[mythtv-users] DTV: It Has Begun

[jedi]

On Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 01:39:08PM -0500, Nick F wrote:
> On Wed, Sep 10, 2008 at 12:53 AM, Yeechang Lee <ylee at pobox.com> wrote:
> 
> > Robert Johnston <anaerin at gmail.com> says:
> > > 2008/9/9 Yeechang Lee <ylee at pobox.com>:
> > > > Fact: There is insufficient bandwidth within the Freeview system
> > > > for HD.
> > >
> > > Not meaning to pick nits here, but you're wrong on that regard.
> >
> > I am well aware of the tiny over-the-air HD trial that was run in the
> > London area
> > (<URL:http://www.gossamer-threads.com/lists/mythtv/users/276184#276184>).
> > From
> > the article you cite:
> >
> >    Not surprisingly 98% of the 450 people who took part think that
> >    the over-the-air HD service should be available now. Those people
> >    can whistle all they want because the bandwidth just isn't
> >    available.
> 
> 
> As someone who relocated from the UK to the US two months ago - I'd add just
> one point to the UK (ROW) vs. US 'debate'
> 
> The quality of SD DVB-S and DVB-T transmissions is light-years ahead of the
> SD NTSC signal on cable (I don't know about satellite).  And - this is from
> multiple datapoints at people's houses/hotels/etc.
> 
> European SD DVB transmissions (from properly mastered programmes like BBC
> dramas) are very similar to DVD quality.  The gap between SD and HD is not
> that great - so the demand hasn't been there.
> 
> SD NTSC transmissions in the US are horrible - so it doesn't surprise me

     Amen and Helleujah brother!

     DVD quality SD broadcasts would "blow away" most people and require
considerably less bandwidth and decoding power. HDTV in America is a 
solution to a self inflicted problem.

[deletia]

      I suspect that the push for digital broadcasts and HD at the same
time were all meant to make it easier to push through extra DRM during
the transition. People in the US aren't used to the idea that digital
transmissions can be "standardized". If people got used to the idea of
standard digital SD TV, they might not go along with the BS DRM that
comes along for the ride with HD.

      ...that and selling overpriced TVs.

      Even SD content on iTunes and friends could seriously undercut
both Bluray and HD Cable.