Screen cap from video downloadable from Newsgroups, cited source is SciFi. File is 720p.

This is from the episode that aired last week!!

http://www.lnyc.org/sgacap.jpg

Launches this month on D*, haven't heard of any other MSO currently carrying it.

I know Atlantis has been shown in HD on another network for a while now. (in Canada?)

Universal HD still shows Atlantis...just Season 1, I think...

Actually looks like it was probably taken from the Canadian Channel.

http://www.themovienetwork.ca/stargateatlantis/schedule.php

As indicated by the lack of SciFi bug.

I'll keep watching these until SciFi HD launches.

Universal HD still shows Atlantis...just Season 1, I think...

Yes they havn't shown any other seasons yet, the one I'm referencing is the new episode that aired last week, apparently it aired yesterday on the canadian network.

At one point, I believe it actually aired in HD in Canada (a day or few) before it premiered on SciFi.

I allready spoiled myself with the 1st 2 episodes anyhow by watching the screener without SFX, hopefully Sci-Fi HD will launch before episode 3 is aired anyhow.

At one point, I believe it actually aired in HD in Canada (a day or few) before it premiered on SciFi.
SciFi made that mistake a year ago.

The episodes were aired in Canada months before they were shown in the US. This year, the U.S. gets each episode a few days earlier -- on Fridays rather than Mondays. Of course, they get it in HD and we don't [for now].

Hopefully they will repeat their classic series, BABYLON in HD.

OK...NOW it exists. ;)

OK...NOW it exists. ;)

:D yupp available on D* ch 244 if your not a D* customer than contact your local cable, Fiber, Iptv, or other sat provider and request SCI-FI HD.

OAR also.

Yeah go figure, now it exists :D

Unless they just haven't updated the guide data yet - Atlantis is scheduled to air Letterboxed SD.

In fact, I'm not seeing ANYTHING listed as HD.... even the "Sci-Fi Pictures Originals," the cheesy made for Sci-Fi movies that air letterboxed on the SD channel, are only showing letterboxed on the HD channel.

I do wish they'd zoom letterboxed content since they can maintain the aspect ratio.

It may take a few hours for the guide to catch up and show the HD logo.

After years of posts on this forum wondering if Sci-Fi HD would ever happen, it is hard to believe that is actually exists. I'm with Verizon Fios, so I don't have the option to see Sci-Fi, probably not for quite a while (unless I switch). if those with DirecTV could post when they actually see HD on it, that would be useful. Will the daytime repeats of the recent seasons of SG-1, SG:A, and other Sci-Fi series that were shot in HD be shown in HD?? Or is it going to be prime time only where they have any HD?

yeah id be interested to see how much is real hd since its so new.... stargate atlantis alone is worth me looking into getting this channel (because it is my most wanted channel). will be interesting to see who else adds it (hopefully dish will get onboard soon)

That "Ghost Hunters" bug topper is beyond annoying...

OK...NOW it exists. ;)

Need to change the title in the cable thread...

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11799566#post11799566

That's beyond the realm of my powers. ;)

I really hope Atlantis is in HD - plus I haven't watched the finale of Eureka yet, I think I'll record a future showing just in case.

[edit] Crap - no future showings scheduled for the finale.

That's beyond the realm of my powers. ;)

I really hope Atlantis is in HD - plus I haven't watched the finale of Eureka yet, I think I'll record a future showing just in case.

[edit] Crap - no future showings scheduled for the finale.

This was the first thing did. Now as far as the HD tags go on SCifi. So far it seems alot of the new channels haven't been using them just yet. I'm sure that will change with time.

A delay in the tags is fine. But until we see an unmarked HD program, we don't know if the guide tags are delayed, or the actual HD programming is delayed.

I'm still curious... if this is really SciFi in HD from SciFi (and not a DirecTV upconvert in-house)... then why does the SciFi, Universal, NBC, and other related sites say absolutely nothing with regards to their HD channel?

Not because I'm a DirecTV basher... new HD is good for everyone... but I have my doubts about some of these new channels when the channel provider doesn't seem to think it has an HD channel, how can DirecTV really have it?

Of course these are from the networks.

Now you're really grasping at straws.

I do wish they'd zoom letterboxed content since they can maintain the aspect ratio.

...and it would look a whole lot better if they did it from their end rather than us doing it after all the satellite hops and recompression. Fox has proven that widescreen SD can look quite good if it's sent full screen from the source.

Of course these are from the networks.

Now you're really grasping at straws.

Maybe, but the same thought had crossed my mind. Weren't the NBC/Uni channels, channels that DirecTV announced at CEDIA, the ones that caught NBC/Uni with their pants down? They themselves had made no announcement about HD channels?

