7800GT - no HDCP. Don't want to buy another card for HTPC.

[eno]

I have a new VISTA HTPC built and using a temporary Nvidia 7300 that will get returned soon. In my main gaming system I am running a EVGA 7800GT w/ AC Silencer 5. Now I will need to buy a new video card in the next few weeks , so at first I was thinking getting a mid range DX10 card w/ HDCP like 8600 series for the HTPC. Downside is I would have to keep my 7800GT in my gaming system.

I would really love to move the 7800GT over to the HTPC since it already has a exhaust cooler and is quiet. My only concern is the HDCP and video output needs w/ High Def.

7800GT > [DVI > HDMI Cable] > Sony LCD HDMI input + ANYDVD HD (Think it would work?)

Now I really don't plan on gaming all that much so the needs I would have would be easily met by a 7800GT. Do you think the SlySoft AnyDVD HD would allow my 7800GT to have a use for the newer HDCP standards? Any thing else I am forgetting about that my 7800GT will hold me back on in the newer Vista HTPC system (besides the lack of DX10 gaming)?

 

[Captante]

(1) AnyDVD is a great program but I really doubt it will effect HDCP which is a hardware standard which requires both the moniter & video card to be compliant regardless of where the movie is stored & played from.

(2) It really doesn't matter for the immediate future because nobody is supporting HDCP in media until I believe 2010 & by then its safe to say you'll be needing a new video card anyway.

 

[Eomer of Aldburg]

I have a 6800GT and a AMD 3000+ connected to my 32inch VIA DVI to HDMI and my 17inch via VGA. Having my 360 HD-DVD player play a HD movie to ym 32incher would stop after 3 seconds because my videocard is not HDCP but the movie plays over VGA on my 17incher. After installing AnyHD-DVD I was able to bypass the HDCP and play the HD movie on my 32inch. I don't watch HD movies with my pc cause it cant handle it at the moment, hence why I have a 360, but atleast my test was successful.

 

[eno]

Originally posted by: Captante
(1) AnyDVD is a great program but I really doubt it will effect HDCP which is a hardware standard which requires both the moniter & video card to be compliant regardless of where the movie is stored & played from.

The monitor supports HDCP, I believe the AnyDVD HD will unlock the HDCP protection making it viewable through digital output methods like DVI>hdmi.

Besides not being able to play with DX10 features, any other areas I am overlooking for running my 7800GT in the Media PC w/ Vista? My main goal is to watch HD/BR DVD's. Just a note the TV is 720p native though.

As long as I can watch HD DVD's then the 7800GT will work and I can spend my money on a new gaming card for my PC. Sound right?

 

[eno]

Originally posted by: Eomer of Aldburg
I have a 6800GT and a AMD 3000+ connected to my 32inch VIA DVI to HDMI and my 17inch via VGA. Having my 360 HD-DVD player play a HD movie to ym 32incher would stop after 3 seconds because my videocard is not HDCP but the movie plays over VGA on my 17incher. After installing AnyHD-DVD I was able to bypass the HDCP and play the HD movie on my 32inch. I don't watch HD movies with my pc cause it cant handle it at the moment, hence why I have a 360, but atleast my test was successful.

Great news! Thanks!

Intel 2.8ghz D
2gb @ PC5300
7800GT
Maxtor MaxlineIII 250gb 16mb

Do you think it will run HD bandwidth? Or will the older 7800GT hold me back since it isn't that much better then the 6800GT you used?

 

[Captante]

Originally posted by: eno

Originally posted by: Captante
(1) AnyDVD is a great program but I really doubt it will effect HDCP which is a hardware standard which requires both the moniter & video card to be compliant regardless of where the movie is stored & played from.

The monitor supports HDCP, I believe the AnyDVD HD will unlock the HDCP protection making it viewable through digital output methods like DVI>hdmi.

Besides not being able to play with DX10 features, any other areas I am overlooking for running my 7800GT in the Media PC w/ Vista? My main goal is to watch HD/BR DVD's. Just a note the TV is 720p native though.

As long as I can watch HD DVD's then the 7800GT will work and I can spend my money on a new gaming card for my PC. Sound right?

Sounds that way, but this is the first report I've read saying that HDCP was even active in any current HD or Blue-Ray DVD so until I hear more reports I'll remain skeptical ... great news if its true though.

 

[Citation4444]

The 7800GT works great when using an analog output, either component or VGA. 7800GT's will play HD-DVD's without having to use an intermediate program. I use one in each of my HTPC's, driving a projector in one and a RPTV in the other. Interesting enough, 7900GT's won't work even using component output.

 

[eno]

Originally posted by: Citation4444
The 7800GT works great when using an analog output, either component or VGA. 7800GT's will play HD-DVD's without having to use an intermediate program. I use one in each of my HTPC's, driving a projector in one and a RPTV in the other. Interesting enough, 7900GT's won't work even using component output.

So by this do you mean DVI output doesn't work well on these? I plan to use only DVI output since my TV has a unavoidable underscan issue on VGA. DVI I can set a custom rez and then use the limited adjustment feature to fill the screen in edge to edge. VGA does not seem to have the adjustments needed to fill the entire screen. Guess I will bring the PC out in the living room to test.

Thanks.