Will support for the HD-PVR be lost anythime soon?

[rdefino]

Not by sage, but by the cable company's? Especially using the component outputs. I know these don't have HDMI inputs.

[kingwr]

I know that DirecTV's HR20 included a "feature" that allowed DirecTV to incorporate a flag to downgrade the signal on the component out to 480p or 480i. I assume that more recent DirecTV boxes and cable boxes include such a feature. What is not clear is when and how DirecTV plans to use this feature. They could include the flag for PPV and premium content (HBO), or simply permanently downgrade the signal on the component outs for all boxes. While perhaps the worst case scenario, I think that a permanent downgrade of all boxes is the most likely response. However, I imagine they are waiting until enough TV sets in peoples homes have HDMI inputs, in hopes to stave off an injunction by the Courts.

In addition, there is a digital TV flag that content providers could utilize to turn-off the component outs (the "analog hole" problem). However, I do not know how many cable company or DirecTV boxes will honor this flag.

[AJ Bertelson]

many people will complain to the FCC about it, so I don't think it will happen anytime soon.

[mistergq]

Component is just as legitimate of a way to view HD as HDMI. I am not expecting it to be turned off because it will affect just not HDPVR users, but people that hook their STB up to their HD box via component.

[paulbeers]

Originally Posted by mistergq

Component is just as legitimate of a way to view HD as HDMI. I am not expecting it to be turned off because it will affect just not HDPVR users, but people that hook their STB up to their HD box via component.

I can't remember who pointed this out in a previous thread, but most Cable Co's and Dish installers generally hook their boxes up via component cables to your tv (I know that's how mine was done when they did a test setup in my house). I don't believe they even carry hdmi cables in their trucks/vans/cars. Imagine the cost just to "upgrade" everyone to HDMI! I don't see the analog hole being filled in the next couple of years.

[ghostlobster]

Originally Posted by paulbeers

I can't remember who pointed this out in a previous thread, but most Cable Co's and Dish installers generally hook their boxes up via component cables to your tv (I know that's how mine was done when they did a test setup in my house). I don't believe they even carry hdmi cables in their trucks/vans/cars. Imagine the cost just to "upgrade" everyone to HDMI! I don't see the analog hole being filled in the next couple of years.

I made this exact point over on TGB a few months back. There is no way that the cable co's can afford to distribute HDMI cables to their customers who are using component. Additionally, they would be obligated to head on out there themselves and perform the cable swap, as a vast majority of customers don't know an HDMI connection from a toaster. Could you imagine the public relations nightmare (not to mention legal ramifications) of telling a few million people that they have to either go out to an overpriced retailer and drop $70 on an HDMI cable then figure out how to hook it up, or pay them $100 for a cable and a house call, or just deal with not getting HD on their HDTV.

Sorry, I don't see it happening. And I have not even mentioned the fact that several 1st and 2nd gen HDTVs (mine included) don't even have DVI connections, nevermind HDMI. So, basically, I think that the analog loop is pretty safe for now.

[HelenWeathers]

Here's a quote:

At the request of theatrical film makers, the Federal Communications Commission on Friday quietly launched a proceeding on whether to let video program distributors remotely block consumers from recording recently released movies on their DVRs. The technology that does this is called Selectable Output Control (SOC), but the FCC restricts its use. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) wants a waiver on that restriction in the case of high-definition movies broadcast prior to their release as DVDs.

MPAA: Don't limit our ability to close analog outputs
"The Petitioners' theatrical movies are too valuable in this early distribution window to risk their exposure to unauthorized copying," MPAA wrote to the FCC last month. "Distribution over insecure outputs would facilitate the illegal copying and redistribution of this high value content, causing untold damage to the DVD and other 'downstream' markets." Less than a month after the request, the FCC has given MPAA a public comment period on the question that will last through July 7.