If you notice, that bug is still in the 4x3 area. Now it the bug was off to the side in the 16x9 area I'd feel more comfortable. Of course, some true HD programming would confirm as well. But it's not completely crazy to think that these channels may very well be SD upconverts sent out at 1080i.

The only way, right now, is to confirm whether or not there is an actual SciFi HD signal being bounced off one of the distro sats. The only place I know to check that is Lyngsat, and they are not always reliable.

Currently there is no listing for USA or SciFi on DirecTV 10 per Lyngsat, curiously there is also a listing for FX-US.

Also, no press release from NBC/Uni for these new channels...

I'm watching Fast and the Furious in hd on USA Network directv right now. I've looked as far as Oct 15th and havent found any hd content on sci fi's guide.

Sci-Fi HD would be a huge deal for me. There are several Sci-Fi shows that I watch, despite not being able to get them in HD. Alas, there is no telling when, if ever, Cox OKC might pick up Sci-Fi HD.

Well gwsat you can check out ScFi-Hd this weekend. Whether or not there is any true HD content remains to be seen.

HATE to say this but even though there hasn't been anything on in HD yet on sci-fi channel it still looks clearer than the sd version of sci fi, I just wish it was wide screen.

HATE to say this but even though there hasn't been anything on in HD yet on sci-fi channel it still looks clearer than the sd version of sci fi, I just wish it was wide screen.

That's what good, clean SD should look like but hasn't for years now. :D

SCI FI SD has suffered tremendously on D*. I've said before (but won't again, now that we have SCI FI HD ;) ) that I'd rather have SCI FI SD full rez and bitrate than the vast majority of planned HD channels.

Well gwsat you can check out ScFi-Hd this weekend. Whether or not there is any true HD content remains to be seen.


Well, BSG will be HD (reruns/S4/RAZOR) as it's shot in HD (pilot miniseries was done on film).

That's what good, clean SD should look like but hasn't for years now. :D

Remember the first D* PQ supplied in 1994 vs cable? That's half the reason they took off.

I've looked as far as Oct 15th and havent found any hd content on sci fi's guide.The first real test is Friday's showing of Atlantis...

Well gwsat you can check out ScFi-Hd this weekend. Whether or not there is any true HD content remains to be seen.
All the scripted series on Sci-Fi produced by Sci-Fi have been shot in HD the past 2 or 3 years: SG-1, SG: Atlantis, Eureka, BSG, The Dresden Files, Flush Gordon, Painkiller Jane. Stargate: Atlantis, BSG, Flash Gordon (just the pilot) and Painkiller Jane have all aired on Universal HD, so some part of these shows have been seen in HD in the USA. The big question is whether Sci-Fi is ready to air any of the HD episodes, either the 1st run on Friday night, or repeats during the day or early evening in HD. Looking at the Sci-Fi schedule, I don't see any obvious opportunities for HD until Friday, unless they have Threshold in HD during the day tomorrow (looking it up, Threshold was short lived series on CBS in 2005) or their original movies were shot in HD. The rest of us who don't have DirecTV are dependent on the D* subscribers to to shout out if they see real HD on Sci-Fi.

BTW, Doctor Who is NOT shot in HD. It is a BBC production shot in 16:9 widescreen SD.

If you notice, that bug is still in the 4x3 area.
But if you notice MORE, you will see that the bug is different between the SD channel and the HD channel. So that conclusively proves that DirecTV is not just upconverting the SD feed, and that there is a separate HD feed being provided.

Well gwsat you can check out ScFi-Hd this weekend. Whether or not there is any true HD content remains to be seen.
Indeed, but what am I going to do on Monday? :)

Remember the first D* PQ supplied in 1994 vs cable? That's half the reason they took off.

Sure do, that's what I was referring to earlier. SD on Dish and Comcast has suffered the same fate, looks like crap on both providers.

But if you notice MORE, you will see that the bug is different between the SD channel and the HD channel. So that conclusively proves that DirecTV is not just upconverting the SD feed, and that there is a separate HD feed being provided.

Yep, and USA is definitely HD, Fast and Furious and now Life look pretty darn good. USA even has an HD logo. :)

BSG's big battle scenes must look sweeeet in HD!

BSG's big battle scenes must look sweeeet in HD!They do. I watched last season on UHD...

OMG!!! WOOHOO!! Since it was on the bottom of the list i thought this channel would be up in November or later:D I just hope Ghost hunters isn't in stretch-o-vision :o

BTW, Doctor Who is NOT shot in HD. It is a BBC production shot in 16:9 widescreen SD.

Theoretically, couldn't it at least be transferred to look better than normal SD, since it originates in PAL format?

