Are HDmi cables needed to watch HD tv?

Answer 1

Both HDMI and DVI carry up to 1080p and are the two common domestic interfaces. If the signal source and the TV are both capable of handling 1080p, they will almost certainly have an HDMI interface. However, the fact that an HDMI interface is fitted to a device does not mean that it will handle 1080p nor does it mean that it will handle HD at all - there are many SD DVD players that have HDMI but still only deliver SD material.

Answer 2

With all domestic equipment on sale now, HDMI cables are needed to watch HD content from external receivers or Bluray players. Although early HD televisions had HD analog component inputs, they won't be found on new equipment.

HDMI supports a copy protection system known as HDCP. This prevents the HD signal being intercepted and copied to other media. Analog component signals don't have this protection and the industry has almost universally adopted HDMI as the single HD television interface.

Answer 3

You need a cable company HD converter box connected to your HDTV thru a HDMI or Component cables to get real high def. If you connect the cable from the cable company directly to your HDTV like you did with analog tv, you will not be getting HD.

Answer 4

No, you don't. You do need upgraded component cables, but an HDMI cable is not needed.

The short answer is no. You don't need an HDMI cable to get an HD signal. BUT an HDMI cable will show the images faster than a normal component cable, so your picture will be clearer.

Answer 5

If you want to use a Blu-Ray player, a PlayStation 3, and/or a High-Def cable box, then yes