Let's have a discussion--HDMI for PCs, is it necessary?

[Woofmeister]

We're seeing HDMI inputs on monitors and HDMI outputs on video cards, why? If you're not using your PC for home theater (and consequently would need an HDMI output for 1080p into a 1080p television) is there any reason to want an HDMI output when DVI will deliver the same resolution?

Likewise, is there any reason to pay extra for a monitor with an HDMI input if you're not going to use if for console gaming or to watch movies from a stand-alone Blu-Ray/HD-DVD player?

In fact, assuming I wanted to watch Blu-ray movies in 1080p on my monitor, couldn't I buy an internal Blu-ray drive for my PC and output the signal via DVI to get 1080p into my DVI-equipped monitor? Would HDCP somehow prevent that?

So, HDMI on PCs--what is it good for?

 

[Jax Omen]

It's good for standardizing connections and nothing more.


I long for a day when every device can EFFECTIVELY interface via one type of cord. I ****ing hate the box o' cords in my closet.

 

[chizow]

Originally posted by: Woofmeister
We're seeing HDMI inputs on monitors and HDMI outputs on video cards, why? If you're not using your PC for home theater (and consequently would need an HDMI output for 1080p into a 1080p television) is there any reason to want an HDMI output when DVI will deliver the same resolution?

Likewise, is there any reason to pay extra for a monitor with an HDMI input if you're not going to use if for console gaming or to watch movies from a stand-alone Blu-Ray/HD-DVD player?

In fact, assuming I wanted to watch Blu-ray movies in 1080p on my monitor, couldn't I buy an internal Blu-ray drive for my PC and output the signal via DVI to get 1080p into my DVI-equipped monitor? Would HDCP somehow prevent that?

So, HDMI on PCs--what is it good for?

You covered most of the why, it would be for HTPC/HD content playback on the PC or on your LCD as an HDTV. Biggest problem now is that the current HDMI solutions still won't pass advanced HD bitstreams over HDMI like DTS-MA and TrueHD or even 8ch LPCM. A few integrated Intel chipsets reportedly can, but it still sounds like its hit or miss. The current solutions I've seen from ATI and NV in add-in cards use some type of s/pdif passthrough, internally or via cable from the sound card/onboard.

If you're trying to play HD content from an external source, like a console, HD cable box, Blu-Ray player etc through your receiver to your LCD, HDMI is even more important if you want to pass the HD audio formats to your receiver (receiver needs to be able to decode them too). If you use a DVI to HDMI converter anywhere along the way, you may run into HDMI hand-shake problems that can result in no display image, no sound, or both.

There's certainly work arounds currently, like using multi-channel analog to a receiver or speaker system for the advanced audio formats. Problem is you're typically limited to 1 set of multi-channel inputs and they're becoming harder to find on entry-level receivers. You can also go with the older HTPC solution of a DVI or HDMI video connection with the older s/pdif sound options like digital coax or optical cable. The s/pdif option limits you to the older DTS and DD formats of course.

If you were to buy a new LCD today that you wanted to serve double duty as an HDTV, I'd certainly look for one with HDMI if possible. Ideally you find one with 1 DVI and 1 HDMI input and HDCP compliance on both.

 

[idiotekniQues]

im diggin the DVI to HDMI converter the 3870 comes with that pushes audio out as well without any internal cabling.



im sure it isnt as pure as some would like it to be but it really does the trick. i now have a way to output HD content to my plasma with 1 cable, and it works very well. picture is crips, colors are good, and audio is fine. not sure if it can handle true surround but for whta i have going on, it has opened up HD for me until i pick up a PS3, and even afterwards.



so to me, HDMI out is a great thing. i could also see an hdmi in on a monitor 24" and up being great as well. i have a standard cable box in my pc room that i run into my pc tv tuner, but i could see it being nice to have an hd box going hdmi into the monitor. i could watch hd stuff on the monitor while my girl watches her show if it ever conflicts. it is especially great if you dont hvae a lot of room sin your apartment or house just yet and can double up the usage of your gear.

 

[HannibalX]

It was already mentioned but it's nice for a HTPC.

 

[Schadenfroh]

What we really need is widespread adoption of the royalty free DisplayPort...

 

[HannibalX]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
What we really need is widespread adoption of the royalty free DisplayPort...

Does display port carry audio as well? The point of using HDMI for a HTPC is to minimize wires.

 

[Absolution75]

Originally posted by: Pale Rider

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
What we really need is widespread adoption of the royalty free DisplayPort...

Does display port carry audio as well? The point of using HDMI for a HTPC is to minimize wires.

I know displayport does audio, but I don't remember exactly which digital audio it uses, I'd guess the new dolby digital stuff or even 8bit PCM

There aren't many advantages that displayport doesn't have over hdmi

displayport has slightly more bandwith potential thatn HDMI 1.3x

 

[ajaidevsingh]

LOL, i am about to do a 1080P over Com. cable's...

All i need are:-

DVI to CC adaptor
Philips 29" cheapo 1080P CRT that does not have a HDMI port
PC....


Oh and you know you need hdmi for the blu-ray copy protection..!!