y2flyy
join:2004-04-17
Baton Rouge, LA
| 'Does HD Matter Yet?' Good question? Personally I do think currently it matters. To the avg comsumer they would not notice a difference. even if they did it doesn't warrant the cost of service with only few channels available. It will matter once HD is a standard after the cable companies are forced to switch. | |
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 robscullion
Premium
join:2001-12-07
Philadelphia, PA | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' The cable companies will never be forced to switch. | |
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BF69
join:2004-07-28
Camden, TN
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' said by robscullion  :The cable companies will never be forced to switch. basically they will. Do you think in 2021 HDTV will not be the standard? Of course it will be. Standard TV will be dead long before then. I will be shocked if in 2016 most TV programming isn't in HD. | |
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| | robscullion
Premium
join:2001-12-07
Philadelphia, PA
 ·Speakeasy
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' Actually, I expect we'll have moved away from the time-slotted, broadcast model of content distribution by then. There's a good chance we'll even be past the idea of a broadcast standard at that point and more into media encoding standards. That is if the current morphing of cable/telcos into data service providers continues to it's logical conclusion of IP based on-demand style programming.
I read the OP's remark to mean that the CCs would be forced to switch to HD by some non-market (IE FCC) force. I cannot tell you the number of times I've heard co-workers say they needed to get an HDTV before the FCC cutoff date. This is people who all have cable. There's a lot of confusion out there on the whole "HD"/FCC thing.
Anyway, I think they'll continue to supply SD content until it's no longer worth the cost. When the cost is higher than the return, they'll tell the 3 people that are left on SD that they need to get an HD box. To me, that's not exactly "being forced" but I admit it's a subjective term. | |
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AudlgY
@rogers.com
| i should hope by 2021 atenna frequencies are HD, the cable companies will be forced, not by any government regualtions but by the demand of HD. Comapnies are already advertising and competing with each otehr (at least in Canada) about how many HD stations they have. | |
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vatorman
@verizon.net
| As a televison employee for over 32 years in network and local companies, I'm here to tell you... IT DOES MATTER and they will be forced to switch. There will be no regular tv as of the latest deadline by the FCC which is around 3 years time.
They will be forced to compete with the other services. And once people see HD pix they are convinced. It is obvious. | |
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PaulHikeS2
join:2003-03-06
Merrimack, NH
 ·Comcast
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' The FCC deadline is for the switch from analog to digital, not a switch to HD. Digital comes in other forms, such as multicasting: it's not just HD.
None of this, however, affects the cable companies. The FCC deadline is only for broadcast television. Cable companies can continue to send an analog signal as long as feasible for them to do so, because CATV is a closed system.
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Jay: What the @#$% is the internet??? | |
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| | | rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' Don't you find it amazing that an industry veteran with 32 years of experience doesn't recognize the deadline is digital, not HD.
In my opinion, there is a lot of confusion around what HD is (720i or p vs 1080i or p).and as long as that confusion exists, content providers can snow the general public. I recall when my local cable provider was only "half" digital. The satellite providers bashed this and said they were "pure digital" even though their local feeds originated in analog just like the cable companies. Now my local cable company is all digital and even sources their digital local channels from the broadcaster's digital feed. Gone are the satellite company's claims of pure digital.
Even now, FOX and ABC use 720p and PBS, NBC and CBS use 1080i. One would think that 1080i would be better but even I'm confused since 1080i is interlaced and 720p is not. The 720 might actually have a more flicker free picture than 1080i.
I think along with the digital conversion, the FCC should step in and define a single HD standard and force content providers to adhere to 1080p -- currently the best resolution. Even if the program's content doesn't fill 1080p's resolution potential, it should be black boxed. With this type of parity, the "we're pure digital" snow jobs will be gone and TV manufacturers won't have the wiggle room to produce a low end "HD ready" set that is really a piece of crap if the public understood it was only capable of 480p. | |
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blah8492
@rr.com | I'm pretty sure the US has set a-semiofficial switch date of 2009-10 if i remember right, that could've been a rumor though | |
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N3OGH
Bear patrol must be working like a charm
Premium
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs | I have a high def DV and a high def box from Comcast.
Pretty much only thing I watch in HD is sporting events. The Nascar races in HD are awesome... | |
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TKJunkMail
Enjoy the sun
Premium
join:2002-03-03
Avalon, NJ
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
·Comcast
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' said by N3OGH :I have a high def DV and a high def box from Comcast. Pretty much only thing I watch in HD is sporting events. The Nascar races in HD are awesome... I agree with you. Sports in HD is just like night and day. They look way better in HD format. And now, almost all prime time series are in HD too. Not as obvious an advantage by having HD when comparing to sports, but it is still better than SD.
