1080p, But No 1080p
This article’s title may be confusing, so let us put forward a bit of clarification. 1080p, in television and display parlance, is the shorthand name of a set of video modes or resolutions that are usually marketed as “full” or “true” high definition. 1080 stands for the lines of vertical resolution (think of the “768″ in your usualy XGA monitor’s 1024×768), while “p” means “progressive mode,” or that the video displayed is non-interlaced.
1080p displays usually folllow a form factor of 16:9, (width x height), meaning this is a wide-screen type display. Resolutions are commonly at 1920×1080.
A while back, it was reported that Hitachi was releasing a 1080p-capable 32-inch television set that would retail for only US$ 2,200. This came as quite an exciting news to expectant consumers and TV enthusiasts, because true 1080p displays came at a steep price, usually upwards of US$ 3,000. However, the concept of an affordable 1080p-capable set might be too far away into the future after all, as Hitachi clarified their product’s processor could handle 1080p (and also 1080i–or “interlaced”), but the screen itself could only display at a lower resolution, hence the processor still has to down-sample into that native screen resolution.
Bill Whalen, senior product manager at Hitachi, [said] that while the chip can create and convert the highest resolution, the TV itself cannot. In fact, the chip may take a 1080i (interlaced) or 1080p source, convert it to 1080p (in case of 1080i sources) - and then render it back down to a resolution the TV actually supports. In the case of the four new Hitachi LCD TVs, which will be introduced later this year for prices between $2200 and $3000, that would be 768p (1366×768 progressive).
And we thought 1080p was just within our reach. Ah, too bad.
Broadcasters worry over high cost of HD equipment
Analog signals will cease to be broadcast by 2009. Do you think you’re at a severe disadvantage for having to buy new digital-enabled television sets? Well, think again. You would only need to spend a minimum of about US$1,000 on a television set, but broadcast companies would have to shell out upwards of US$ 80,000 for every HD-enabled camera.
Smallish production companies and independent TV stations are fretting over HD cameras that can set them back $80,000. The federal government’s requirement that broadcasters move to digital TV signals within three years had scores of tiny production houses, public broadcasting stations and university communications departments pacing the aisles at the National Association of Broadcasters 2006 electronics media conference [in Las Vegas] this week.
Meanwhile, equipment providers are trying to win over broadcasters this early by offering discounted or lower prices on their hardware. Sony, Avid and Apple, among others, are wooing TV executives into adopting early. However, broadcast companies are still worried about a possible low viewer demand for HD content. Still, since it’s only three years away before the analog signal swithch-off, an investment on digital at this point is likely to pay off, especially since this would pave the way for a faster adoption rate among viewers.
SkyTV and Sony Will Give Your Cash Back
Buyers of Sony BRAVIA high-definition LCD TVs who will subscribe to SkyTV’s (UK) HDTV service between April 26th to July 10th will be eligible for a £100 rebate. This is open to subscribers who purchase BRAVIA TV V and S series with sizes of 26-inch and up, and a SkyHD set-top box, which has built-in personal video recording features. The set-top box retails for £299 and the HDTV service comes at a monthly service fee of £10 on top of regular SkyDigital subscriptions (usually ranging from £15 to £30 per month).
Sky has recently launched its high-definition digital television service, which went live this April 12th.
[via PocketLint]
Blu-Ray to go the Betamax Way
Now this is a scary proposition.
A Microsoft executive likened Sony’s upcoming Blu-Ray technology to Betamax, the video technology of the 1980’s that was beaten in its own game by rival format VHS. Note that Betamax was the technically superior and sophsiticated standard, but VHS was better-marketed and had wider adoption. And the reason? VHS was a shared standard, while Beta was kept proprietary by Sony.
This statement was said in light of Microsoft’s confirmation that the Xbox 360 will be able to play HD-DVD movies.
When asked about the console’s lack of an HDMI port - which may yet be necessary to play some HD DVDs at full resolution because of restrictions the format’s copy protection system allows content vendors to impose - [Microsoft European console business head, Chris Lewis] responded: “All I can say to you is: there are interesting developments in the pipeline. We will make sure that the HD DVD peripheral device will meet all the requirements for consumers to enjoy high-definition DVD playback.”
