"

Re:HDMI?

[Anonymous Coward]

Heart Dead. Maintain Indoors

DVI

[Anonymous Coward]

You know that HDMI is just DVI with audio, right? If your PC has a DVI output you can use an adaptor like this and conenct the audio separately.

Re:There is a difference between luddism and boyco

[joto]

Wow! You sure know what the majority of slashdotters are up to!

I mean, it's not like you are projecting your own beliefs onto others... Or assuming that everyone aspires to the same stereotype that you do... No, that wouldn't be right. I'm impressed with the detailed analysis you've done about slashdot readers HDTV shopping habits. Thank you!

Don't vilify HD*, embrace its possibilities

[Opportunist]

Well, if I got it right, HD* manufacturer are forced to make it impossible to crack the DRM in their products. What happens if it happens? Well, my guess would be that the corresponding key gets revoked or (if that would be deemed too damaging for the partner), at the very least they will have to pay a fine.

In other words, if you want to bring a manufacturer to its knees, crack its products' keys.

None or one

[wolrahnaes]

I've got a projector with a M1-DA connector on it. Right now I've only got the adapter cables for DVI and VGA+USB, but I can get a HDMI adapter as well if I want. I don't see a purpose though, since I will not be buying a PS3 in the forseeable future except possibly to resell, and both my cable box and the HTPC I'm building have DVI outputs.

None. Boycott HDCP

[Criffer]

Boycott HDCP. Demand a television without High Definition Digital Compatibility Prevention. Use DVI instead. Or do what the studios do and use HD-SDI.

Buy a high quality digital mixer/scaler for all your inputs. If you happen to have already bought a player which will not work with your very expensive non-HDCP-encumbered scaler, demand your money back.

Re:None. Boycott HDCP

[gozar]

Boycott HDCP. Demand a television without High Definition Digital Compatibility Prevention. Use DVI instead.

HDCP runs just fine over DVI also. For myself, I'm just sticking with component video. :-)

Re:None. Boycott HDCP

[Anonymous Coward]

Boycott HDCP. Demand a television without High Definition Digital Compatibility Prevention. Use DVI instead.

As has been said before many, many times, DVI also supports HDCP. HDMI is just DVI+Audio.

Seriously, why do I still see people who don't know this? I've seen it explained on slashdot a few dozen times at least.

I'll repeat it too:
DVI also supports HDCP. HDMI is just DVI+Audio.

3 (Sort Of)

[brunes69]

I have the Westinghouse LVM-42w2, which has 1 HDMI port and two DVI ports. All three are HDCP enabled, so I can use HDMIDVI converters on the two DVI ports if needed in the future.

Frankly I find HDMI a stupid cabling standard to begin with. Audio and video *should* be connected discreetly - how many people actually *use* the speakers on their TV??? If you aren't using them, then of what use is piping the audio over an HDMI cable? I can see some use if your reciever supports full HDMI switching, since it woudl reduce the overall number of cables needed. But really, I don't care about that much.

Re:3 (Sort Of)

[danielobvt]

That and compared to a good sound system TV speakers are crap.... I have the same TV and one the wires were all set off went the sound on the TV (I was not very impressed with the WH speakers anyway).

HD Projector

[Saffaya]

My HD projector has none, zero HDMI ports.
It features DVI, VGA, Component, and S-video inputs.

The internet provides my PC with HD movies and HD anime feeding the projector with DVI.
My XBOX360 provides HD gaming via VGA.
Xbox legacy gaming comes as component.

Why on earth should I care about the DRM-ladden HDMI ?

Re:HD Projector

[imrec]

What kind of projector do you have? (i'm shopping).

I'm beginning to think this is the ideal setup. I stopped 'watching TV' a couple of years ago. Until the mainstream media delivery networks (cable/satellite) can provide me with content-on-demand (like my network storage can) I see little reason to be tied to show times and commercials (though, I realize DVRs are making inroads here).

Ask Slashdot: What is the deal with an HD 46" LCD screen having a native resolution of 1366 x 768? I would love it if someone could explaing this to me. Why can my 19" lcd monitor do way better than that? In monitor land, the bigger the LCD gets, higher resolutions become supported (right?). I would've thought we'd be looking at 3000x950 pixel wide screens and stuff by now. I suppose getting all that video data to the display would be a hardward challenge, but I seem end up staring at new 50" HD TVs thinking "doesn't my 1983 CRT have better pixel density than this?".

I forget who i am...

  Panel televisions really seem to lock you into a

Re:HD Projector

[ezelkow1]

I recently spent a great deal of time shopping around for a projector, ended up on the epson procinema 800/tw-600 (non usa model). For the non usa model it is definetly the best bang for the buck out there for picture quality and has hdmi and vga inputs. There are alot of others out there tho like the panasonic 900, due to be replaced real soon, and the sanyo z4, also being replaced soon. Id recommend just checking out projectorcentral.com and its related forums for info.

Re:HD Projector

[imrec]

procinema 800 eh? Thanks. I'm assuming you are happy with it?
I'm still trying to get comfortable with the 'ooo you'll be facing bulb replacements' idea associated with projector ownership. I'm wondering if those grounds are over-stated...

