Video noob question

[irishScott]

I hate the man, and I'm considering an HTPC build at some point in the future so I'd like to stick to good old unenforced DVI if I can.

Suffice to say I'm wondering if this is even possible, specifically with relation to Blue Ray. From my understanding Sony is (unsurprisingly) pushing HDCP onto most retail players, does the same apply to the 5.25" drives themselves?

 

[Modelworks]

Yes.
In order to put out 1080P from a pc in HDMI from a bluray drive it uses HDCP. To get around it you can use products like AnyDVDHD
http://www.slysoft.com/en/anydvdhd.html

 

[CZroe]

Umm, DVI was added to HDTVs before HDMI specifically to bring HDCP. HDMI simply adds audio and carries the same signal. What makes you think DVI doesn't have HDCP? PC monitors with HDCP support (useful for more than Blu-Ray) are also usually DVI-only (for digital).

That said, the HDCP requirement is comprehensive. Basically, you must have all supported hardware and software. I'm not sure there is anything drive-specific, but it you so much as have an unsigned low-level driver or an unsupported display device, you break the copy protection chain and an HDCP-compliant playback application will refuse to work.

AnyDVD HD will take care of that for ya.