High Def TV available to Sky TV subscribers in UK next week
Good news to Sky TV subscribers who are just itching to get high-def content on their sets. Sky has announced that its high definition service will be available to the public by this coming Wednesday, 12th of April.
Subscribers would have to pay £299 for the set-top box, though, and pay £10 monthly on top of their existing subscription fees. This seems quite expensive, but do remember that the set-top box also has personal video recorder (PVR) functions, particularly featuring a 160GB hard disc for storage. This capacity can save up to 30 hours of high-def content or about 80 hours of standard-definition programming. A 300GB version is rumoured, but no details are available yet.
Of course, it’s assumed you already have an HD-ready television set to enjoy it all!
The Register has a rundown of shows to be shown in HD, particularly those you might want to watch out for (yes, in case you’re a TV junkie or a sci-fi geek), such as:
- Doctor Who Weekend
- Hypnosurgery Live
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
- Stardate: Mysteries of Venus
- Forensic Detectives
Bring out the popcorn!
Panasonic Launches 58″ High-Definition Plasma - “Most Advanced” in its Class
Panasonic has announced two new models in its high-end plasma television line. Both the TH-58PX600U and TH-58PX60U are 58-incher plasma panels, and support High Definition content. Both models have Panasonic’s HDAVI (EZ-Sync) technology, and have a maximum resolution of 1366×768 and a contrast ratio of 10,000:1. Both models feature integrated NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners, 2 HDMI inputs, and an SD memory card slot.
The higher-end TH-58PX600U will additionally have support for CableCARD and have analog PC input.
The TH-58PX600U will retail for US$ 5,999.95 while the TH-58PX600U for US$ 5,499.95.
HDTV to take off in the next 12 months - people likely to upgrade
A survey conducted by Continental Research on Digital TV uptake has determined that in the next 12 months, 800,000 to a million adults are likely to purchase high-definition-enabled television sets. According to the research, 56% of the respondents were aware of HDTV. Of these, 2% already have HD-enabled sets and services, while about 40% are interested in the technology, possibly purchasing equipment of their own very soon.
Most of the respondents–at 71%–were interested in getting HDTV because of the promise of clearer and crisper imagery. Majority, though, were not aware that one needs HD-enabled televisions to view high definition content.
UK’s Sky to start installing high-def set-top boxes
UK’s Sky TV will start installing HD set-top boxes to its clients in preparation for its launch of its high defenition TV offerings this May. So far, seven channels will be broadcast in high definition, including movie and sports channels. Some existing channels will also have high-def versions aside from regular definition.
Customers will pay £299 for the Sky HD box and a monthly subscription of £10 in addition to their Sky digital subscription, currently between £15 and £42.50 a month.
Cheap HD-ready TV from Evesham
Just when you thought high-def meant sky-high prices, British online retailer Evesham comes up with an affordable wide-screen HD-ready LCD TV line. Among the attractive models within the sub-£1,000 price point is the 32-inch V32EMRO-ZE3, retailing at £749 (approximately US$ 1,300).
Don’t expect much, though. The V32EMRO-ZE3 can only support up to a Wide-XGA resolution of 1366 x 786. But the set supports HDMI 1.0 and HDCP 1.1 x1 input, as well as analog RGB from a computer (great for use in presentations as an alternative to LCD projectors).
If you’re on a tight budget, then this might be a good set to start with. If the price isn’t attractive enough, you’d be glad to know the selling price is inclusive of VAT and delivery is free!
BBC to broadcast World Cup in high definition
BBC has announced it will broadcast certain shows, mostly sports events, in high definition starting mid-May of 2006.
The trial run of the service will include the BBC’s share of World Cup matches and key Wimbledon ties in June.
The corporation is trying out HDTV for up to a year, starting in mid-May.
HDTV would only be available to cable and satellite subscribers, and not free TV, due to limited airspace, though.