SciAtl 8000HD spec sheet

[FreQi]

I found the spec sheet for the Scientific Atlanta 8000HD (the dvr time warner is using in green bay already).

There's the data sheet and the propaganda sheet for your perusal.

I was looking for info on the outputs from  the unit, and it seems the 8000HD has an "optional" DVI out that requires a software update "when available", which I read as "time warner will not support dvi output".

However, it does have fiber audio out, so that's cool.

[Mike Sura]

From alt.tv.tech.hdtv message was posted Dec 16, 2003

"The Cable Box SA3250HD has activated the DVI output port
    7 days ago in NE Wisc area.....   This was done
    via a SA/Time Warner download at 4AM on a Monday...."

this gives me hope that the 8000HD will also be activated.

[borghe]

Everyone gets hyped on DVI... personally I don't get it.. I realize DVI has a slight advantage over component, but IMHO not enough to go crazy over... The only advantage of dVI is that content providers can use it to copy protect with very little effort...

Firewire on the other hand.. now that's the big one.. unfortunately, again because of content providers, there is probably very little chance if ever that the firewire will be enabled.

[TurboAWD]

It would be awesome if the Firewire were enabled, but you're right, probably will never happen.

I want the DVI - and I want it to function with my Samsung DLP, as I've heard many, many times that there is a very noticeable difference on this particular TV.

I'll admit there is little difference between component video and DVI on my Toshba 30" direct-view.

But hey, I've already spent $150 on 2 DVI cables, so I'd like to use the outputs.

[Paul S.]

Firewire?

[summerfun]

I purchased a DVI cable and had absolutely NO improvement what so ever. I took it back and saved the money.

When I was talking to Sony about something else, I asked about the DVI port. The said that it is for security and copy protection, but does nothing for picture quality.

They also said that using Monster component cables over regular cables were a waist of money. Hype by the people selling cables. Being the skeptic that I am, I bought a set to see for myself.
They were right, no quality improvement at all. At least nothing you could see. Maybe some electronic device could measure something, but not to the naked eye.

That's not to say someone else might not have seen some improvements, try it for yourself and see.

[TurboAWD]

I don't doubt that there were no clear differences between expensive cables vs. cheapo's.  In the world of electronics, this is probably the longest running debate in history.

There's essentially three things that can happen: 1) you see or hear no differences at all, 2) you see or hear an improvement with the more expensive product, or 3) the cheaper product actually seems to work better.

In my experience, I've seen all three happen.  In the end, simple construction quality and flexibility are the deciding factors.

The DVI cables I bought were "impulse" purchases, which I bought after reading various articles saying they worked significantly better.  However, I wouldn't actually recommend anyone spend the extra money to get them.  Just a personal choice I made.

But I still hope future TWC boxes would have DVI that works with my Samsung...

[summerfun]

After I said I returned the DVI cable, I may be re-purchasing it again.

My son has decided he wants X-Box HD. That will take up one of my component HD inputs. The DVD player takes up the other. That leaves me the DVI port for the TWC box. I sure hope the new HD DVR box from TWC will have a DVI port.

BTW, X-box HD looks awesome and it comes with Dolby D 5.1 fiber port to the receiver.

Does anybody know if the DVD player in X-box is progressive scan or not? If it is, I guess I could get rid of my current progressive scan DVD player and open that component port up again.