Video converter box to remove HDCP from HDMI

Zottel used our news submit and gave us
a nice comment on the recently talked HDCP. 
HDCP is a standard algorithm encoded into the
DVI signal to prevent video data from being pirated. HDCP was strongly endorsed
by the entertainment industry. If a source device is HDCP coded and is connected
to a HDTV display or projector via DVI without the proper HDCP decoding
mechanism, the picture is relegated to "snow" or in some cases, a very low
(480P) resolution. In order to see HDTV with HDCP compliance, both the source
and display devices must be equipped with DVI connections that can enable HDCP
using "software key" decoding. The new Spatz box contains the decoder chips
found in those "HDTV ready" - the ones with HDCP - available on the market.

So, in simple words: all of the movie
industries efforts to lock up the next generation of digital video
entertainment with a hacker proof copy protection, is already rendered
useless. At least for the frame grabbing ripper or more typically the
owner of a HD projector/television without HDCP this box will do the
trick. It contains the same decoder chips found in "HDTV ready"
displays/projectors and a lossless digital, full resolution conversion to
non-copy-protected DVI/HDMI output is possible. All HD resolutions are
supported, and it is capable of handling both 50Hz and 60Hz refresh
rates.Only drawbacks are the price 400€ and the possibility that the chip
suppliers, out of fear Hollywood might come knocking on their doors, will
eventually take a closer look at whom they sell their chips in the
future.

Product Description: The DVI HDCP converts DVI/HMDI RGB or Component digital Video in analog RGBHV. It may be used with CRT projectors or any other display with VGA inputs. The unit is HDCP compatible. The DVIHDCP accepts DVI input signals from 480i to 1080p. It supports frame rates from 24 to 120 Hz. The outputr resolution and frame rate is exactly what has been inputted on the DVI/HDMI input, the device performs only a digital to analog conversion.

As you see, this mighty protection was already
broken and now consumers can finally enjoy their HDTV equipment without any
restrictions. The only negative side of this box is the price - 349€,
including VAT. But price isn't the only drawback - those consumers who bought
the non "HDTV ready" equipment will have to pay for an extra HDCP-compatible
illegal box to watch HDTV data content. I'm sure your local shop won't replace
your current HDTV with a "HDTV ready" one!  Feel free to
discuss this or other issues in our Satellite,
HD-TV, Blu-ray and HD-DVD Forum.

Source: Spatz Tech