New 720p Projector

[soulprops77]

So. . . I just purchased a new projector for my Sage box and I'm trying to figure out the best way to connect it. I would like to have it connected to both my HTPC and my cable box so that I can switch inputs and watch live HD from the STB while sage records the downsampled svideo signal from the box (I'm not recording any HD at the moment. . . waiting for a decent QAM solution which seems to be on the horizon).

The projector has the following inputs:
HDMI, Component Video,VGA with Component & SCART Compatbility, Composite Video (RCA), S-Video, RS-232, Dual IR Receivers, +12V Trigger Relay

What I thought I would do is the component out on my cable box to the projector and use a DVI to HDMI cable from my video card.

I can't think of any reason that this would not be the way to go, but this is my first HD anything (actually my first time using anything beyond svideo to connect my television) so I thought I would pass it by people with a bit more experience.

Thanks,
Chris

[bcjenkins]

I think you got it right. The cable boxes seem to have issues over DVI due to copy protection issues.

B

FTR - I have helped several friends, different providers, with cable box connections. DVI/HDMI always seem to be problematic depending on implementation of HDCP on box and monitor.

[teknubic]

If you have a receiver that switches video sources, you're better off making one run to the projector instead of two or three. Less wear on the FP as well.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by teknubic

If you have a receiver that switches video sources, you're better off making one run to the projector instead of two or three.

I'd run component and HDMI to your projector for sure. They'll both be around for quite some time, and unless you've got a scaler that can convert everything to HDMI, you're going to need both at some point.

Check out http://www.monoprice.com for long HDMI and component cables. I've got a 50' HDMI and a 50' component cable from them running from my system to my PJ.

HDMI for the PC, I have a DVI->HDMI adapter on the PC. IMO that's the way to go, otherwise you'll have to replace the DVI or DVI->HDMI cable as things move to HDMI.

Component for the Xbox 360 and MyHD running through my processor.

I'm still waiting for the HDMI/Genum upgrade for my AVM 20 and then everything will go through that and HDMI

Less wear on the FP as well.

Not sure what you're getting at, there's no "wear" switching sources on the PJ.

Oh, so what's the new baby Chris?

[teknubic]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Not sure what you're getting at, there's no "wear" switching sources on the PJ.

Only you would call me on that, Stanger. When I swich inputs on my vpl-hs51, I get clicking and flicker. Sounds mechanical or at the very least rough on the PJ. I made my $150 receiver take that burdon.

Originally Posted by stanger89

They'll both be around for quite some time, and unless you've got a scaler that can convert everything to HDMI, you're going to need both at some point.

This I don't get. If they're both going to be around for quite some time, why do you need both?

Yeah, whatdja get, Chris?

[soulprops77]

I decided to go component all the way around. I'm gonna both the cable box and the Sage box through my amp and then out to the PJ.

I just picked up an Optoma HD70. Now all I have to do is get a screen

[Lucas]

The Optoma 70 is a fine PJ especially for the price.

It sounds like you already made your mind up, but your initial choice would most probably give you significantly better PQ by running an HDMI cable from the HTPC directly to the Optoma.

My AV amp can also switch component, but I don't use it becauce I suspect that there may be some loss of PQ by routing the signal through it.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by teknubic

Only you would call me on that, Stanger. When I swich inputs on my vpl-hs51, I get clicking and flicker. Sounds mechanical or at the very least rough on the PJ. I made my $150 receiver take that burdon.

Could be relays, my AVM-20 clicks when I switch sources. My IN76 doesn't make any sound. Scratch that, I bet it's the iris. And of course it's moving the whole time you watch the PJ

This I don't get. If they're both going to be around for quite some time, why do you need both?

Because at some point (maybe 3 years?) certain content won't be available over component. Namely AACS protected content.

[soulprops77]

Originally Posted by Lucas

The Optoma 70 is a fine PJ especially for the price.

It sounds like you already made your mind up, but your initial choice would most probably give you significantly better PQ by running an HDMI cable from the HTPC directly to the Optoma.

Do you really think it would be significantly better quality? I have the cables available so I guess I will try it both ways and see how it looks.

Also, is there any loss in quality using component over DVI/HDMI? They just look so much regular old composite cables

[teknubic]

Originally Posted by Stanger89

Because at some point (maybe 3 years?) certain content won't be available over component. Namely AACS protected content.

I'm sure our computers will be non-AACS compliant as well. When that comes down, if it does in it's current form, the component cable will be the least of our hurdles, IMO.

Originally Posted by soulprops77

Do you really think it would be significantly better quality?

At the end of the day, they're still ones and zeroes.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by teknubic

I'm sure our computers will be non-AACS compliant as well. When that comes down, if it does in it's current form, the component cable will be the least of our hurdles, IMO.

HDCP video cards (with HDMI even) are already available, and Blu-ray/HD DVD playback is possible (requiring HDCP) with currently available hardware/software.

