Home entertainment and computing Convergence Home entertainment and computing

Back in the old days

Everything was separate They were not (usually) connected together You would add a piece at a time (or replace older stuff a piece at a time). You didn’t have to worry about how to connect it all together BUT – you used each piece separately, and there was no sharing of content.

As time went on There was some newer stuff

TV’s became color and got bigger VCR’s were introduced (still easy to hook up) DVD players were introduced (getting a little less easy to connect)

Connections multiplied like rabbits

On the computer side …

And – more recently

Oh – also more devices

Yet more

Schoolin’ about connections Don’t EVER Ass-u-me that any combination of connections that is SUPPOSED to work will actually work! There have been at least a dozen generations of connections – and most are NOT backward-compatible. The more expensive the adapter, the more likely you are to be disappointed in it.

Really OLD computing Yes – there were connections even before VGA. First monitors typically used BNC connectors, then there was the CGA monitor and the EGA monitor. All these connectors were pre-VGA. If your HDTV is early enough, it probably only has composite (one yellow RCA jack), component (three RCA jacks) and maybe VGA connections (which are probably 640x480 resolution)

You can’t buy it new If you want HDTV on one of these early sets, you can connect it up with a cable converter/DVR/HDTV set-top box FROM SuddenLink. You can’t buy one – they are only sold to cable companies – because: The media companies that make the HDTV content have gotten the laws set up so that all you can buy in HDTV stuff is devices that use HDCP.

HDCP – an evolving standard Stands for High Definition Content Protection. Doesn’t protect YOU (silly wabbit) – supposedly protects the media companies. Makes it difficult for ordinary users to copy any protected media. Doesn’t really cause a problem for those who have enough resources and want to make millions of illegal copies – they have devices built that get around it.

Compatible – YEAH, SURE VGA is NOT compatible with HDCP – period. DVI may be NOT compatible with HDCP (there were some devices made that supposedly have HDCP compatibility – but the standards have moved on – and my experience is that “compatible” is MAYBE. Especially the MONST** ultra-high priced stuff that the sales people push

Use HDMI connections Even though (right now) there are four generations of HDMI, and two different sizes of connectors. The HDMI connection is developed by the media companies licensing to carry audio, video, and to provide end-to-end encryption (this is done inside the devices, the cable itself just has wires in it)

A modern HDTV/monitor From a Samsung P2370hd-1

More HDMI inputs are better There are external switches if needed

Yet another new connector NEC, HP, and other computer oriented companies are now using a new connector called “Display Port.” To avoid paying a royalty to the HDMI people. Compatibility is claimed with HDCP – but IS IT ????? The TV people are staying with HDMI, the computer companies with Display Port.

Even the small things add up My HDCP problem: Computer resolution sets at 1920 x 1024; however TV resolution sets at 1920 x 1080 (for the 1080p standard).

I recommend Easiest way – buy it ALL from one vendor who will certify that it will all work together. Next best way – research carefully, buy only from vendors with a liberal return policy if the new device is not compatible with the existing devices. Not the best way – piece it together yourself with no assurance. Recommendations on the next slide if you go that way.

Content produced by Jim Cason Promised LAN Computing, Inc. 4703 Carolina Avenue Trent Woods, NC 28562 (252) 636-0407 http://www.promlancomp.com © 2011