Some HDTV's are listed as "HDTV monitors" meaning they don't have a built-in HD tuner/decoder/whatever.

As I understand it that means that it will display any over-the-air statios or cable HD content channels in standard definition. (i.e. if you want to watch TV in HD you get a cable package from your provider and they lease/rent you a set top box with your cable service)

I have a few HD devices (DVD player, XBox 360). The TVs ("HDTV monitors"/"HD-ready TVs") are advertised as follows "HD ready; requires a set top box (purchased separately) to decode high definition (HD) broadcast signals". Does that mean that if I plug my DVD player or XBox into one of the component inputs I will only be able to see it in standard definition (480 lines of resolution or whatever)? Or does it simply mean I can't watch HDTV channels without a set top box, but my other devices are ok?


The reason I ask is I'm planning on buying a TV in the near future. Currently I use my XBox with a CRT computer monitor @ 1280x1024. Obviously if I buy a TV, I want it to work correctly with my XBox. I do not have digital cable and don't plan on getting it (at least not in the next couple years). Standard cable/standard definition is fine as far as I'm concerned. (I don't watch much TV, but I do watch a lot of movies and I'd like to play my XBox at full resolution.) I assume what I want is one of these HD-ready TVs with a plain old NTSC tuner and inputs sufficient for my devices (composite). Is that correct?

Another question: I know there is a composite video cable for the XBox 360, but does anyone know if there's a DVI cable for it and which would be better?


I'd ask in a store but I have a feeling they'd try to confuse me into buying more than I need.

4/3/2006 3:09:38 PM

LOOK MAN


YOU NEED A HDCP/IPX CABLE TO GET THE HIGEST QUALITIES FROM YOUR TVS.



ANYTHING LESS IS UNCIVILIZED.

4/3/2006 3:14:27 PM

I don't know what HDCP is.

4/3/2006 3:16:37 PM

RTFM

4/3/2006 3:20:56 PM

hahahahahha

4/3/2006 3:22:10 PM

you do know that dvd is not a high definition format, right?

4/3/2006 3:23:20 PM

yes, I know that DVDs aren't HD, but there are DVD players that upconvert the signal to 1080i or 720p and the picture is definitely better than just plugging it into a component video input.

jesus christ you could just answer the question. i already know I'm stupid. but it's a simple question.

4/3/2006 3:45:58 PM

all they mean is it doesn't have a digital tv tuner in it meaning you cant plug the tv into your cable and get digital channels.

You have to get a set top box that plugs into the cable and connect that to your tv via component.

When viewing HD content the box will send the HD signal to the tv and the tv will display it in the correct HD resolution.

If you have the HD kit for xbox, you plug the component cables from the xbox into the tv. It works the same.

However to make sure the TV truely supports what you need, RTFM.

4/3/2006 3:49:21 PM

ok thats what i thought. thanks for answering the question.

thats what i thought, i just wanted to make sure i understood it correctly. and excuse me for not knowing anything about TVs, i haven't even considered buying one since the last one i bought in like 1997.

4/3/2006 3:56:27 PM