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Question re HD...

  • 12-06-2006 10:37am
    #1
    mjsmyth
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,108 ✭✭✭


    I remember when Digital Satellite came about, pictures looked good and all was rosey. Then as more and more channels launched, picture quality went down on some (a lot?) channels.

    My worry or fear would be that the same would happen with HD, obviously not straight away though, as they got to get you hooked with the picture to buy the equipment.

    Am I alone in fearing that as HD becomes more and more the standard and that more and more channels switch over and new ones come on line, that higher compression will be used to pack more channels in?

    Is there a minimum bit rate standard for HD?

    Thanks,
    MJ


Comments

  • #2
    watty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,417 ✭✭✭✭watty


    For many many years only a minority of program material will be HD. As it is IMO SkyOne in HD is pointless.


    In the days of Analogue BBC and ITV only there where minimum quality standards.

    There is no legally binding minimum bitrate for SD or HD in MPEG2 or MPEG4.

    BBC, RTE, C4 & Nat Geo will be good. ITV, Five will be average and the rest you may end up squinting at.


  • #3
    ixtlan
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,213 ✭✭✭ixtlan


    Yes, there is a danger that bitrates will decrease, but that's life. All you can hope is that there will be some HD competition to Sky.

    Watty is correct that it will be many many years before most channels go to HD... hard to say how long. Surely at least 5 years? Maybe 7 or more?

    However a start has been made. I expect RTE may be HD on satellite in 2-3 years, and maybe we'll even get mpeg4 hd terrestrial.

    The bitrate debate calls to mind our arguments about how big a screen is needed for HD. Watty is kind of correct that a huge 60"+ screen is needed. But when those bitrates decrease the 37 and 40" models will still look good while you may start seeing effects on the bigger ones.

    To be honest I don't have a HDTV yet even. I'm just passing time dreaming about it.

    Ix.


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