mattmarsden
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I think 60Hz makes sense as the vast amount of their programming is from the states, also is more compatible with existing hardware.
StevenBagley said:It'll be 1080i50, there are too many technical problems about running 60i in the UK (or 50i in the US for that matter -- try filming with a UK video camera in the US and watch the images flicker in the right sort of lighting) -- especially when they'll need to produce 576i50 downconverts for normal viewers.
As for most HD programming about, it's all 1080p24 within a 1080i60 carrier (ie 3:2 pulldown), this can just as easily be transmitted as 1080i50 with no difference in quality (if anything it'll look smoother). Also I suspect at first HD wil be limited to events via PPV (e.g. the World Cup) or moviews anyway. Do not expect SkyOneHD in 2006, it might happen but I suspect not.
The bigger question is, will SKy use MPEG2 (I hope not)
Steven
StevenBagley said:It'll be 1080i50, there are too many technical problems about running 60i in the UK (or 50i in the US for that matter -- try filming with a UK video camera in the US and watch the images flicker in the right sort of lighting) -- especially when they'll need to produce 576i50 downconverts for normal viewers.
Quickbeam said:Mexico and Chile both use NTSC despite the fact that their electricity frequency is 50Hz. I read somewhere that the notion that fluorescent lights flicker at the line rate is a myth: they actually flicker at twice the line rate (100/120Hz). Modern lighting that uses electronic ballasts flickers at 20,000 to 60,000Hz, which is surely undetectable. Note that I don't claim to be an authority on this subject; it's just what I read.
As for Sky using 60Hz, even showing ads in widescreen is currently beyond them, so the idea that they would use anything other than 50Hz HD is just wishful thinking. Anyone hoping for 60Hz HD broadcasts in Europe should emigrate to the US or Japan.
What I really want to know is whether Sky will use 720p or 1080i. Anyone taking bets?
CKNA said:Mexico uses 120V/60Hz for electricity, just like US.
vonhosen said:It is MPEG-2 they send out now (MPEG-2 Program Stream) , that's the problem.
Dutch said:Sky and the rest of the European broadcasters have the opportunity to go with MPEG4 AVC HP instead of out-dated MPEG2. Let's hope they see sense.
Steve
Rimmer said:It's NTSC-M, 525/60. Evidently they must have found a way to cope with the flicker, assuming there is any.
Speaking of codecs, I think France has made a very bad decision in choosing MPEG-2 for their terrestial DTV. This decision rules out terrestial HDTV broadcasting in France for 15 years or more, something which will no doubt please the cable and satellite companies.
Cliff said:I seem to remember Chile uses 625/50 but uses the NTSC colour modulation system. So there would be no flicker with mains lighting.
Rimmer said:It's NTSC-M, 525/60. Evidently they must have found a way to cope with the flicker, assuming there is any.
Speaking of codecs, I think France has made a very bad decision in choosing MPEG-2 for their terrestial DTV. This decision rules out terrestial HDTV broadcasting in France for 15 years or more, something which will no doubt please the cable and satellite companies.
Rimmer said:Speaking of codecs, I think France has made a very bad decision in choosing MPEG-2 for their terrestial DTV. This decision rules out terrestial HDTV broadcasting in France for 15 years or more, something which will no doubt please the cable and satellite companies.