Re:HD Projector

[ezelkow1]

Yea, i have had it for a little over a month now and am still very happy with it. The tw-600 version, which is the japanese version of the 800, is actually the exact same except it includes a D4 connector, which can be converted to component, and its 2000 USD less than the 800, pretty much why i went with it. I have seen recently that epson finally wised up to their wierd international pricing schemes and have lowered the price on the 800 so now it is pretty much the same cost, it includes an extra bulb and a mount. Factoring those in it costs pretty much the same. With this projector I run it pretty much in low lamp mode all the time as it is almost even bright enough then for day time viewing. That's supposed to give me 3000 hours, but those stated hours are half lifes, so you can actually take bulbs on all projectors a lot longer than those recommended hours. I have seen many people saying they have taken them to 5 or 6000 hours and it is still perfectly watchable.

Your wife?

[Anonymous Coward]

the biggest question that I have (actually my wife prompted me on this) is how many HDMI ports does your TV have

I'm just impressed that your wife actually has a clue what HDMI is.

Re: How many HDMI ports...

[rit.foster]

I just recently purchased a Panasonic 37" Plasma that has 2 HDMI ports. As long as you have at least 1 input, you can buy external HDMI switch boxes, as long as you confirm they are HDCP compliant. I read a bunch of comments from people who are against HDMI -- but it's going to be the standard, whether they like it or not, and adoption now will save you the headache later.

I'm not a media slave, what poll choice do I use?

[Gothmolly]

CowboyNeal?

Just one...

[bilbravo]

... and I only have one device, my upconvert DVD player. When (if) I need more, I'll upgrade the receiver with one that has HDMI ports. The TV only needs one.

The total number of HDMI ports in this house

[GeekDork]

... is zero. And until some video components fail and are replaced by components that happen to have one or more, that's not gonna change. The same goes for the HD prefix alone. Simply put, I don't need HD for watching my Babylon 5 DVDs, and the absolute crap that's available in HD isn't really an argument either. And I'm also pretty sure that we will see a new "standard" connector that's incompatible with HDMI hit the market before 2009, making all those precious HDMI devices useless.

One

[NekoXP]

I opted out of the TV that had two. Most of Sony's nice new XBR TVs have two. But I got mine for $350 (a 32" CRT Toshiba) the last time Black Friday rolled around.

It does have 3 component inputs, 3 S-Video inputs, optical audio in and out though, for people who only have a DVI + optical player, or want to use other devices.

The trick with the Playstation 3 is it replaces - pretty much - every other device that you have that's got HDMI output anyway. Your PS3 *and* your upsampling DVD player? But the PS3 *IS* an upsampling DVD player!!!

Re:

[rblancarte]

Something that clearly we can't expect someone on the Ask Slashdot forum to do. Heck, he even admited as much when asking his question.

RonB

I don't have an HDTV you insensitive clod.

[Stavr0]

I'm sorry, I thought this was a slashdot poll.

Four Component, Zero HDMI

[green pizza]

My HDTV is a 2-year-old rear projection Hitachi. It has no HDMI, but it does have 4 sets of component, all of which support HD resolutions.

Component is great, so long as companies keep providing me with an HD component singnal and don't require me to "upgrade" to the DRM of HDMI+HDCP.

2....

[DoctorDyna]

I have two, as well as a 15 pin D-Sub for PC connections.

http://www.flatpanelman.com/zenith-z52sz80-dlp.htm l/

Re:There is a difference between luddism and boyco

[llZENll]

"Already hundreds of thousands of early adopters have been burned because the so called "image constraint" or "down-rezzing" token will reduce their picture quality on most major HD media even though they were promised full resolution."

FUD

90% of TVs that don't support HDMI use a cablecard type system, so at most the user may have to buy a new cablecard with an HDMI port for a few hundred bucks. besides, no broadcaster in their right mind will be enabling DRM on their signial anytime soon, they would by cutting 50% of their HDTV viewers, only when HDMI HDTVs are a big presence in the market will HDMI and all its DRM goodness will flow.

HDMI not all bad. In fact for Home theater good

[zeke2.0]

For now HDMI is not so good, but when people start upgrading their home theater component systems, the newer AVRs will have multiple HDMI ports with HDCP support. With both Audio and Video coming over one line it will significantly reduce the amount of cables you have to run from your DVD/PS3/Laptop/whatever since you will only need one to the actual TV. BECAUSE of support for HDCP, you will finally be able to stop using all those analog audio cables people have been having to deal with for decades and still get full audio resolution up to 24/192khz. (previously the max you could get was 48khz via digital because of concerns over theft). If you don't like something, boycott it, don't steal it. Legal and not a damn thing the megacorps can do about it.

Zero.

[Ant P.]

RGB SCART is more than good enough.

Two plus One on my TV...

[tlhIngan]

A nice Sharp Aquos.

