PS3 add-on allows full HD resolution for Blu-ray on DVI

by Peter Vrabel { May 30th 2007 at 1:15PM }

For those gaming on popular computer monitors with non-HDCP DVI inputs, a gadget has been released that allows a workaround of HDCP protocols, allowing Blu-ray movies to play at full resolution on these displays. If you're a bit confused about the protocols of HDCP and how it all works, you are not alone. High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP) allows content providers to prevent the full resolution of products (Blu-ray or HD-DVD) by crippling the resolution on displays where the HDCP handshake fails. Technically, all parts of the chain need to be HDCP-compliant in order for the full resolution to process. For an HDMI connection, HDCP would spring to life when an HDMI-DVI adaptor is introduced to a non-HDCP compliant DVI port, forcing the resolution to 540p at best.

The introduction of such a gadget is a welcome addition, allowing users to view the content they paid for, even though the mere fact consumers have to revert to such methods is downright infuriating. Thankfully, with ICT not being an issue until 2010, PS3 owners can enjoy Blu-ray content via HDMI, analog (component) and now, all forms of DVI. Lets hope the ICT mess gets figured out sooner rather than later, so we can get back to awaiting the latest Blu-ray releases without the fear of having high-def viewing pulled out from under us.

[Update: Edited post to point out this gadget is most useful for non-HDCP compliant DVI inputs. HDCP DVI inputs will not limit the resolution to 540p as suggested. Thanks!]

[Via Kotaku]

Tags: blu-ray, dvi, gameswitch, hdcp, hdcp-compliant, hdmi, hdmi-dvi, high-bandwidth digital content protection, High-bandwidthDigitalContentProtection, ict, image constraint token, ImageConstraintToken

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Nick James @ May 30th 2007 1:44PM

If your monitor (or more likely, your TV) has an HDCP-DVI connection, you won't need this to avoid the 540p problem. My old(er) Sony CRT has only a DVI connection and not the newfangled HDMI connection, but it's amazingly got HDCP. A nice move on Sony's part. Not too many TVs sport HDCP on their DVI connection (whereas all HDMI connections do). Monitors with HDCP-DVI are even rarer. I can't remember ever seeing one in person.

Stef Geiger @ May 30th 2007 2:02PM

Now if someone could make me a cheap scaler (720p to 1080i) that outputs with component, has very low latency, and doesn't cost an arm and a leg, THAT'D be something to get excited about.

Ray Ryland @ May 30th 2007 3:44PM

My westinghouse has 6 HD inputs.

http://www.westinghousedigital.com/details.aspx?itemnum=59#VALUE

All will do 1080p, even though it says componet one 1080i.

Have it attached to Helios DVD through component, at 1080p.

DVI and HDMI both have HDCP. Pretty sweet.

Tim Parsons @ May 30th 2007 9:13PM

When will something like this come out for Component Cables? as my HDTV is full 1080P but is not HDCP compatible

Pete @ May 30th 2007 9:18PM

Shouldn't matter. HDCP is really only for digital transmissions and devices, like HDMI or DVI. Since component runs over an analog connection, there is no HDCP involved in the cables themselves, in addition to your HDTV. The only reason you're able to receive 1080p (or close to it, 1080i, or even 720p) resolution with Blu-ray movies is because movie studios haven't decided to enforce the ICT (Image Constraint Token) yet. Once 2010 comes around, those movie studios will likely begin to enforce the ICT and bam, that's when the lower resolution will hit non compliant-HDTV's with analog connections. Before that time, you might want to invest in an HDTV with HDMI that is HDCP compliant.

Honestly, with the expanding growth of the HDTV market and prices on most 40-inch sets dropping into the average consumer price range, it's going to be hard to imagine that by 2010, the majority of Blu-ray (and HD-DVD) owners won't already have an HDCP compliant set in their living room.

Pete