High definition

spliffmonkey · 24-05-2007, 17:39

Hi there,

Can anyone explain the likely impact (if not already) of this on home computers?

Will I be able to watch HD on my computer monitor via a connection to HD source, or HD disc drive (via my pc)?

Can you download HD content on a pc to view on a computer monitor?

Whilst I (kind of) understand the definition of HD is the amount of pixels populated on a screen, I have yet to fully understand the impact this will have on my PC and would like to know this before I begin forking out on HD DVD players or DVDs etc...

Does anyone think that movies (like music) will quickly flip to a hard disc format and maybe skip Blue ray / HDDVD altogether?

Thoughts and opinions welcome...

Thanks

Matthew

Jarrak · 24-05-2007, 18:35

Most computer monitors sold over the last 10 years can operate at resolutions that would meet the relevant part of the HD Ready spec. However few have the HDCP capable connections which could limit their use for HD viewing from genuine HD sources such as Broadcast, HD-DVD/Blu-ray and other DRM protected content.

That said you can download lots of HD content (legal and otherwise) which can be sent to the monitor via vga or dvi with no problems after all most desktops are in HD already

However the need for a HDMI (HDCP) graphics card output connected to a HDCP monitor may become the base spec as DRM is forced onto the PC via HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives playing retail media.

We are a long long way from viable streaming IPTV HD simply down to the speed and availability of the internet but downloading via p2p or other means could be done but again if they enforce extra DRM then that may mean upgrading a PC.

Catbed · 24-05-2007, 19:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by spliffmonkey

Does anyone think that movies (like music) will quickly flip to a hard disc format and maybe skip Blue ray / HDDVD altogether?

I think the music download business has been a bit overhyped. A lot of people DON'T download their music, but still obtain it on CD. If they have a digital player they can rip the CD to it.

The reason given (I think by Steve Jobs of Apple, amongst others) is partly because of DRM. Once you have the CD you own it until it is physically gone, so if you change player/format you can re-rip it to whatever you need. I know at least one person who thinks this way

With films a similar logic applies - why 'rent' for a couple of weeks when I can have a disc on my shelf and watch it whenever I like - no having to wait for it to come (post/download (if the site and/or line and/or computer is working)), and no extra costs after I buy it. I know not everyone thinks like that, but a substantial number do.

There is also the matter of bandwidth. Over half the UK may have broadband, but only a proportion of them have a download speed that will support sensible time Gigabyte downolads. Generally higher speeds for everyone are a few years away yet. And what about the rest of the world? Plenty of 'non-connected' people out there.

So, no, I don't think HD discs will get skipped; and I don't actually think they or music CDs are going away any time soon either.

paulyoung666 · 25-05-2007, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Catbed

So, no, I don't think HD discs will get skipped; and I don't actually think they or music CDs are going away any time soon either.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6683155.stm

might be the beginning though !!!!!!!!!!

24-05-2007, 17:39	#1
spliffmonkey Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 14	High definition Hi there, Can anyone explain the likely impact (if not already) of this on home computers? Will I be able to watch HD on my computer monitor via a connection to HD source, or HD disc drive (via my pc)? Can you download HD content on a pc to view on a computer monitor? Whilst I (kind of) understand the definition of HD is the amount of pixels populated on a screen, I have yet to fully understand the impact this will have on my PC and would like to know this before I begin forking out on HD DVD players or DVDs etc... Does anyone think that movies (like music) will quickly flip to a hard disc format and maybe skip Blue ray / HDDVD altogether? Thoughts and opinions welcome... Thanks Matthew

24-05-2007, 18:35	#2
Jarrak Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Ilkeston Posts: 18,075	Most computer monitors sold over the last 10 years can operate at resolutions that would meet the relevant part of the HD Ready spec. However few have the HDCP capable connections which could limit their use for HD viewing from genuine HD sources such as Broadcast, HD-DVD/Blu-ray and other DRM protected content. That said you can download lots of HD content (legal and otherwise) which can be sent to the monitor via vga or dvi with no problems after all most desktops are in HD already However the need for a HDMI (HDCP) graphics card output connected to a HDCP monitor may become the base spec as DRM is forced onto the PC via HD-DVD and Blu-ray drives playing retail media. We are a long long way from viable streaming IPTV HD simply down to the speed and availability of the internet but downloading via p2p or other means could be done but again if they enforce extra DRM then that may mean upgrading a PC.

24-05-2007, 19:29	#3
Catbed Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cheshire, Winter Hill TX Posts: 339	Quote: Originally Posted by spliffmonkey Does anyone think that movies (like music) will quickly flip to a hard disc format and maybe skip Blue ray / HDDVD altogether? I think the music download business has been a bit overhyped. A lot of people DON'T download their music, but still obtain it on CD. If they have a digital player they can rip the CD to it. The reason given (I think by Steve Jobs of Apple, amongst others) is partly because of DRM. Once you have the CD you own it until it is physically gone, so if you change player/format you can re-rip it to whatever you need. I know at least one person who thinks this way With films a similar logic applies - why 'rent' for a couple of weeks when I can have a disc on my shelf and watch it whenever I like - no having to wait for it to come (post/download (if the site and/or line and/or computer is working)), and no extra costs after I buy it. I know not everyone thinks like that, but a substantial number do. There is also the matter of bandwidth. Over half the UK may have broadband, but only a proportion of them have a download speed that will support sensible time Gigabyte downolads. Generally higher speeds for everyone are a few years away yet. And what about the rest of the world? Plenty of 'non-connected' people out there. So, no, I don't think HD discs will get skipped; and I don't actually think they or music CDs are going away any time soon either.

25-05-2007, 16:05	#4
paulyoung666 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 8,151	Quote: Originally Posted by Catbed So, no, I don't think HD discs will get skipped; and I don't actually think they or music CDs are going away any time soon either. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6683155.stm might be the beginning though !!!!!!!!!!

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