Whilst on the floor behind the Humax..
I found some papers in which Maplins said that my OLD Hitachi plasma was in fact HD READY in 2004..
and describes it as 1024x1024.
I guess that was before HDMI was rolled out..
As my Old TV is a 2 part set..
can I assume that the newer HDMI from the Humax is still consistent with the original DVI?
If so ..i see lots of 'BITS' for a couple of quid.. to enable a connection..Hence a subsidiary query would be ..
What Format setting would i then set the output of the Humax to for optimum use of DVI input?
If this progresses well then Euphoria will set in...especially as
Our new Wii Keep-Fit only needed a £4 cable to make it 480P with Component to the plasma..

1024x1024 was a common Plasma resolution, it's called an ALiS panel - however, it's pretty crappy for HD, and I wouldn't consider it worth bothering - I didn't on my slightly later ALiS Hitachi Plasma (with HDMI) and I tried it in direct comparison.

If you're looking at free HD, then by all means splash out on a cable, it will give you a slightly improved picture from the HD channels, but it's not really very HD.

DVI is fine for connecting HD though, it's the same as HDMI but without the sound connections, and all you need is a simple lead (there's no conversion required).

The HD Ready specification actuially specifies either HDMI, or DVI - but whichever it is MUST be HDCP compliant.

Most helpful Nigel..
With the progressive cataracts even reading is less clear than hitherto so any betterment would be welcomed.
As it happens,, i now see that the actual set is 1280x1024 which i am pleased about..
Visitors who have HD assume that our set is also HD..perhaps it's the vivid blacks that fools them or the 5.1?
What Format should i set the Humax to benefit from the component in.. as not able to yet rationalise static pixels v dynamic resolutions..

As far as I'm aware, all the ALiS panels are 1024x1024 only?.


You should set the box to 1080i, the set takes care of the rest, if you set the box to 720P it's always wrong and increases the number of scales required. It's always worth having a try at 720P though, while technically poorer, some people prefer it.

Didn't notice it mentioned above as I only skim read but:

a) Don't overpay for a HDMI to DVI cable - eg you'll find them from £2.29 DELIVERED on Amazon - just be sure to buy the right length!

b) The DVI interface can/will only carry the picture, no sound, so make sure you also consider what audio cable you'll need to carry that to the TV too

c) There isn't a RIGHT answer to what the settings should be - only (i) one's that work AT ALL - eg an OLD set may well just ignore/fail-to-understand a 1080i signal; (ii) whichever combo looks best TO YOU = the person who pays the piper.

As has been raised if the set doesn't have HDCP (hi def copy protection) on its DVI interface circuitry then the risk of the £2.29 cable is that your Humax MIGHT be unable to send the digital video signals as it won't get a HDCP handshake back.

MKD

He specified the set was HD Ready, which means it has HDCP, and it will accept 1080i.

ALIS has some interesting properties with HD, it locks pixel for pixel vertically, junking the remaining lines IIRC. I've seen HD on them, not my favourite plasma panel for many reasons. It's OK, probably not as good as a decent WXGA HD ready plasma, but a useful improvement over scart.

Depends on how small an improvement you consider 'useful'

Watching the HD program via RGB is hardly any different to watching it via HDMI - I gave away two free HD boxes, as I didn't consider the slight improvement worth the bother of changing the card over