[markw10]

I am planning on slowly upgrading my computer monitors to widescreen models during the next year, likely 22 inches or so. Samsung makes a 224BW model which is a 22 inch widescreen at a good price. I have heard that Samsung, Dell ,and Viewsonic are the best brands to look at. Any other brands I should look into? What I like about the Samsung is it does have HDCP.
I know technology always changes but I want to do the best I can to buy futureproof technology. I like watching HDTV so want something that could even display HDTV without the computer for example by hooking up a cable or satellite receiver to it. I have heard to look for a monitor that has a HDMI port but I don't see it and I wouldn't want to pay a lot extra for it. I know most have both a DVI port as well as a DVI-D port. Of course the DVI port would be used by the computer but with a switchbox could I hook up a satellite/cable receiver to the DVI port and watch HDTV on it since it has HDCP? As well, do these monitors display 1080p or only 720p and 1080i?

[cruisereg]

Originally Posted by markw10 

I am planning on slowly upgrading my computer monitors to widescreen models during the next year, likely 22 inches or so. Samsung makes a 224BW model which is a 22 inch widescreen at a good price. I have heard that Samsung, Dell ,and Viewsonic are the best brands to look at. Any other brands I should look into? What I like about the Samsung is it does have HDCP.
I know technology always changes but I want to do the best I can to buy futureproof technology. I like watching HDTV so want something that could even display HDTV without the computer for example by hooking up a cable or satellite receiver to it. I have heard to look for a monitor that has a HDMI port but I don't see it and I wouldn't want to pay a lot extra for it.

Although I haven't done a search, I'm not aware of any LCDs that are designed to be a computer display *first* that has HDMI. Luckily this isn't a big issue, having a display with HDCP and DVI is all you really need. That will allow you to use the LCD to display HD signals with encryption or without. You'll need to find a solution for sound.

I know most have both a DVI port as well as a DVI-D port. Of course the DVI port would be used by the computer but with a switchbox could I hook up a satellite/cable receiver to the DVI port and watch HDTV on it since it has HDCP? As well, do these monitors display 1080p or only 720p and 1080i?

For a switchbox that is dedicated to HDTV purposes, this should work. I'd be afraid what would happen to HDCP inside of a DVI KVM on its way to the display. There is a two-way handshake/protocol that requires a bidirectional path. There are also timing issues.

Its all about what you purchase that will determine what can be displayed. Most HD monitors will up or downconvert anything that doesn't match its native resolution with 1080p being the notable exception in some instances.