It has 2 HDMI ports (supporting HDCP) for your cablebox and other device, and a DVI-I port for either VGA (with adapter), DVI, or HDMI (with adapter). Yes, it supports HDCP on the DVI port as well, giving you up to three ports (assuming you don't intend to connect a PC to it). I believe most of the Aquos line has DVI-I ports instead of VGA to which HDCP is supported, thus giving you up to 3 HDMI ports. But like most LCD TVs, you'd want to use an HDMI-DVI cable rather than an adapter due to the limited space you have in the trough hiding the ports (keeps cabling neat).

And yes, you can use an A/V receiver with HDMI inputs, or an HDMI switch box (they both implement HDMI "repeater" inteface for HDCP), but I've heard of hit-and-miss stories from devices like this - some work, others don't (HDMI/HDCP issues).

Heck, the TV has two Firewire (S400 supported) ports, as well. And most of those HDTV cableboxes (almost always a Motorola 6xxx with crappy software) have Firewire outputs. It's one of the few ways to get encrypted cable HDTV into your Windows MCE device at HD resolutions (with a hack to let MCE capture off Firewire rather than internal tuner, and the IR blaster to control your cablebox). But, you can connect your cablebox to your TV that way, too, sparing an HDMI connection.

2 ports

[code addict]

My TV has 2 HDMI ports, one that includes audio signals and the other doesn't.

In regards to handling the proliferation of HDMI devices? Just get a HDCP-compliant HDMI-switch, similar to how you might today for component video, etc. In my case I have one built into my receiver that also handles converting signal from other sources so I just run a single HDMI from my receiver to my TV, but I run the best of whatever each device allows into the receiver, which ranges from S-Video to Component mostly.

My RCA HDTV

[HTH NE1]

One component, two VGA, and a variety of composite and S-Video ins and out. Came with a free (through rebate) progressive DVD player that has become unreliable, and a little Nipper doll because of the delay in getting me the DVD player.

Also it's a 32" 4:3 HDTV tube which can only display 1080i video by filling the screen, so everything is taller and thinner with no options to adjust it. Not even an accessible manual v-size pot.

I was looking to get myself a better set, 42-50", but then Apple had to release the Mac Pro, so there went that plan.

I really want a set that's 42-50" with a tube because I prefer the black level you get with tubes (and don't want SD video to be smaller than on my 32"), and with S-Video, HDMI, component, and Firewire/IEEE 1394 so I can preview HD video projects from Final Cut Studio on the Mac directly to the TV. Preferably in multiplicity. A few other connection methods would be nice. Oh, and an RF coax connector for cable. If it has cablecard, I don't care if it has bidirectional support as I don't care about PPV.

Unfortunately most of the HDTV review sites don't tell you anything about Firewire/IEEE 1394 ports. All I know is the best chances to get a TV with them is to buy a Mitsubishi, with a few Sonys having them (though possibly not supporting HD video over them).

3 steps backwards.....

[WhiteWolf666]

At one point, wasn't the high-end A/V world heading in the direction of using a top-notch receiver as the center of your system, with your display device (HDTV or Projector) as a pure monitor? All inputs would go to your receiver, which would then connect via one cord (video only) to your monitor.

What the heck happened to do that? Is that even possible in the new, HDMI world? I know that you can do that with 0 degredation via DVI; am I going to have to stock up on those magic-DVI/HDMI descramblers?

I _like_ having a dumb "monitor" style TV. It's not about saving costs, it about purchasing components separately.

Is this still possible? My latest Harmon Kardon receiver does both DVI and Component cable switching, but I haven't purchased any HDMI equipment. Am I stuck out of this braindead, half-assed digital revolution the FCC is pushing us towards?

Zero

[jafac]

My (toshiba RP) HDTV has colorstream. It's fucking beautiful. Even if it's not "real" HDTV.

My biggest complaint about my DVD player is that it defaults to HDMI out. Every time we have a power glitch, the (samsung) DVD player reverts to the default. I keep the S-Video connector connected so that I can access the menu to switch back and enable the colorstream output. That's a pain in the ass.

I want to put my TV and DVD player on a UPS so I can keep my custom settings. Is that sick?

My TV has none but.....

[BLKMGK]

I haven't moved to HD yet but my new receiver has HDMI inputs and can upscale. I do NOT want to use my TV as a switch, I want to use my recdiver to switch among components as I have forever.

What I found interesting when purchasing this receiver though was the VERSION of HDMI. Seems that it has been revised several times now and that the receiver I was buying was one point revision back from current. I'm not exactly sure what the impact of that will be but it does occur to me that while we're all counting ports we might want to ask ourselves what REVISION of the spec our ports support! After all USB 1.0, 1.1, and 2.0 are all "USB" right? But ask anyone who wants to move a few Gigs worth of data which revision of that particular "standard" they'd rather have!

4 HDTVs, 0 HDMI

[Anonymous Coward]

4 HDTVs, 0 HDMI

Use a receiver

[patrick42]

This receiver from Sony has two, and I'm sure it's only a matter of time before they have more...

Re:There is a difference between luddism and boyco

[Fulcrum of Evil]

at most the user may have to buy a new cablecard with an HDMI port for a few hundred bucks.

Tell you what: if content providers are so paranoid about the eeevil hackerzez, then let them pony up the few hundred dollars. I've got better things to spend money on.