Do I really need HDCP capable monitor?

[mxnerd]

Hi:

I'm really confused about the HDCP thing. My question is, do I really have to have HDCP capable monitor?

In most cases I use LCD monitor as computer monitor. But I do want to watch blu-ray HD contents in the future occasionally. Does that mean I need HDCP capable monitor?

And do I need HDMI connector on the monitor, or a DVI with HDCP capability will suffice?

And if I go with DVI with HDCP capability, does that mean that I need DVI with HDCP on both monitor and motherboard/graphics card ends?

Thanks.

 

[Rike]

You need an HDCP video card and monitor if you want to do Blu Ray or HD-DVD over a digital connection (HDMI or DVI). It doesn't really matter other than that.

With Blu Ray or HD-DVD over an analog connection (component video or VGA), HDCP isn't in play. You can also dodge the digital connection HDCP requirements by using AnyDVD HD.

 

[mxnerd]

Originally posted by: Rike

With Blu Ray or HD-DVD over an analog connection (component video or VGA), HDCP isn't in play.

Really? So I don't really need DVI or HDCP at all? And I still can play Blu ray contents over VGA connector? That's good news to me. As I don't really can tell the difference between an analog and digital connection.

Thanks!

 

[Rike]

I just finished watching a Blu Ray movie over component video. It looks really good. My wife and I are starting to get annoyed with how poor some of our DVDs look.

HDCP is digital only. As long as you're in analog, you're free and clear.