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New to High Definition media.

I recently purchased Haier 42" plazma monitor which is considered to be NOS in terms on todays TV market.
It has DVI input for the digital signal and I'd like to utilize it. As far as I know, DVI socket is only for the video signal and not for the audio like HDMI. In the monitor there's a jack for the audio looks like headphone jack. How do I utilize HDMI from cable box to TV for HDTV channels?
Another question arises what kind of DVD player I should acquire in order to view high resolution playback? I tried to utilize component video output from conventional DVD player and certainly was disappointed with performance... Yes I know how to toggle between the DVD player outputs between composite and component but still I must be missing something. Please recommend models and features a-must to have for high resolution viewing.
128x128marakanetz
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,654 posts
 
Does your monitor support HDCP on the DVI input? If not, you will not be able to utilize any HDMI sources. If it does, you need an adapter to convert HDMI to DVI. Use separate audio outputs (analog or digital coax depending on what your monitor can accept and if it has speakers) from each source.

Kal
sufentanil's avatar
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sufentanil
782 posts
 
You are correct in that DVI cables only carry video information, whereas HDMI transmits digital video and audio signals. You can think of DVI as a "subset" of HDMI.

Get a cable (however long you need) with an HDMI connection on one end and a DVI on the other. Check out monoprice.com for one place to get such a cable at a reasonable price.

Just like Kal mentioned, you will need another way to get the audio (most likely through a Dolby Digital signal via a Toslink or coax cable).

Michael
chadnliz
3,736 posts
 
Getting a DVI female to male HDMI coupler may be cheaper than a special DVI to HDMI cable. I use this method on my Sony TV with no issue. Then as Surf mentioned just get coax or Toslink cable for audio, or even RCA if stereo is all you need.
As for the DVD player, do you need to select Progressive Scan (480p VIA cOMP cables because if you do then the signal may default to standard 480I signal and not look great.
For a new player you cant go wrong with any Oppo unit and they are under $200 for most models, these players have tested better than about any picture out there regardless of price.........just make sure the model states it will "upconvert".
kr4's avatar
kr4
3,654 posts
 
Before investing in more stuff, check whether you have HDCP on this display.

Kal
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