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Join Red Room Forum
BLOG tkjunkmail.blogspot.com
My Web Page | |
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cableties
Premium
join:2005-01-27
 ·Verizon FIOS
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' SD is good for NOT seeing Madden's makeup!!!
So the reason 25% watch is that there are only 10 HD channels, and 4 are PPV. Most DVDs confuse folks as the aspect ratios mislead and don't always fill the screens. And some sets don't do a very good job down-samp'n to SD.
I know my HDTV-Ready set is used mostly (correction 100%) for Xbox 360. I'm waiting for new generation of HDTVsets this summer and maybe even longer for SED sets. And HDTV-LCD sets are still evolving...better contrast, faster response time, 1080P...almost makes sense to just use TV for gaming and movies. But I'm not paying more for minimal HD content. | |
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kamm
join:2001-02-14
Brooklyn, NY
·T-Mobile US
| said by TKJunkMail :said by N3OGH :I have a high def DV and a high def box from Comcast. Pretty much only thing I watch in HD is sporting events. The Nascar races in HD are awesome... I agree with you. Sports in HD is just like night and day. They look way better in HD format. And now, almost all prime time series are in HD too. Not as obvious an advantage by having HD when comparing to sports, but it is still better than SD. The point is that cable lacks the content Dish has in HD. Of course you can't watch anything else but sports... | |
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Toadman
Hypnotoad
join:2001-11-28
Medina, OH
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' I disagree with this statement. My cable company Armstrong provides more HD channels than Dish Network or DirecTV, and correct me if I am wrong, but DirecTV is the only one that offers local HD channels via sat. (not terrestrial antenna) and only for like 2 markets. I get my HD locals plus national feed PBS, ESPN HD, Wealth TV HD, My local sports channel (2) in HD, and Universal HD for Free. All I pay for is HD Net and HD Movies and that is 3 dollars. The rental fee for the HD PVR receiver is $6 a month and Dish Network and DirecTV are nutz if they think I am going to pay 400 for their receiver and then pay them 5 dollars a month for the privilege to use my receiver and 10 a month for the HD channels. | |
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kamm
join:2001-02-14
Brooklyn, NY
·T-Mobile US
4 edits | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' said by Toadman :I disagree with this statement. My cable company Armstrong provides more HD channels than Dish Network or DirecTV, Now that's just plain wrong. FYI: VOOM HD package has 15 exclusive HD-only channels for Dish, apart from its usual premium and other HD lineup.
One thing is clear ever since Dish bought Voom: nobody has more HD than Dish. I hate Dish, arrogant @ssholes but this is the only reason I have Dish.
and correct me if I am wrong, but DirecTV is the only one that offers local HD channels via sat. (not terrestrial antenna) and only for like 2 markets.
You're wrong, Dish also have local HD channels but it doesn't really matter: majority of those HD locals are still nothing but uprezzed SD programming, let alone the fact that DirecTV's HD PQ is *far the worst* on the whole market.
Remember their notorious 10Mbit MPEG2 HD channels as real HD? Ridiculous.
I get my HD locals plus national feed PBS, ESPN HD, Wealth TV HD, My local sports channel (2) in HD, and Universal HD for Free. All I pay for is HD Net and HD Movies and that is 3 dollars.
Now add all the Dish premium HD channels to your list (HBOHD, DiscoveryHD, ShowtimeHD, TNTHD, ESPN2HD etc) then add another 15 HD channels of VOOM - that's what I'm receiving from Dish and I pay around $90 per month. 
The rental fee for the HD PVR receiver is $6 a month and Dish Network and DirecTV are nutz if they think I am going to pay 400 for their receiver and then pay them 5 dollars a month for the privilege to use my receiver and 10 a month for the HD channels.
