How important is a DVI input?

[Chacal]

To the hardware gurus:

Needing a new secondary display (my main is a 19" CRT), I was looking at at Samsung syncmaster 910MP with a 100$ rebate at the local Future Shop. It has all I want:

8ms refresh rate
1280 x 1024 native resolution
700:1 contrast ratio
300 cd/m2 brightness

And some cute extras I don't really need:

TV tuner
multiple inputs (VGA, S-Video, composite video, CATV)
3 watt speakers
Picture in picture

all for the price of the plain 19".

BUT...

no DVI input.

I'm wondering if, for a secondary display plugged into the DVI connector in my video card, this is an important factor? Is the quality loss very noticeable when you convert digital to analog and back to digital again?

What do you think?

[cavalierlwt]

I have an LCD screen with no dvi, it looks fine, but then again I have nothing to compare it to. They say DVI makes for a sharper image.
BTW, the LCD that you are looking at sounds quite a bit like an LCD TV as opposed to being strictly just a computer monitor.

[Namloot]

Those Samsung TV/monitors are nice. If you are buying it strictly for computer use, get a monitor only. DVI is better than VGA. But if you want to be able to use it as an independent TV, it's good.

[cavalierlwt]

He might a real problem if he wants to use it as a TV. HDTV has switched to a controversial DVI format known as HDCP using HDMI. Without getting too deep into (I am vehemently against it) it allows 'trusted computing' between HDTV sources and HDTV displays, using 'flags' that allow content providers to prevent you from recording, making a copy, or even viewing their material if they don't wish it. The possibilities are very troubling to me, other people don't give a shit. So, it's possible/likely in the future that HDTV, monitors and such will be limited or denied use if they have only a DVI connection and not the HDCP connection.

Here's a better, simpler explanation:
http://www.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=31066-1

[-HaVoC-]

One thing to keep in mind is the output of your video card. If it has DVI out then you will want to have a monitor with DVI. From what I have read the conversion from analog to digital and back can be a real bottle neck. I would push you towards DVI on both the card and the monitor.

[Namloot]

These copy protection schemes, both software and hardware are getting out of control.

Guess I'll just go to a Euoropean web site and get the workaround/crack when they come out with it

[cavalierlwt]

Originally posted by Namloot
These copy protection schemes, both software and hardware are getting out of control.

Guess I'll just go to a Euoropean web site and get the workaround/crack when they come out with it

Good luck! Hardware based public key/private key is unbelievably hard to get around. It would probably require hardware modifications (like hacking the XBOX), only the hardware required would be under constant scrutiny by law enforcement.

The momentum is swinging in favor of content providers, they really managed to get their hooks into the evolution of next generation HD technology.

[Chacal]

Thanks for your input guys (no pun intended).

[EL CONQUISTADOR]

SkyNet has assumed control!!!

[cavalierlwt]

Originally posted by EL CONQUISTADOR
SkyNet has assumed control!!!

That's a fact Jack! If you look closely, you will see every model of the Terminator had an HDCP/HDMI connection on his/her chassis.

[Juggernaught]

[Buliwyf]

you want dvi both sides, no converters

[igloo17]

Originally posted by cavalierlwt
He might a real problem if he wants to use it as a TV. HDTV has switched to a controversial DVI format known as HDCP using HDMI. Without getting too deep into (I am vehemently against it) it allows 'trusted computing' between HDTV sources and HDTV displays, using 'flags' that allow content providers to prevent you from recording, making a copy, or even viewing their material if they don't wish it. The possibilities are very troubling to me, other people don't give a shit. So, it's possible/likely in the future that HDTV, monitors and such will be limited or denied use if they have only a DVI connection and not the HDCP connection.

Here's a better, simpler explanation:
http://www.consumerelectronicsnet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=31066-1

off topic...

cavalierlwt,

but what is "vehemently"?

[PraiseA||ah]

Main Entry: ve·he·ment
Pronunciation: -m&nt
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin vehement-, vehemens, vement-, vemens
: marked by forceful energy : POWERFUL <a vehement wind>: as a : intensely emotional : IMPASSIONED, FERVID <vehement patriotism> b (1) : deeply felt <a vehement suspicion> (2) : forcibly expressed <vehement denunciations> c : bitterly antagonistic <a vehement debate>
- ve·he·ment·ly adverb