BBC confirms use of variable bit-rate encoding on HD channel

dante01

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As a follow on from the thread here:
http://www.avforums.com/forums/virgin-media/1103853-bbc-justify-hd-bitrate-reductions.html



BBC confirms use of variable bit-rate encoding on HD channel


The BBC has confirmed that, following criticism of worsening picture quality on its HD channel, it has switched to variable bit-rate encoding.

Last year the Beeb introduced new high-definition encoders which cut the broadcast bit-rate by 40 per cent, down from 16Mbit/sec to 9.7Mbit/sec. This brought howls of protest from some viewers, who complained to the BBC Trust and formed the BBC HD Quality Campaign Group.

Initially the BBC admitted there were teething problems with the new encoders. Subsequently, after further tests were carried out, it claimed that HD picture quality had not been compromised, saying that no technical fault could be found.

But now, following a meeting in April between the HD Quality Campaign Group, the Head of BBC HD, Danielle Nagler, and Head of Technology, Andy Quested, the Beeb has switched to variable bit-rate (VBR) encoding. (You can read more about the visit in this BBC blog).

What does this mean? Well basically, it's a process which maintains a similar average bit-rate despite being able to allocate more bandwidth for more demanding scenes – such as fast-action sports like football – when required.

"The BBC is pleased that viewers feel that this set of changes has enhanced their experience of HD," says a Corporation spokeswoman.

Critics of the previous encoding system say the new VBR system has resulted in a noticeable improvement in picture quality, particularly during recent FIFA World Cup 2010 broadcasts.


BBC confirms use of VBR on HD channel - home cinema news - whathifi.com


Picture Quality on BBC HD: a Viewers' Group Visit
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/bbcinternet/2010/06/picture_quality_on_bbc_hd_a_vi.html
 
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I posted that yesterday in the plasma forum, and got hammered for it.
 
AFAIK VM still receives the original 16mbps stream. This was if Iremember confirmed some months ago by a BBC employee on a BBC Blog.
 
Yes, I've read the same reports about the VM feed being unadulterated, but still wanted to show how inept Danielle Nagler is as a follow up to the other thread. I wonder if she'll be making another appearance on Points of View to say sorry and tell evertone how wrong she was when insisting that there wasn't an issue to begin with?
 

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