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    HDCP or not?

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by Ice-Tea, Mar 28, 2007.

  1. Ice-Tea

    Ice-Tea MXM Guru NBR Reviewer

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    Hello Guys,

    I'm in the process of buying some 7600 cards. Apparantly they have a HDCP version and one without. As I don't know the first thing about HDCP, I'd like to hear some suggestions... :confused:

    Ice-Tea
     
    Ice-Tea, Mar 28, 2007
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  2. link1313

    link1313 Notebook Virtuoso

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    If you don't have HDCP than trying to play an hd-dvd at high quality (720p or 1080p) will only play at 480p. Its apparentely trying to stop pirating.
     
    link1313, Mar 28, 2007
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  3. Paul

    Paul Mom! Hot Pockets! NBR Reviewer

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    Apparently you can get some Gigabyte produced 7600GS'/GT's with HDCP. However, they don't feature an HDMI port, just DVI. Here's a link of supposed HDCP-compliant cards, though keep in mind that HDCP compliant cards don't always have the HDCP keys built in to decode an HD video, and that HDCP can be revised yet again (it's at 1.3 right now) meaning that current HDCP cards may or may not be compliant with future HDCP versions. You'll also need an HDCP-enabled monitor, and I can currently count 3 monitors from newegg that are actually HDCP-compliant, and the only one of those with a high enough resolution for 1080p is over $700. Just FYI.
     
    Paul, Mar 28, 2007
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  4. Ice-Tea

    Ice-Tea MXM Guru NBR Reviewer

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    So: go for it then?

    EDIT: Thanks for the feedback, notebook. I find this all strange. I feel like buying a cat in a bag. I'll see. If the difference in price is not too big, I might as well give it a go.
     
    Ice-Tea, Mar 28, 2007
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  5. link1313

    link1313 Notebook Virtuoso

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    HDCP isn't a benefit , high definition tv is though. HDCP was just forced on us to stop pirating. Well to try at least :)

    It isn't really an issue for notebook users at all because 1920x1200 is the same thing as 1080p =/
     
    link1313, Mar 28, 2007
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  6. Paul

    Paul Mom! Hot Pockets! NBR Reviewer

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    Which is mostly reserved for 17" notebooks and professional 15.4" notebooks, i.e. the smallest subset of notebooks sold.

    As for whether or not you should buy it, I can't tell you Ice. Personally, I wouldn't, because I strongly believe that HDCP is ridiculous and does nothing to stop piracy and only hurts the consumer. Therefore, I refuse to support it in any way. However, chances are that HDCP will eventually take hold (unless people get smart and don't buy into this stuff), and then most people would like to have the ability to play HD content. So it's really up to you.
     
    Paul, Mar 28, 2007
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