HD transmission on an ordinary TV?

[RMCF]

Might be a stupid question but was wondering if you were to watch, for example, Sky HD on an ordinary (non HD) TV would the picture quiality look better than with current Sky digital?

[owain_thomas]

short answer is yes. the HD stuff that I've watched through my 36" SD CRT TV has been noticeably better than normal stuff.

the colour information in hidef is meant to be better also I think.

it is dependant on your SD display having suitable inputs though.

[bayards]

I would have thought that higher bitrate in use on the HD channels would ensure a nicer picture - even through SD SCART sockets to a normal telly.

H

[owain_thomas]

even through SD SCART sockets to a normal telly

I'd agree, just not sure sky will downconvert their HD channels for output on the SCART. they may well do I suppose. Whether its an economical thing remains to be seen, £400 + £10 a month extra subs is a lot if you're watching on a 576i screen via RGB scart.

[RecordablDVDfan]

The HD feeds I get via the quali box look DVD quality on my old Sony 4:3 set ie picture is sharper but that's about it. £400 is a bit much. I think for existing sky sub'ers the cost should be halved, even ones who were with sky for many years like I feel the cost should be less. I hope a FTA box will be produced for BBC / ITV or will any mpeg4 box 'do' ?