I fully agree, they are arrogant @ssholes, I'm always looking for the chance to dump them. I own my equipment, so I'm constantly thinking about keeping my Voom HD only for some $10-15 per mo only and order cable.... | |
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AudlgY
@rogers.com
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' Now add all the Dish premium HD channels to your list (HBOHD, DiscoveryHD, ShowtimeHD, TNTHD, ESPN2HD etc) then add another 15 HD channels of VOOM - that's what I'm receiving from Dish and I pay around $90 per month. actually, you cant just add 15 channels, in Canada on Rogers ive got at least 3-4 more channels then bell expressvu or starchoice (2 major ones up here) and i still pay less than them. | |
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kamm
join:2001-02-14
Brooklyn, NY | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' ? VOOM HD is a seaparate package... | |
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Stryker762
@63.241.x.x | I don't know about you, But I am offered 23 HD channels through my cable provider Wide Open West (Michigan Detroit Area) | |
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| | raybrett
join:2001-02-20
Saint Louis, MO | It may look better, but it isn't worth it to me. | |
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Kearnstd
Elf Wizard
Premium
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ
| lack of HD programing is why HD doesnt really matter yet. that said its still no reason not to buy an HDTV, just make sure it has HDMI and HDCP for when the new Policeware DVDs come out.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports | |
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| yabos
join:2003-02-16
Ingersoll, ON | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' Pretty much every prime time show is in HD now, so there's lots of programming. Discovery Chanel HD, 100% HD programming. PBS HD. Pretty much 80% or more of what I watch is available in HD. | |
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SkullBot
join:2003-05-07
Huntington Beach, CA
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' I bought an HDTV about a month ago. I rushed out and got the SA 8300HD from my cable co. (brighthouse) and subscribed to all the HD content they offer. Having spent some time with it after being on the fence for so long I have to say it is a cool thing however not nearly enough content to justify the price. I dont watch network TV so that dosent count to me. Discovery HD and INHD and HDMAX are the best channels out there right now. I calibrated my TV so it looks really good however I would not recommend it to anyone that is on the fence right now. I mainly got mine for games, DVDs, and to replace a 20 year old broken TV. | |
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SNT
Premium
join:2002-07-17
Satellite Beach, FL | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' That's more or less due to Brighthouse. I switched to Dish which has more HD content for less money. Then to that you can add the OTA HD which blows away the cable and Sat compressed content.
-SNT | |
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SkullBot
join:2003-05-07
Huntington Beach, CA | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' I wish I could get DISH or DIRECTV. However living in a condo I'm stuck with cable. | |
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SNT
Premium
join:2002-07-17
Satellite Beach, FL | Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' I'm sorry man. I feel for you. | |
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hdtvtechno
join:2005-09-04
Chicago, IL
| said by SkullBot : I calibrated my TV so it looks really good however I would not recommend it to anyone that is on the fence right now. I mainly got mine for games, DVDs, and to replace a 20 year old broken TV. Want to spend a little more, and get a great investment out of that HDTV ?...
Buy an Clean Power Device from »www.richardgrayspowercompany.com
it takes all that juice from that power transformer thats on the pole in your neighborhood and brings it all to you power outlet,
if you call up the company, they would better explain it to you, and offer advice
and if you want to take it futher, upgrade your power cables in the house and run dedicated A.C. circuits runs from the power outlet (where the HDTV is) to the power breaker box
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Andrew's Myspace Profile | |
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Slacker44
join:2001-05-10
Gilbert, AZ
1 edit | I certainly can't speak for the nation as a whole, but everyone I know here in Phoenix thinks HD definately matters. Personally, I rarely watch channels that aren't HD. FoodTV and the Travel Channel are going HD soon and I hope Cox picks those up here. Once those channels go HD, I'll have zero need for non-HD channels at all.
As for Satellite HD, lets see what the "analyst" says after DirecTV puts up their new system with a boatload of HD channels. | |
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dvd536
as Mr. Pink as they come
Premium
join:2001-04-27
Phoenix, AZ
| Re: 'Does HD Matter Yet?' said by Slacker44 :I certainly can't speak for the nation as a whole, but everyone I know here in Phoenix thinks HD definately matters. Personally, I rarely watch channels that aren't HD. FoodTV and the Travel Channel are going HD soon and I hope Cox picks those up here. Once those channels go HD, I'll have zero need for non-HD channels at all. As for Satellite HD, lets see what the "analyst" says after DirecTV puts up their new system with a boatload of HD channels. I wonder which four cox phoenix dropped. their ads used to say 20 hd channels now its only 16. and some of those are PPV so those really don't count.
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You can never be too rich, too thin or have too much Bandwidth | |
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truocchio
join:2004-07-05
Miami Beach, FL
| I have to disagree. Any person with decent vision will notice the difference. It is tremendous. I really didnt think it mattered till I moved into my new place a year ago and spent on a true HD system. Anyone who comes to my place remarks on the quality and clarity of the HD channels. Its like the difference from dial up to broadband (and not 256k bb). Discovery HD is the best, it actually saves me on traveling :P !!! | |
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bond787
join:2002-06-25
Guy | Well said man i agree | |
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Kearnstd
Elf Wizard
Premium
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ
| HDTV needs to be easier to use imo, the typical home user doesnt know what component video is or even how to switch their TV set off of the standard CATV input. whats needed is elimination of the cable box even for digital, making a standard across all CATV systems and then having TVs do it with a card from the cable co while retaining the program guide one gets with the box.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports | |
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RR Conductor
RailRoadDude
Premium
join:2002-04-02
Redwood Valley, CA | I bet a lot are like us, we don't even have an HD TV, though we are planning to sometime in the near future. | |
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Kearnstd
Elf Wizard
Premium
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ | trouble with 1080p is that there isnt the bandwidth for it on the distrobution systems for TV.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports | |
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