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#1
Blu Ray vs Standard DVD
I need to replace a defective optical drive, and while the idea of a Blu Ray Combo player is appealing, I know that it has some compatibility requirements that I don't know that my system can meet...without buying other upgrades that I don't want.
It is not very clear to me, but I think that it hinges on whether the video card can output HDMI, and that the monitor can receive it. The video cards on my systems are a BFG 7800 GT and an EVGA 8800GTS, both of which have DVI-D connectors available.
I'm not certain about the BFG, but I know that the EVGA claims to have HDMI, but if so, it is not via a HDMI connector. I know that I can't use the HDMI connector on my monitor, because it doesn't work when I use a DVI to HDMI cable.
Though I would like to be able to play Blu Ray movies, I do not want to buy a Blu Ray player, only to find after the fact, that it won't work on my system. If I'm not certain about this, I will simply buy a cheaper standard DVD burner. Can anyone give me some clear instruction in this matter?