Problems with 32" LCD using DVI-HDMI cable. HDCP?

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sleepystevey

n00b
Joined
Oct 16, 2006
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I recently purchased a 32" Samsung LCD (LN-S3251D) and bought a 600 series Monster cable (DVI to HDMI), but when I hooked it up the screen is jagged and blurrish. However when I use my VGA everything is fine. I called Samsung and they told me I needed a HDCP video card, so I started researching and ended up here with the list of HDCP video cards and was thinking about buying a 7950 GT since it is a nice upgrade for me and supports HDCP.

Could anybody confirm that this is my problem when trying to hook my PC to my TV using the DVI-HDMI cable before I actually fork out the money for a HDCP card.

Thanks in advance

Here are my current computer specs:
MSI Neo4 Platinum SLI
AMD 64 3200+
X800 XL
Windows XP
 
sleepystevey said:
I recently purchased a 32" Samsung LCD (LN-S3251D) and bought a 600 series Monster cable (DVI to HDMI), but when I hooked it up the screen is jagged and blurrish. However when I use my VGA everything is fine. I called Samsung and they told me I needed a HDCP video card, so I started researching and ended up here with the list of HDCP video cards and was thinking about buying a 7950 GT since it is a nice upgrade for me and supports HDCP.

Could anybody confirm that this is my problem when trying to hook my PC to my TV using the DVI-HDMI cable before I actually fork out the money for a HDCP card.

Thanks in advance

Here are my current computer specs:
MSI Neo4 Platinum SLI
AMD 64 3200+
X800 XL
Windows XP
Click to expand...
Ummm, if the manufacturer says you need an HDCP card, then I guess you do!
 
I would like to make sure, usually manufactures don't know anything...

I know my card is not HDCP.. But that wasn't the question....
 
sleepystevey said:
I would like to make sure, usually manufactures don't know anything...

I know my card is not HDCP.. But that wasn't the question....
Click to expand...

Dude, we are confirming that your video card is the problem. And I'm pretty sure ATI knows whether their X800XL is HDCP capable or not, which it isn't.
 
sleepystevey said:
So the 7950GT card will fix my problem?
Click to expand...
Frankly, I doubt it.

According to http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/EM/200602/20060224172016437/EN/3_sub.htm:
- HDMI/DVI IN terminal does not support PC.
- No sound connection is needed for an HDMI to HDMI connection.
Click to expand...
(The manual probably says the same thing, but I couldn't be bothered downloading it.)

So at first instance the person you spoke to at Samsung is an idiot.

However ...

Appendix C of the HDMI specification mandates interoperability between DVI and HDMI, and there are no exceptions for consumer electronics. For Samsung to market the display as having DVI or HDMI, but then to make such a statement, is (IMNSHO) a statement that the product is (literally) substandard.

Also ...

The guide quoted above is contrary to Samsung's official FAQ "What is DVI?" (http://erms.samsungelectronics.com/custome...jsp?AT_ID=21508). In particular the FAQ states "DVI is technology-independent. Essentially, this means that DVI is going to perform properly with any TV and video source that is DVI compatible." (Unless they are contending that a PC or Laptop video card is not a video source!!!)

It is also contrary to Samsung's official FAQ "How Can I Connect My TV To My Computer?" (http://erms.samsungelectronics.com/custome...jsp?AT_ID=21342). This FAQ starts off "You can connect your TV to your computer and use it as a computer monitor if you have ... a DVI-D input jack on the back of your TV."

Some other Samsung FAQs on DVI/HDMI include:
http://erms.samsungelectronics.com/custome...jsp?AT_ID=21418
http://erms.samsungelectronics.com/custome...jsp?AT_ID=21388
http://erms.samsungelectronics.com/custome...jsp?AT_ID=21556
This last one is interesting in that it partly contradicts their own "What is DVI?" FAQ w.r.t. HDCP.

And finally ..

Nominally, HDCP is only a problem when the content is protected (e.g. when there is an Image Constraint Token). For day-to-day usage it shouldn't matter if one device has HDCP and the other doesn't -- DVDs, free-to-air TV, etc. don't implement ICT. (If it was an issue none of the Dell 2007fpw/2407fpw/3007fpw monitors would work with common video cards, and my 2407 works fine with an old R9200.)

So an HDCP card may help, but I doubt it. I can't really say for certain as it depends on what Samsung has buried in the HDMI implimentation ... good luck!

EDIT: I forgot to add that substandard implementation of HDMI is so common that I'd personally avoid it and, where possible, stick with DVI (even though DVI isn't always implemented correctly either).

Adrian

PS Funnily enough almost exactly the same issue came up in another forum last week (see http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=42580).
 
Ajax9000 said:
Nominally, HDCP is only a problem when the content is protected (e.g. when there is an Image Constraint Token). For day-to-day usage it shouldn't matter if one device has HDCP and the other doesn't -- DVDs, free-to-air TV, etc. don't implement ICT. (If it was an issue none of the Dell 2007fpw/2407fpw/3007fpw monitors would work with common video cards, and my 2407 works fine with an old R9200.)

So an HDCP card may help, but I doubt it. I can't really say for certain as it depends on what Samsung has buried in the HDMI implimentation ... good luck!

EDIT: I forgot to add that substandard implementation of HDMI is so common that I'd personally avoid it and, where possible, stick with DVI (even though DVI isn't always implemented correctly either).
Click to expand...

Hes right HDCP is ONLY for protected besides that you can use an HDCP display with any card with the appropriate connections and vice versa.

if your having problems with your display when not viewing protected content then upgrading your card will likely do nothing.

If your only having trouble like this only when watching a protected movie then it will help.
 
you should also return to the store and stab to death whoever sold you a monster cable. (sucker).
 
Tutelary said:
you should also return to the store and stab to death whoever sold you a monster cable. (sucker).
Click to expand...

I agree, Best buy is always trying to sell me that stuff when they have the acoustic research for less than half the price and its every bit as good.
 
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