Get HDTV > Setting Up Your HDTV

Digital Cables
Many HD monitors and integrated HDTVs include a digital copy-protected input. There are two types of inputs - DVI and HDMI. Most HD monitors and HDTVs also include a copy protection system called HDCP, usually specified as DVI/HDCP. All HDMI-equipped displays have HDCP copy protection.

The video signal carried over DVI and HDMI is a uncompressed digital video bit stream. This connector is strictly used to connect a source, such as a HD set top box, to the display. The HDMI connector also contains the program's digital audio bitstream, so a single HDMI cable will send both high-definition video and digital audio to the display device. The video is converted by the display device into a viewable image; the audio bitstream is converted to analog to play through the display's built-in speakers.