HDTV and bandwidth limits

[glynhughes]

I get digital TV via a freeview box and notice that although digital TV can theoretically handle 720 by 576 (or whatever it is ) pixels at 25 frames per second, when there's a lot of fast moving detail (e.g. running water), the available bandwidth isn't sufficient to let the full detail of a picture pass through in time. So you get blocky bits all over the screen.

I'm wondering if the same is likely to be true of HD TV whether through stallite or aerial or whatever? It would sort of defeat the object wouldn't it?

Anyone who's got HDTV already know about this?

[davegriff2]

[FONT='Times New Roman'][FONT=Verdana]With Freeview it's all about cramming as many channels as possible into the available bandwidth, and sacrificing to a greater or lesser extent on picture quality. For companies like Sky, HD is just another marketing opportunity; I doubt that they’ll change their business model for the new format. Still, only time will tell.[/FONT][/FONT]

[blakey1]

Dont think Freeview has the bandwidth to allow HD until analogue is turned off. Sky will ne using extra bandwidth for its HD channels. They will output at 3-4 times the bitrate of SD.

The question is for how long. We live in a world where people wanting Quanity over quality based on SD at the moment. If in the future we see all the SD channels in HD then its unlikely bandiwidth used will remain high.

[davegriff2]

I agree, Freeview doesn't have the bandwidth for HD, but I was trying to illustrate the corporate mindset.

When On-Digital (now Freeview) started, picture quality varied hugely from ok (mostly the BBC channels) to dreadful (Sky 1). What makes you think HD quality from Sky will be first rate from the off?

[Starburst]

Originally Posted by davegriff2

When On-Digital (now Freeview) started, picture quality varied hugely from ok (mostly the BBC channels) to dreadful (Sky 1). What makes you think HD quality from Sky will be first rate from the off?

Three reasons.
The first it's their premium product and even now SM and SS programming tends to be broadcast at higher bitrates than other SKY branded content. Second HD is all about picture quality, there is no cost saving for the broadcaster and since it's subscription it has to be significantly better than existing content. Finally the whole industry is watching SKY and if they screw it up or don't meet the expectations they will be slaughtered in the media and that could stop them dead.

[davegriff2]

I hope you're right, but only time will tell.