I know that HD DVDs have the capability of restricting the output along component cables to 480i/p. But do the HD DVDs being sold today actually do that? Is there some indication on HDDVD packaging of whether the disc sets that cripple flag?

I've got a Pioneer rear projection HDTV (1080i) without HDMI and would love to know if I'm going to see 1080i though the component cables.

You're talking about whether there is a flag for the ICT (Image Constraint Token). My understanding is this will not be an issue until 2010 or 2012 or further.

Yes, you will see glorious, glorious 1080i.

Some imported HD-DVDs already use the ICT flag. For example, the Resident Evil and Resident Evil: Apocalypse discs from Germany. Not sure how many others use ICT.

I wonder if they'll ever bother to use it on a wide scale. Since the digital copy protection is pretty much broken, why would anyone take the extra time and effort to do an analog capture of the video?

Fabulous! Thanks for all the responses -- and lets hope that small use abroad does not grow.

I can confirm that the German 'Resident Evil' discs are encoded with ICT. Very disappointing. Hopefully this does not become a trend.