You can kiss your 1080i HD goodbye unless you're using HDMI.  At the end of 2010 equipment manufacturers are going to stop making devices that output anything above 480i on Component Video!  Thanks a lot HOLLYWOOD!

Wait, there’s more….By January 2011 Blu-ray makers will be able to include an “Image Constraint Token” on all discs that can disable HD video over an analog cable (component video).  All this to reduce piracy, do they not understand that the people creating illegal copies will figure our a way around this?  We’re the ones stuck suffering through standard definition TV. 

Yes it’s gets worse, sorry.  On January first 2014 NO hardware will be manufactured to output anything above 480i unless you use HDMI. 

The good news for most of us?  If you have a flat screen display (LCD, LED, Plasma or OLED) you’ll be fine.  The truth is 99% of flat screens have HDMI inputs so all you’ll need to do is replace the current component video cable with a new HDMI cable.  The only time this turns into a problem is when your Blu-ray or cable box is over 50 feet away from your display.  You see, currently running HDMI over any distance is costly but over 50’ or so it’s also impossible without the use of some fancy gadgets.

SUMMARY:

January 2011 you're probably going to be OK

January 2014 your picture will be pretty bad unless you’ve invested in an HDMI cable

For detailed information visit the AACS website, they’re in charge of this stuff.