ICT (Image Constraint Token) is currently unused in HD DVD and Blu-ray, but there's nothing stopping studios from turning it on at any moment.

DOT (Digital Only Token) is available also part of AACS, but I believe cannot be used until 2010.

[teknubic]

Thank you for that information, Stanger. I didn't know that.
But I believe that the entire path needs to be compliant, not just the video card and cable.

Originally Posted by ARSTechnica

In a nutshell, the content industry wants to see video encrypted end-to-end and passed only among approved devices that obey content access rules defined by the industry.

Link.
If, somehow, all devices involved with my TV viewing experience become 'content industry compliant' -- either through firmware upgrades or (god forbid) purchase -- will I be able to watch this protected content. I'm holding on to pre-DRM methods until I don't have a choice anymore. Just my two cents.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by teknubic

Thank you for that information, Stanger. I didn't know that.
But I believe that the entire path needs to be compliant, not just the video card and cable.

Try this:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showt...=bluray+windvd

Or if you want to know how your system fairs:
http://www.cyberlink.com/english/sup.../diagnosis.jsp

Unlike CableCard, it appears that all that's required for HD DVD and Blu-ray (ie AACS) playback is:
Drive
Player
Appropriate video drivers (92 series for nVidia)
Video card with HDCP on DVI/HDMI, or for the moment, VGA.


Link.
If, somehow, all devices involved with my TV viewing experience become 'content industry compliant' -- either through firmware upgrades or (god forbid) purchase -- will I be able to watch this protected content. I'm holding on to pre-DRM methods until I don't have a choice anymore. Just my two cents.[/quote]

[soulprops77]

Originally Posted by stanger89

Unlike CableCard, it appears that all that's required for HD DVD and Blu-ray (ie AACS) playback is:
Drive
Player
Appropriate video drivers (92 series for nVidia)
Video card with HDCP on DVI/HDMI, or for the moment, VGA.

Your display needs to be HDCP compliant as well, no? This was of some concern to me in buying the projector that spawned this thread.

[bcjenkins]

Taking this a little OT, what does the assembled think about the Epson Powerlite Pro 800? I am in negotiations with the wife on the Sony VPL-VW50, but I am not holding my breath on that one.

TIA

B

[teknubic]

Oh, I see. We're just talking HDDVD/BR. Well, unless Chris runs out and buys a new FP, he won't be able to get the picture quality benefits of the new DVD format anyway, HDMI cable or no.
I still stand with component only to the PJ, letting your receiver do the switching but it's ultimately the readers choice. Informed decisions are always the best decisions.
cheers

[soulprops77]

There'll be absolutely no talk of me going out and buying a new PJ for some time, thank you very much. . .

Any HDDVD/BR content will just be downsampled to 720p, no?

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by soulprops77

Your display needs to be HDCP compliant as well, no? This was of some concern to me in buying the projector that spawned this thread.

Well yeah, kind of took that as a give

Originally Posted by teknubic

Oh, I see. We're just talking HDDVD/BR.

Considering it's a known quantity, plus the only other protected content, CableCard, can't be done with a home built PC...

Well, unless Chris runs out and buys a new FP, he won't be able to get the picture quality benefits of the new DVD format anyway, HDMI cable or no.

Why? I can't believe it's not HDCP, and 1080p scaled to 720p is still better than 480p scaled to 720p. I'll let you know what I think personally in about 2 weeks.

Originally Posted by bcjenkins

Taking this a little OT, what does the assembled think about the Epson Powerlite Pro 800? I am in negotiations with the wife on the Sony VPL-VW50, but I am not holding my breath on that one.

If that's your budget, the Mits HC5000BL should be on your list. As well VW50, and perhaps the BenQ W10000.

Actually if the Pro 800 is doable, what's the problem with the VW50? MSRP on the VW50 is only 500 more than street on the Pro 800. There's no way I'd spend over $2k today and NOT get a 1080p projector. No way.

If 1080p is out of your league, take a serious look at the Infocus IN76. And whatever you do, give AV Science a call before you buy anything. They run AVSforum, and they're awesome.

I got my IN76 from them a bit over a month ago (probably about two now). My MT700 died, I got my refund and AVS hooked me up with my IN76, at the time I was unwilling to wait for the affordable 1080p PJs (VW50 and HC5000BL).

Plus with my constant height setup, even on HD DVD/Blu-ray, I'll still get 720 vertical lines on scope films, out of the ~ 800 or so available, so the difference will be smaller than most peoples setups.

[soulprops77]

So I've been running a few tests on a white sheet while waiting to fabricate my screen and I was surprised how good the PJ looked out of the box.

Predicatbly the SD recording that I had didn't look so good though. I bumped the default recording quality up to Best-3.0gb to see if that would help any.

Are there any deinterlacing settings I should be using, either in the Sage Detailed Setup or the ATI Catalyst control panel?

Thanks,
Chris