[Don_S]

Yo, Bright idea--yes?  Seems like it was only a good idea at the time.  I was trying to use a DVR with HDMI out to a Dell monitor with DVI in. I know the audio will not work but I thought the video would. I just got an adapter cable today and when I hook it up I get the message that it would not display because the optimum resolution was 1280 x 1024.  There was no menu option on the monitor for me to change the display resolution.  Is there any solution?

I saw this on Wikpedia and thought I was good to go:
The DVI signal is electrically compatible with HDMI video signal; no signal conversion needs to take place when an adapter is used and consequently no loss in video quality occurs.[82] As such HDMI is backward compatible with Digital Visual Interface carrying digital video (DVI-D or DVI-I, but not DVI-A) used on modern computer monitors and graphics cards. This means that a DVI-D source can drive an HDMI monitor, or vice versa, by means of a suitable adapter or cable, but the audio and remote control features of HDMI will not be available.[82] Additionally, not all devices with a DVI input support High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection (HDCP). Without HDCP support, the signal source will prevent the end user from viewing or recording HDCP protected content.[

I bought two cables, a short one for my "TV" project and the other to connect my new HP 22" monitor (HDMI in, no DVI option) to my tower that has DVI out.  I hope that works.  Unfortunately NewEgg sent me a 6' cable when I had clearly ordered a 7' cable. The cable is BARELY 6' counting the connectors.  I ordered 7' for a reason. Now I am going to have to get creative.  This is my first order with NewEgg and it is turning into a double disappointment.

[chip]

How is your DVR setup? There probably is a setting in there to change the resolution.
I had my OTA HDTV Receiver hooked up to my monitor at one time for testing and I had HDMI from the monitor to DVI to the Receiver.

[Don_S]

Chip,  I am currently using the DVR with my 46" Sharp 1080p TV. I will move the DVR to the computer monitor when the "Great Digital Conversion" happens in Feb.

At your suggestion, I checked the DVR setting. When I tested the DVR and the monitor the HDMI resolution setting (on the DVR) was set to "auto".  I have the following choices: Auto (which obviously did not work with the monitor), 480p, 720p, 1080i. Which do you recommend I try?  Since the computer monitor currently won't work with the DVR I can't connect it and make changes.  I have to pick the right setting (if there is a correct setting) before I disconnect the TV. My TV is 1080p so the DVR should have picked the 1080i in the auto mode.

There is also another menu "TV type".  Choices are 4:3 480i, 4:3 480p, 16:9 480i, 16:9 480p. What 4:3 setting should I use for the old style 4:3 computer monitor?  And which 16:9 should I use for my 1080p TV? The manuals are not much help.

Thanks,  Don

[chip]

If you are using an old 4:3 monitor you probably want to try the 4:3 480i or 480p.

For your TV auto is fine or  you could force the 720p or 1080i and see if you have a preference though I would think the 1080i would look the best with your 1080p.
"
Which model DVR is this that you have?

[Don_S]

Chip,  My DVR is a Panasonic DMR-EH75V.  It has a hard drive and VCR. I really like it except for the lack of a digital tuner.  Panasonic did not see fit to upgrade the model with a digital tuner.  Their current line up does not offer a hard drive model. They offer a unit that looks identical to mine but without the hard drive.  Different color scheme but essentially the same face and body. I do not know what they are thinking but they have lost my business.  I will not buy a DVR without a hard drive.

[Don_S]

I think I have part of it figured out.  I think the "TV Type" menu is for composite or component output.

The "HDMI Resolution" menu is the one I need to work with.  I will experiment with that later when I can borrow the DVI>HDMI cable that is in use on the computer I am typing this on.

[Don_S]

No combination of settings will work.  I keep getting the same message: will not display/optimum resolution is 1280 x 1024. 

The monitor is only 2 years old so not exactly ancient technology--or is it?  And the DVR is moderately useless as a convenient recorder because of the analog tuner. I just love the digital revolution.  A lot of junk equipment because it is dated and won't talk to the new stuff.