Despite the audio FAQ...

[takearushfan]

I'm still boggled. In fact, the more I read the more confused I became.
I currently have a 5.1 setup but just don't understand how to get the most out of my (currently being shipped) setup.
I'm getting an HD monitor (HDCP compliant), the HDMI cable (male to male), a BD external drive and some Blu-ray films to get me started.
I read something about a protected audio path. How does that work? What do I need to hear what I should? I have a feeling the general consensus is that my current 5.1 setup isn't acceptable, as it doesn't use HDMI cables...?
I'm lost

[Ray0002]

Originally Posted by takearushfan

I'm still boggled. In fact, the more I read the more confused I became.
I currently have a 5.1 setup but just don't understand how to get the most out of my (currently being shipped) setup.
I'm getting an HD monitor (HDCP compliant), the HDMI cable (male to male), a BD external drive and some Blu-ray films to get me started.
I read something about a protected audio path. How does that work? What do I need to hear what I should? I have a feeling the general consensus is that my current 5.1 setup isn't acceptable, as it doesn't use HDMI cables...?
I'm lost

Im not sure HDCP is still being used in new PC's.

DVI and HDMI have been the standard for a long time.

HDCP: is High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection. Intel's content protection scheme for digital displays.

Most current monitors have been shipped with at least one input HDMI
which will get you around the HDCP problem.

If your monitor does not support HDMI you are seriously in trouble.
Only HDMI can pass full 1080p HD content video and audio.

No VGA / DVI / HDMI splitter will help with this.

For more information : see
http://www.digitalconnection.com/faq/HDTV_12.asp