Digital TV Transition Moved to 2009
Atleast one of the writers on Gizmodo is upset as the adoption of digital television has been shifted from 2006 to 2009 (maybe).
What’s wrong with this country? What, a digital TV isn’t good enough for you? DIsappointing, that’s what you are. Now it looks like the 2006 cutoff date for broadcasters to finally shut off their analog signals and only broadcast digital (hopefully high definition) has been delayed. Actually, the law says “either December 31, 2006 or when 85 percent of the television audience can receive digital, whichever comes later.” So, thanks a bunch. Enjoy that tube TV from 1985 you’re watching.
Food for Thought on French Television
I know this is not a television or even about tv technology, but I thought it was important to post this news that I found on the Australian Financial Review website:
In a nation where school cafeterias routinely offer five-course meals that include cassoulet and camembert along with daily dinner menu tips, nutrition is emerging as a bittersweet issue of liberte to indulge.
France is preparing to become the first country to impose mandatory health messages on all television and radio advertisements that promote processed food next year - to the consternation of a complex circle of advertisers, manufacturers and media companies.
And the nation is pushing ahead as other pressures are intensifying. Other countries are reviewing television advertising standards, while the European Union is prodding food manufacturers to develop a code of self-regulation to confront rising obesity rates among adults and children.
Sweden and Norway ban children’s advertising on local television, although viewers can still see commercials from other countries on cable and satellite channels. But recently a wave of other countries started taking small steps to control and limit food advertising, particularly commercials aimed at children.
Sharp Aquos LC-45GX6U Reviewed
PC Magazine has a review up of the Aquos LC-45GX6U. It is a 45 inch LCD TV and earned 4 out of a possible 5 stars at PC Magazine.
Engadget’s look at the review:
It may not be perfect, but Sharp’s “world’s largest LCD” 45-inch Aquos LC-45GX6U was good enough for PC Magazine to give it four stars and an Editor’s Choice ranking. The reviewer found that the display had “impressive resolution in a user-friendly design” and crowned it “the best-performing big-screen LCD HDTV you can purchase today.” The LC-45GX6U is a 1080p set, with inputs for DVI, HDMI and Firewire, HD tuner, a PC Card slot, an 800:1 contrast ratio and a street price of about $4,000—totally doable.