low resolution flag for component video

[jerrydf]

I just faxed this letter to the Blu-Ray Disk Association:

"I would like to be a Blu-Ray consumer customer but first I need two questions answered.

I have a six year old high definition TV set that has component video inputs but no DVI or HDMI.

I read that the BD specifications provide for a low resolution flag that can optionally be turned on in the manufacturing software so the (analog) component video outputs get no better than a 480p output. Also, I read, that if that restriction is used, the packaging for that disk should indicate this limitation. I have examined several dozen BD packages and cannot recognize any mention of this restriction. I also read that Sony, so far, has elected to not use this restriction.

Since, if I purchase a Blu-Ray player, I would have to connect it to my TV using component video, I would not be pleased to find I am only able to watch 480p. So my questions are:

1. What should I look for on the BD packaging to tell me if that disk has resolution output restriction?

2. Currently, what studios are (or are not) using that restriction? I realize this is always subject to change."

Do any of you have any CERTAIN answers to my queries? Thanks.

[Zipzap713]

Originally Posted by jerrydf

1. What should I look for on the BD packaging to tell me if that disk has resolution output restriction?

2. Currently, what studios are (or are not) using that restriction? I realize this is always subject to change."

Do any of you have any CERTAIN answers to my queries? Thanks.

1. Dunno. None of my BDs are restricted by component output.

2. Dunno.

I think it all depends on your BD Player. I use a PS3 for Blu-Ray movies and they provide excellent picture through component cables. Its not as high of quality as HDMI/DVI, but its pretty close. So I recommend getting PS3 if you can't find good answers to your questions.

[jerrydf]

I know all the BD players will pass a 1080i signal to component video. It's the studio's disc engineering that CAN turn on this restriction in the software.

[Zipzap713]

Originally Posted by jerrydf

I know all the BD players will pass a 1080i signal to component video. It's the studio's disc engineering that CAN turn on this restriction in the software.

I know that all of my Disney, Fox, Warner Bros titles come in a prestine 1080i picture to my 1080i set. I think the security is just there to be there. To my knowledge, none of the discs actually restrict the signal that goes through the Component Cables.

[David Craig]

I had a PS/3 hooked up to a 1080i Tube TV. It was hooked up via component cables.

I think all major studios output to 1080i via component, that is, then don't downgrade to 480p.

However on the PS/3 the upscaling of DVD's to 1080 is not supported. However even that is no big deal. If you have a Tube TV it is likely no bigger that 36 inches. The TV will show a 480p image that is still fantastic.

I had a Panasonic Tau 36 inch, vintage 2001.

[cembros]

component cables can uotput 1080p from a blu ray player as far as i know, but it cannot handle 1080/24p, correct me if im wrong. I cant imagin why disc would be enginered to output differently for component cables than hdmi

[jerrydf]

Because the studios feel it is much easier to pirate copy from an analog (component video) output than a "protected" digital output (HDMI).