Vista and HD content

cavemanoc

cavemanoc

cavemanoc

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I'm thinking about upgrading my HTPC from XP pro to Vista Home Premium. I'll be installing an HD DVD drive and streaming audio and video to my Panasonic (1080p) in the lounge. I remember reading that windows cripples HD content unless all hardware is HDCP compliant. My gfx card is (HD2400 pro) but I'm pretty sure the TV isn't.

So... will I have a problem with HD DVDs or any other HD media I run? Or have I got the wrong end of the stick?
 
you'll need a hdcp Gfx card and tv. Just because the card says it's HD doesn't mean a thing.

If you haven't got a hd tv, then why do you want hd?

Although it appears the HD2400 does have HDCP, but check with what model you have.
 
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AcidHell2 said:
If you haven't got a hd tv, then why do you want hd?
Click to expand...

I can't quite follow what you're getting at there, but...

I have a Panasonic 42" 1080p Plasma. It is connected via hdmi/dvi to my HD2400 pro (soon to be upgraded to 2400 xt to allow audio over HDMI)

The HD2400 pro/xt are both HDCP compliant, I do not know whether the Panasonic is. HDCP is NOT required to view HD content - it is simply a DRM measure that is due to be implemented at some point in the future that will 'interfere' with the viewing of HD material.

My question is:

Does Windows Vista currently downgrade HD material that is 'handled' by non-HDCP compliant hardware (the TV in my case)?

I have heard rumours that Vista (WMP 11 under Vista perhaps?) degrades your HD content if all hardware is not compliant - can anyone confirm or deny this?

As I understand it HDCP has not yet been implimented and isn't due for at least another 2 years?

Will I be able to watch HD DVDs, played on a Toshiba SD-H802A 2.4x HD-DVD ROM via an HD2400 XT, displayed on a non-HDCP 1080p TV? :confused:
 
My understanding was that the licence covers an install of either, so I can always change my mind later - just don't need 64 bit ATM - nothing I do requires it.
 
cavemanoc said:
My understanding was that the licence covers an install of either, so I can always change my mind later - just don't need 64 bit ATM - nothing I do requires it.
Click to expand...


if you have got the retail version this is true. If it's oem your stuck with what you got.

Even if you don't need it you might as well go 64bit.
 
AcidHell2 said:
if you have got the retail version this is true. If it's oem your stuck with what you got.

Even if you don't need it you might as well go 64bit.
Click to expand...

Even if you have a OEM version of 32bit Vista the license covers you to run 64bit if you want, Microsoft have confirmed this. You just don't get supplied both disks like the retail version.

Vista itself doesn't impose any HDCP playing back HD content however to play HDDVDs unless you rip the disk you need to use PowerDVD (Arcsoft are about to release software however) and PowerDVD does impose HDCP if the display is attached by a digital connection like DVI however if you connect the display via VGA it will play fine as this has not been locked down yet as its not a digital connection. If you have problems with HDCP just run anydvd and it removes the requirement for any HDCP hardware to playback a HD DVD or Blu-Ray disk over a digital connection.
 
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1. If you connect via digital cable (HDMI/DVI) then if it isn't HDCP and you play protected content then it won't work unless you rip files to HDD and remove DRM.

2. If you connect via analogue (component/VGA) then the disk manufactures can set an ICT (???) which downgrades the picture to 540P. Given there are a large number of US HDTVs without HDMI and use component most/all disks don't downscale to maximise sales.
 
Yep - I can tell you that any disk that fails to run as advertised (1080p) will be going straight back under the 'not fit for purpose' bit with a snot-o-gram from me. The only way to stop this rubbish is to vote with our wallets! (Or use 3rd party software that gives them the 2 fingers!)
 
cavemanoc said:
The HD2400 pro/xt are both HDCP compliant, I do not know whether the Panasonic is. HDCP is NOT required to view HD content - it is simply a DRM measure that is due to be implemented at some point in the future that will 'interfere' with the viewing of HD material.
Click to expand...

You've been misinformed. All display devices must be hdcp compliant to watch encrypted video. And all hdcp enabled gpus must encrypt all data sent over it's digital connections. Therefore, you cannot display anything over the digital connections without the display being hdcp compliant. You can only use analogue in that situation. The only time windows will reduce the resolution (960x540), is when you are using analogue connections and ICT has been enabled (which won't happen until 2011).

However, that tv will certainly be hdcp compliant. How you could have bought the tv without knowing this is beyond me, as it is THE most important feature.
 
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Energize said:
You've been misinformed. All display devices must be hdcp compliant to watch encrypted video. And all hdcp enabled gpus must encrypt all data sent over it's digital connections. Therefore, you cannot display anything over the digital connections without the display being hdcp compliant...
Click to expand...

does this only apply to data coming from a BD or HD-DVD?
 
hmmm... I have an 8800GT which according to the OcUK site is HDCP enabled, and ViewSonic vx2025wm & VP171s, neither of which has HDCP over DVI, I'm pretty sure. But they work fine with the 8800GT.

They don't work with my PS3 over my HDMI->DVI cable though.
 
Energize said:
And all hdcp enabled gpus must encrypt all data sent over it's digital connections. Therefore, you cannot display anything over the digital connections without the display being hdcp compliant.
Click to expand...

Thats not strictly true, its only for protected video and only then if the software player imposes it. You can watch unprotected 1080p videos over a digital connection without a HDCP monitor/graphics card. There are also plenty of users that run older non HDCP monitors at high resolutions in Windows etc without a problem.

The Anydvd hd software removes the proctection from HDDVD/Blu-ray on the fly which in turn means Powerdvd plays the video without HDCP hardware over a digital connection as it sees the video as unprotected content.
 
Sweet - it was only a matter of time before the 'crack' was available - glad to see (once again) it will only be legitimate customers with little technical know how that get stung - me, I'm downloading AnyDVD as we speak :D
 
cavemanoc said:
Sweet - it was only a matter of time before the 'crack' was available - glad to see (once again) it will only be legitimate customers with little technical know how that get stung - me, I'm downloading AnyDVD as we speak :D
Click to expand...

You are a legitimate user though. Your tv is hdcp compatible so there is no point in using anydvd...

Rebelius said:
hmmm... I have an 8800GT which according to the OcUK site is HDCP enabled, and ViewSonic vx2025wm & VP171s, neither of which has HDCP over DVI, I'm pretty sure. But they work fine with the 8800GT.
Click to expand...

You just answered your own question then. ;)
 
Energize said:
You are a legitimate user though. Your tv is hdcp compatible so there is no point in using anydvd...
Click to expand...


there's lots of reasons for a legitimate user to use anydvd. as ive said before, it's the only way to make sure all of your legitimate discs will play.

as always, the legitimate customers get screwed over drm.
 
Bomag said:
1. If you connect via digital cable (HDMI/DVI) then if it isn't HDCP and you play protected content then it won't work unless you rip files to HDD and remove DRM.

2. If you connect via analogue (component/VGA) then the disk manufactures can set an ICT (???) which downgrades the picture to 540P. Given there are a large number of US HDTVs without HDMI and use component most/all disks don't downscale to maximise sales.
Click to expand...

Vista actually disables or downgrades non-compliant hardware outputs at the driver level.
 
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