Here's a link: http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post...me-movies.html

I been able to find no FCC decision yet. The pertinent phrase is "high-definition movies broadcast prior to their release as DVDs". DirecTV already enforces some restrictions on VOD and PPV as well as some Premium (ie HBO) movie showings thru broadcast flags. Of course we could live with the prior to DVD release, but the foot will be in the door.

EDIT: DirecTV already enforces some restrictions on VOD and PPV as well as some Premium (ie HBO) movie showings thru broadcast flags HONORED BY THE DIRECTV DVRs. Doesn't affect recordings on HD PVR with SageTV.

That said, YPbPr will be around for quite a while for all the reasons mentioned above, IMO.

[MrD]

I'd say three things would keep this from happening :

cost -- hdmi cables are stupid expensive
field issues -- not all equipment is compatible, the cable boxes would need to support every shady HDMI implementation out there... too much trouble
economy -- nobody is going to do anything that creates a drop in market share in this economy... I would keep the internet over TV these days.

[Qusix]

If they do decide to cut off the component video, you can use the HDFury that converts hdmi into component.

http://www.hdfury.com/

[Polypro]

Don't forget this:

http://www.curtpalme.com/TC1500.shtm

P

[TallMomof2]

Originally Posted by paulbeers

I can't remember who pointed this out in a previous thread, but most Cable Co's and Dish installers generally hook their boxes up via component cables to your tv (I know that's how mine was done when they did a test setup in my house). I don't believe they even carry hdmi cables in their trucks/vans/cars. Imagine the cost just to "upgrade" everyone to HDMI! I don't see the analog hole being filled in the next couple of years.

When we switched to FIOS TV a year or so back, the tech hooked up DH's office TV with HDMI that the tech provided. He left an HDMI cable for the 5yo Sony Vega but I had to get a HDMI to DVI adapter before I could use that. Don't know if this is typical but it was my experience.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by MrD

cost -- hdmi cables are stupid expensive

Really? Well, I suppose I did spend $60 for each of mine.

Oh, but they're 50' each
http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240

field issues -- not all equipment is compatible, the cable boxes would need to support every shady HDMI implementation out there... too much trouble

That's probably the real trouble at the moment, HDMI is just too flaky to rely on at this point.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Polypro

Don't forget this:

http://www.curtpalme.com/TC1500.shtm

P

The new version supports native YPbPr output.

[Polypro]

Got a link for that version? I see the Blue that has VGA out...does the new Blue have Component? They did away with VGA?

P

[stanger89]

http://www.curtpalme.com/HDFury2.shtm

Works with any TV that accepts either Component (YPbPr/YCbCr) or RGB/VGA!

[elaw]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Really? Well, I suppose I did spend $60 for each of mine.

Oh, but they're 50' each
http://www.monoprice.com/products/su...02&cp_id=10240

Stanger,

Can I hijack this thread for a quick question (although the answer's probably obvious)... how does that cable work for you?

My downstairs HTPC is currently connected to the projector via a homemade 25' VGA cable since I had the impression HDMI/DVI didn't work well with long cables (without expensive amps/repeaters). But it sounds like you're running okay with the 50-footer?

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by elaw

Stanger,

Can I hijack this thread for a quick question (although the answer's probably obvious)... how does that cable work for you?

They both pass 1080p60. One from my extender and one from my PC. I think I ended up swapping them at one point to get stuff working, but I may have swapped them again since then.

[dadof4]

Originally Posted by elaw

Stanger,

Can I hijack this thread for a quick question (although the answer's probably obvious)... how does that cable work for you?

My downstairs HTPC is currently connected to the projector via a homemade 25' VGA cable since I had the impression HDMI/DVI didn't work well with long cables (without expensive amps/repeaters). But it sounds like you're running okay with the 50-footer?

FYI... I had a 50' DVI>HDMI cable to a cheap HDMI extender ($30 on EBay) prior to upgrading to HD100's. From the extender I had a 25' HDMI to the TV. The cables were all Monoprice cheapies and it worked fine. You can get the extenders fairly cheap.