HD movies on demand - can i buy a HDMI switch for component output HDTV?

[trickytree38]

hi

I have read on the forums that it is not possible to watch HD movies on demand if you are connected by component as i am due to digital rights management. Is there some sort of converter i can buy to correct this and if so how much are they?

any help much appreciated

[ijd]

my sky HD is connected via component and i can view the anytime films no problem, cannot see why virgin should be any different, in fact i can record ANYTIME and BOX OFFICE films via the scart although oviusly these are not in hd.
Please someone put me straight if i am wrong,but i thought only hdmi is subject to restrictions as only digital can be encoded!

[Joe Fernand]

Hello ijd

HDMI and HDCP have another nasty buddy called ICT (Image Constraint Token) this gives Broadcasters and Rights owners the option to control what you see on non HDCP restricted outputs from an HD capable Source device (inc BD Disc and HD DVD players).

Using ICT the Broadcaster/Rights owner can instruct the Source device to allow an HD signal out on HDMI with HDCP applied and simultaneously restrict any Analogue Outputs (including High Definition capable 'Component' video sockets) to show a lower resolution signal or no signal - ICT can be applied on a per Programme or per Disc basis.

SKY HD hasn't invoked ICT technology (as yet) though you can bet its in the box! Not sure about the V+ box.

Joe

[brianch]

yup - just had virgin with the V+ box installed and the HD instructions clearly stated that I had to connect using an HDMI cable as certain programmes were only available via HDMI.
Just watching Bleak House in HD - great