When HD videos are available na, will the HDCP issue affect the direct connection from a HTPC to a HDTV? It's reported the earlier DVI/HDMI chipset version isn't compatible with current HDTVs, hence resolution will be down-graded
Yes that will be quite an issue, especially when Windows Vista Comes in. Currently if you are running Windows XP or MCE, you can output HD using DVI/HDMI. The new windows Vista will have DRM built into the OS. If your HD material is DRM encoded, then vista wont allow it to output at High Definition if you do not have an HDCP Video card. So that means even on a VGA monitor, the HD signal will be crippled to 480p. This sucks.
Currently there are no HDCP Video cards available. The beauty though of an HTPC is that its upgradable. Once Vista is out, Video card manufacturers will follow with HDMI with HDCP. Then we can upgrade our video cards to that. At this point in time, we cannot tell where its going.
This i what I think will happen within the next 2-3years to the HTPC industry.
Windows Vista MCE with DRM
Blueray/HD DVD Rom Drives and Writers
HDCP equipped HDMI Video cards
Which we can all upgrade to in the future hopefully. Besides, I dont think we have to worry about that now because there will be no HDTV programming in the philippines... not in at least 5yrs I think. Also Blueray and HDDVD movies will not be available here soon. Current HD titles nga in DVD even if you buy them in the states wont be able to play here due to DRM. The current DRM uses the internet to check your current location, if you are not located in the US or Canada the HD material wont play. Currently the only HD material we can play is non DRM HD, Free downloaded HD clips, trailers.
The best thing an HTPC can do in our case is upscale DVDs to near HD quality, and of course for playback of other media (MP3/CDs/Videos/Games)
High Definition is really still in its infancy... we will just have to grow with it