BNC is just a connector--generally for pro use, but used on some consumer gear (see, e.g., Theta). I think you are talking about RGB HV--the HV just stands for Horizontal and Vertical sync--generally requires 5 cables/connectors. Perhaps marginally better to separate out the sync signal, but I think most component is sync on green, and I doubt you would be able to tell the diff.
There isn't any more to the b/cast signal that you can get using a standard NTSC tuner (for normal b/cast) or HD tuner (for HD broadcasts). The specs are public for both standards.
I'm also pretty sure the big three auto manufacturers don't have a 500 mpg carburator hidden in the vault either. ;)
What your friend may be talking about is copy protection associated with HD content. You can't run HD digitally into copy devices that allow unrestricted duplication (HDCP). It won't allow a digital signal to be run into a computer and dropped onto the hard drive, for example. That doesn't mean that with a compliant HDCP DVI input on a display device that you can't take advantage of the digital signal when you view the program. Just means you can't copy it for grandma.
There isn't any more to the b/cast signal that you can get using a standard NTSC tuner (for normal b/cast) or HD tuner (for HD broadcasts). The specs are public for both standards.
I'm also pretty sure the big three auto manufacturers don't have a 500 mpg carburator hidden in the vault either. ;)
What your friend may be talking about is copy protection associated with HD content. You can't run HD digitally into copy devices that allow unrestricted duplication (HDCP). It won't allow a digital signal to be run into a computer and dropped onto the hard drive, for example. That doesn't mean that with a compliant HDCP DVI input on a display device that you can't take advantage of the digital signal when you view the program. Just means you can't copy it for grandma.