Hdtv Ready?

[howard1970]

The Viewsonic 2000 is HDTV ready........do I just plug a cable in or do I need more?

[Fraoch]

HDTV ready implies there's a digital input but no digital tuner. You'd need an external HDTV tuner/decoder to watch HDTV.

Valid digital inputs include DVI and HDMI (which also carries audio).

Some HDTV tunders/decoders also have component video out, but that's an analog format.

[howard1970]

so if i have a decoder [cable box]....can i use the digital from the pc at the same time?

[Fraoch]

Originally Posted by howard1970

so if i have a decoder [cable box]....can i use the digital from the pc at the same time?

That will depend if there are two seperate input jacks and some method to switch between the two.

I think there are companies out there that manufacture DVI switches if not. Check www.avsforum.com

[howard1970]

if i get the hdtv tuner...........will the monitor shower the non hd channels?

[Fraoch]

Originally Posted by howard1970

if i get the hdtv tuner...........will the monitor shower the non hd channels?

It'll depend on the tuner. I'm sure the tuner will compensate for non-HD channels.

Strictly speaking, there has to be some conversion going on somewhere, either in the tuner or in the TV. HDTVs are progressive like computer monitors and interlaced signals from regular TV can't be displayed on it. (Progressive means the entire screen is displayed all at once, interlaced means only half the lines are drawn, then the other half).

Given the pervasiveness of regular TV, there must be a provision for it inside the TV or inside the decoder.

[Bofinn]

I can't check out all these right now, but here are some FAQs and video info on HDTV:

http://www.comcast.com/comcast.html

on the right click Hiigh-Definition TV Demo

[Finalheaven]

Your cable company will provide an HD cable box to you (at least all the major ones do). This will allow you to use component video or even DVI when watching cable. The HD channels and programming will not only look amazing, but will have digital sound as well (which includes 5.1. but you must connect the cable box using a digital audio cable). Non HD channels will not look as good, but considering how damn, unbelievably good the HD cable looks, you won't care. ALSO, there are only two DVD players that supply DVI outs, and they're expensive, BUT the cable box has DVI out. So technically, you can get a better picture with your cable box than with your DVD players (assuming you connect it using DVI). Make sure the output on your cable box is set to the native resolution of your TV (EG 1080i and stuff).

[Briton]

Originally Posted by Finalheaven

Your cable company will provide an HD cable box to you (at least all the major ones do). This will allow you to use component video or even DVI when watching cable. The HD channels and programming will not only look amazing, but will have digital sound as well (which includes 5.1. but you must connect the cable box using a digital audio cable). Non HD channels will not look as good, but considering how damn, unbelievably good the HD cable looks, you won't care. ALSO, there are only two DVD players that supply DVI outs, and they're expensive, BUT the cable box has DVI out. So technically, you can get a better picture with your cable box than with your DVD players (assuming you connect it using DVI). Make sure the output on your cable box is set to the native resolution of your TV (EG 1080i and stuff).

The Denon 755S DVD Player can be had for under $200 and it has a DVI-Out jack. While some may consider that expensive for a DVD player, you also have to consider that $200 for a really, really nice DVD player is not bad at all, when you pay $100 for mid-range/brand name ones.

[Finalheaven]

Originally Posted by Briton

The Denon 755S DVD Player can be had for under $200 and it has a DVI-Out jack. While some may consider that expensive for a DVD player, you also have to consider that $200 for a really, really nice DVD player is not bad at all, when you pay $100 for mid-range/brand name ones.

yeah. prices are changing everyday. but that also includes the cost of the DVI cable, which is 100, and if your TV has HDMI, the HDMI-DVI adapter, which is 40. So now it's 340. I'm assuming he already has component video cables. He could do it. it's not that high, your'e right.

[Briton]

Originally Posted by Finalheaven

yeah. prices are changing everyday. but that also includes the cost of the DVI cable, which is 100, and if your TV has HDMI, the HDMI-DVI adapter, which is 40. So now it's 340. I'm assuming he already has component video cables. He could do it. it's not that high, your'e right.

DVI Cables can be had for like...$10-20.

[Briton]

http://www.coolerexpress.com/6dvmatodvmad.html

If you have an HTPC, you can also use that hookup (that is what I'm currently doing with my HTPC and HDTV).

[Finalheaven]

I just bought two!

[Briton]

Originally Posted by Finalheaven

I just bought two!

LOL, yeah. Retail stores generally sell them for much more, but generally the price doesn't exceed $30.

[Finalheaven]

you know, I was shopping for one and was about to buy one for a 100 bucks, when a clerk pulled me aside. Apparently, he decided that he "liked [me]" and said I could get them for 10 bucks. I believed him, but I didn't think it was a viable option. Then I heard you use them, so how bad can it be. Now to find a cheap HDMI-DVI adapter.