HDMI on PS3 question

[Domaso]

Hi,

I want to buy a CRT HDTV, which has VGA input, but i noticed that the upcoming PlayStation 3 will have only HDMI outputs. Will I be able to connect the PS3 to my HDTV somehow, to obtain high-def image (1080i format)?

[edDV]

Better get HDMI instead. HD DVD will require it, the broadcast flag will require it (if it passes) and probably HDTV games will too but I can't say for sure.

[Domaso]

Yeah, but I wanted to know if it is possible to conect HDMI output to VGA input (maybe with adaptors or something)?

[Domaso]

PS3 has HDMI outputs while XBOX 360 has VGA outputs, and they both supports HDTV 1080i format. I think they both can be conected to VGA using special cables, am I right? I just wanted to be sure about it, so I asked.

[edDV]

PS3 has HDMI outputs while XBOX 360 has VGA outputs, and they both supports HDTV 1080i format. I think they both can be conected to VGA using special cables, am I right? I just wanted to be sure about it, so I asked.

HDMI is Digital only (video+audio+control)
VGA is analog only (RGBHV)
DVI-D is digital only (video only)
DVI-I includes pins for DVD-D and VGA

HDMI to VGA is a no go.
You would need to use analog componets Y, Pb, Pr

[Domaso]

So that means i will not be able to see high resolutions image on my tv from PS3? Is it possible to output hi-res image through analog ports?

[edDV]

So that means i will not be able to see high resolutions image on my tv from PS3? Is it possible to output hi-res image through analog ports?

I don't know for PS3.

No for HD DVD except at 720x480 (normal DVD) or maybe 940x540 (still not decided)

If the brodcast flag passes (US issue currently) HD resolutions over analog component may be blocked on a program by program basis. If it passes here, other countries may follow.

[Domaso]

OK, thanks for your help, and final questions: If I buy a HDTV with DVI input, will I be able to connect HDMI output to DVI input (without loosing 1080i hi-res image)? Is SCART and S-Video digital or analog, maybe it is possible to connect HDMI through SCART or S-Video (without loosing 1080i quality)? I saw that there is an adapter (here is the image), that can convert DVI to Y, Pb, Pr. So if I connect HDMI through it, will I loose 1080i?

[ebenton]

Just about any place that sells cables can sell you a cable with DVI on one end and HDMI on the other. HDMI contains digital audio as well as video, so you will need to connect audio with separate cable(s).
Be advised that some devices with optical audio outputs, analog audio outputs and HDMI output, will detect the use of HDMI and shut off the other audio outputs. My Scientific Atlanta 8300 HD DVR does this. I guess the humans that built the DVR and designed the firmware decided that if you are using HDMI, then you don't need the other audio outputs.

[Domaso]

And what about HDMI to Y/Pb/Pr? I've read that it is possible too (1080i), am I right?

[ebenton]

I don't think you can connect HDMI to component video Y\Pb\Pr. HDMI is digital, component video is analog. I don't think you can connect a digital output to an analog input. If you could, the same issues regarding audio outputs might apply.

[miksu]

SCART is always analog, just like S-video. SCART itself may have composite, s-video or RGB (component) connection. It's just name for multipurpose 21pin connector (which also transports analog stereo sound).

Most tv-sets accept RGB (component) input from SCART, cheaper ones accept only composite from SCART. You can get very high-quality using RGB SCART (and it has its merits), but it's definitely not digital.

[edDV]

OK, thanks for your help, and final questions: If I buy a HDTV with DVI input, will I be able to connect HDMI output to DVI input (without loosing 1080i hi-res image)?

If you get a HDTV with DVI in make sure it supports HDCP encryption because most future media will require this. HDMI to DVI is possible but as said above, encrypted streams may cause you to loose access to audio. For this reason I would recommend only HDMI input on the TV for a new purchase.

Is SCART and S-Video digital or analog, maybe it is possible to connect HDMI through SCART or S-Video (without loosing 1080i quality)? I saw that there is an adapter (here is the image), that can convert DVI to Y, Pb, Pr. So if I connect HDMI through it, will I loose 1080i?

As far as I know, SCART only supports analog SD resolutions (e.g. composite PAL and S-Video PAL).

And what about HDMI to Y/Pb/Pr? I've read that it is possible too (1080i), am I right?

No, HDMI is digital, YPbPr is analog. If the signal is encrypted (e.g. encrypted broadcast, HD DVD or possibly PS3 games) then conversion from HDMI to analog is prohibited.

For a new set purchase, I would only go for HDMI input due to media encryption issues.

[Domaso]

OK, thank you all for you answers, I'll use your advices and buy HDMI TV.

[whitejremiah]

guess im not buying a ps3 then.....i ain't planning on replacing the tv i just bought last year for a video game system.....is it just me or does sony continue to rip out the machine gun and shoot themselves in the foot repedidly? I dont know THAT many people that have TV's with HDMI...i cant IMAGINE them only putting that on a video game system...if they do, they are gonna lose a TON of potential consumers..........such as myself who cant afford to foot several hundred to a few thousand dollars for a high def tv...it was a pain in the neck enough to replace the tv last year with a 25 inch CRT tv......

[edDV]

guess im not buying a ps3 then.....i ain't planning on replacing the tv i just bought last year for a video game system.....is it just me or does sony continue to rip out the machine gun and shoot themselves in the foot repedidly? I dont know THAT many people that have TV's with HDMI...i cant IMAGINE them only putting that on a video game system...if they do, they are gonna lose a TON of potential consumers..........such as myself who cant afford to foot several hundred to a few thousand dollars for a high def tv...it was a pain in the neck enough to replace the tv last year with a 25 inch CRT tv......

As far as the PS3 goes, I only know that HDCP (DVI or HDMI connection) will be required to play Blu-Ray HD DVD releases. I don't know if HDCP will be required to play PS3 games in high definition. That will be up to SONY.

[Headbanger's Ball]

If they want a mass market they will need to have other outputs.
Imagine the outrage people will have paying high dollar for a game to find out they need a TV upgrade to play it.

[edDV]

About the same outrage pre HDCP HDTV owners feel about Blu-Ray.