I don't think it's a piracy issue, I think it's just a matter of which cables are physically capable of moving that sort of data. There's a reason you get different results with different cables. And I'm pretty sure HDMI isn't the only one that can output in 1080. IIRC DVI cables (for computer monitors and stuff) can too. Isn't DVI just HDMI minus the audio?

 

But whatever, HDMI is the best. If you have a TV/monitor that accepts HDMI inputs and a PS3/360/PC with HDMI outputs, I say go for it. You won't be sorry.

This is true if you're using a PS3 for playing your Blu-Ray movies. It will only output in 1080p using the HDMI cable. This is supposedly because the HDMI format has anti-piracy protection, though I'd expect pirates would use software to rip the data directly from the disc, rather than worry about trying to record the output signal from a player.

 

Speaking of Blu-Ray, I just gave a demonstration to my parents using the movie "Sunshine" in 1080p in 5.1 digital surround sound. They were blown away by the picture quality.

 

Wait, what? I have a PS3 and a 42" Samsung HD TV and buy my movies in Blu-Ray. I use my HDMI cable and I'm not limited to just 1080. If you follow the setup correctly it will go through the configuration of what your TV is capable of and then only let you choose those options. You can go from 1080 down to 720 if you want to.

 

BTW when you go to get your HDMI cable, stay away from "Monster Cable" unless of course you got serious money to burn. I believe Engadget did a great comparision on Monster vs. Brand X.

 

 

No no no, I meant you cannot get 1080p UNLESS you use the HDMI cable. You got me backwards there.

 

Also @ Sertile, It actually is an anti-piracy measure as stated by Sony. You can easily output 1080p on component cables, but Sony only allows the 1080p access on the HDMI output because the machine can communicate with your display panel to make sure its not a recording device. This is all according to Sony.

 

Edit: for those that think they want to continue arguing with me on this, simply refer to the PS3 user's manual. Its all in there about the access to 1080p output being limited to HDMI for anti-piracy measures.