I wasn't exactly sure where this thread fit in, and I'm sure this has probably been discussed numerous times before, but here goes. I was wondering if you guys have any thoughts about ways to simplify future HDTV's and related technology, in order to make life simpler and less confusing for everybody involved? Also, I think it would be great if some of the major manufacturers read this.

Some of my ideas:

1.To have tighter standards on everything, including: resolutions, panels sizes, cable specs, etc.

2. Clearly marked and easier to understand labels on TV specs, cable specs, resolution, etc

3. Less options(Do we need 30 different Display types? :confused: )

I think that the future of automobiles should be less confusing. Tighter tolerances on fuel economy, acceleration times, top speeds, only one body shape, etc.

And less options/automobile type choices. Who needs more than 30 types of cars/trucks?

The point I'm trying to make is that choice is a good thing. Yes, it takes a bit of research to find the right "tv" but the consumer benefits in the end.

Choice can be confusing for those who are constantly wanting to find "the best".

The reality is that one could go into Best Buy blindfolded and simply point to a random flat panel set and get a hell of a value. Consumer pricing is so good right now that the manufacturer's profits are in the tank. It is hard to make a mistake.

I wasn't exactly sure where this thread fit in, and I'm sure this has probably been discussed numerous times before, but here goes. I was wondering if you guys have any thoughts about ways to simplify future HDTV's and related technology, in order to make life simpler and less confusing for everybody involved? Also, I think it would be great if some of the major manufacturers read this.

Some of my ideas:

1.To have tighter standards on everything, including: resolutions, panels sizes, cable specs, etc.

2. Clearly marked and easier to understand labels on TV specs, cable specs, resolution, etc

3. Less options(Do we need 30 different Display types? :confused: )
Perhaps you would consider relocating to a Socialist economic system. I understand they have solved some of the choice issues.

Seriously choice is what innovation brings without which we would never see the best technologies but some industry standards certainly help where components must interoperate within a system.

One major thing makers could and should do a great deal better to mitigate the confusion is to better (much better) document their products so that people would understand what is there and how to set up, configure, and use the features provided. Of course, decent intuitive design in the area of human factors would not hurt either.

Having an industry roadmap for digital content delivery that was more thoughtfully scalable would not hurt either. A scalable architecture is essential with evolving digital technologies.

A final thought. Getting rid of copy protection and just shooting a few pirates would make some things a lot easier too. Just a thought. :D

Cheers, :)

Gary

I understand that variety is a good thing. How fun would it be if every new HDTV was the same color, size, had the same features, etc. What I was trying to say is that there should be some basic standards that every company goes by. For instance: if a TV is labeled 1080i/P, the panel resolution should be 1920x1080...not some other oddball resolution that would need scaled up. That way people would have no doubts as to whether they are getting full HD or not.

For instance: if a TV is labeled 1080i/P, the panel resolution should be 1920x1080...not some other oddball resolution that would need scaled up.

What 1080 display have you seen that is really some "other oddball resolution"? Maybe I am misunderstanding you, but this really makes little sense to me. :confused:

What 1080 display have you seen that is really some "other oddball resolution"? Maybe I am misunderstanding you, but this really makes little sense to me. :confused:

Off the top of my head...Hitachi Plasma 42HDS69(1024x1080). ;)

Let me try to make this a little less confusing.
I think these should be the standard resoultions for HD:

1080i/p: (1920x1080)
720p: (1280x720)


I consider all other resolutions non-standard (oddball if you will). Like these for instance:

768p (1366x768), 1024x1024, 1024x1080,1024x768, etc...

Following me?

Sorry... never paid much attention to Hitachi as no one locally ever seemed to have a current model in stock. They are kinda weird, aren't they? :)

The only thing I would agree to is standardization of technical specs, much like Nutritional facts on food packages.

Yeah, I think the problem is more about standardization. For example HDCP, DVI, HDMI etc. People are going to be stuck with equipment that isn't compatible with one thing or another.

Also, have you ever tried to explain HDTV to a lay person? They don't understand the difference between 720 and 1080, let alone the i and p. Then you've got the infamous black bars, and now HD-DVD and Blu-Ray. I'm sure there are tons of people who still think regular DVD is "hi-definition", especially now that you've got upconverting DVD players. To me, the term high definition has little meaning anymore, it has been marketed to death.

The audio side of things is a little better; you've basically got dolby digital to take care of everything. Of course electronics companies are coming up with new unnecessary formats so that some people will feel the need to "upgrade".

Anyway I see the op's point.