1. Home entertainment and computing
Convergence
Home entertainment
and
computing

2. Back in the old days

3. Everything was separate
They were not (usually) connected together
You would add a piece at a time (or replace older stuff a piece at a time).
You didn’t have to worry about how to connect it all together
BUT – you used each piece separately, and there was no sharing of content.

4. As time went on
There was some newer stuff

5. TV’s became color and got bigger
VCR’s were introduced (still easy to hook up)
DVD players were introduced (getting a little less easy to connect)

6. Connections multiplied like rabbits

8. On the computer side …

9. And – more recently

10. Oh – also more devices

11. Yet more

13. Schoolin’ about connections
Don’t EVER Ass-u-me that any combination of connections that is SUPPOSED to work will actually work!
There have been at least a dozen generations of connections – and most are NOT backward-compatible.
The more expensive the adapter, the more likely you are to be disappointed in it.

14. Really OLD computing
Yes – there were connections even before VGA. First monitors typically used BNC connectors, then there was the CGA monitor and the EGA monitor. All these connectors were pre-VGA.
If your HDTV is early enough, it probably only has composite (one yellow RCA jack), component (three RCA jacks) and maybe VGA connections (which are probably 640x480 resolution)

15. You can’t buy it new
If you want HDTV on one of these early sets, you can connect it up with a cable converter/DVR/HDTV set-top box FROM SuddenLink.
You can’t buy one – they are only sold to cable companies – because:
The media companies that make the HDTV content have gotten the laws set up so that all you can buy in HDTV stuff is devices that use HDCP.

16. HDCP – an evolving standard
Stands for High Definition Content Protection.
Doesn’t protect YOU (silly wabbit) – supposedly protects the media companies.
Makes it difficult for ordinary users to copy any protected media.
Doesn’t really cause a problem for those who have enough resources and want to make millions of illegal copies – they have devices built that get around it.

17. Compatible – YEAH, SURE VGA is NOT compatible with HDCP – period.
DVI may be NOT compatible with HDCP (there were some devices made that supposedly have HDCP compatibility – but the standards have moved on – and my experience is that “compatible” is MAYBE.
Especially the MONST** ultra-high priced stuff that the sales people push

18. Use HDMI connections
Even though (right now) there are four generations of HDMI, and two different sizes of connectors.
The HDMI connection is developed by the media companies licensing to carry audio, video, and to provide end-to-end encryption (this is done inside the devices, the cable itself just has wires in it)

19. A modern HDTV/monitor
From a Samsung P2370hd-1

20. More HDMI inputs are better
There are external switches if needed

21. Yet another new connector
NEC, HP, and other computer oriented companies are now using a new connector called “Display Port.” To avoid paying a royalty to the HDMI people. Compatibility is claimed with HDCP – but IS IT ????? The TV people are staying with HDMI, the computer companies with Display Port.

22. Even the small things add up
My HDCP problem: Computer resolution sets at 1920 x 1024; however TV resolution sets at 1920 x 1080 (for the 1080p standard).

23. I recommend
Easiest way – buy it ALL from one vendor who will certify that it will all work together.
Next best way – research carefully, buy only from vendors with a liberal return policy if the new device is not compatible with the existing devices.
Not the best way – piece it together yourself with no assurance. Recommendations on the next slide if you go that way.

25. Content produced by Jim Cason
Promised LAN Computing, Inc.
4703 Carolina Avenue
Trent Woods, NC 28562
(252)
© 2011