Yep, and USA is definitely HD, Fast and Furious and now Life look pretty darn good. USA even has an HD logo. :)
There is a new USA-HD channel on now too?
Was "The 4400" broadcast early this morning in HD on it in 16:9 like the DVDs, or 4:3 like the USA SD channel?

There is a new USA-HD channel on now too?
Yes, although DirecTV is the only provider carrying it right now.

Yep, and USA is definitely HD, Fast and Furious and now Life look pretty darn good. USA even has an HD logo. :)
will someone post a screenshot?

I rarely watch Sci-Fi channel, but everytime I tune in it's letterboxed (on SD analog cable). They could at least show everything in full widescreen, on the HD version of the channel, even if it's an SD show like Doctor Who.

will someone post a screenshot?

I rarely watch Sci-Fi channel, but everytime I tune in it's letterboxed (on SD analog cable). They could at least show everything in full widescreen, on the HD version of the channel, even if it's an SD show like Doctor Who.

I don't have any way to do that, other than a hand held digital cam shot. What are you looking for specifically? Whether it's 16x9? Bug location?

I want this channel.
Nice screen capture.

Sci Fi HD bug showed up on Ghost Hunters tonight. Standard bug the whole show until the last segment of the show and they put up the HD bug. Much larger than normal, but hopefully still working the bugs out (pun intended :) ) and it will end up the same size.

Back to the SD bug now.

So despite some questions to the contrary, apparently Sci Fi HD isn't a suprise to Sci Fi or NBC/Universal.

I wonder if there are HD versions of the old episodes of Stargate SG:1. Seasons 1-5 were the best IMO.

That "Ghost Hunters" bug topper is beyond annoying...


You can say that again. I don't understand the logic of spoiling the show we are currently watching with a bug so big and annoying that I will specifically NOT watch it out of spite.

It's ridiculous. The Eureka season finale had a Ghost Hunters promo bug on constant for the entire show. The only time it went away was for the few seconds that they did a TNT/NBC-type popup for, you guessed it, Ghost Hunters complete with picture. :rolleyes:

What's really sad is Eureka is a fantastic Sci Fi original show, while Ghost Hunters became an absolute joke with the Sharon Tate finale that was more like something from Psychic Friends Network. Hopefully, they'll begin to take more pride in their quality programming.

USA HD is coming to some Comcast systems this month, but no word on Sci Fi yet.

USA on the hr20 guide immediately said what was HD and what was not. I'm hopeful Sci-fi is just working out the kinks but maybe they have no hd content for right now. I hope not though.

It's ridiculous. The Eureka season finale had a Ghost Hunters promo bug on constant for the entire show. The only time it went away was for the few seconds that they did a TNT/NBC-type popup for, you guessed it, Ghost Hunters complete with picture. :rolleyes:

What's really sad is Eureka is a fantastic Sci Fi original show, while Ghost Hunters became an absolute joke with the Sharon Tate finale that was more like something from Psychic Friends Network. Hopefully, they'll begin to take more pride in their quality programming.

LOL, the Sharon Tate was their worst moment IMHO. I was always intrigued by the way they took an approach of debunking things first to make it seem real, but that episode was just horrible. As though they managed to make consistent contact with a ghost and would just walk away after 5 questions or so. If that had been real they would have set up shop and asked every possible question that a person would want to ask a ghost.

SciFi channel is like a love/hate relationship for me. When they cancelled Farscape it was a real blow, and then they really screwed up when they broke up the great block on SciFi Friday--SG1, SGA, BSG. The psychic stuff and the wrestling is just the worst.

I still look forward to seeing in HD though, in fact I can't figure out why it wasn't one of the first cable channels to go HD. Not to stereotype scifi lovers, but let's face it--we're early adopters of technology usually.

I agree about Eureka. Really a good show for the SciFi channel and I would have loved seeing it in HD. Hopefully they will do the re-runs in HD, if they ever get around to doing HD, that is. I am very disappointed with them at this point except for the fact that they are at least not stretching.

Did they understand that going to HD meant they actually had to have some HD content to show? It's not like they didn't know it was coming. It was in all the papers, for christs sake.:)

BTW, Doctor Who is NOT shot in HD. It is a BBC production shot in 16:9 widescreen SD.

Theoretically, couldn't it at least be transferred to look better than normal SD, since it originates in PAL format?

I'm not too sure about that. I've got some HD quality Dr Who eps from the first two seasons of the new series and they definitely don't look like just upconverted material to me.

Sci Fi HD bug showed up on Ghost Hunters tonight. Standard bug the whole show until the last segment of the show and they put up the HD bug. Much larger than normal, but hopefully still working the bugs out (pun intended :) ) and it will end up the same size.

Back to the SD bug now.

So despite some questions to the contrary, apparently Sci Fi HD isn't a suprise to Sci Fi or NBC/Universal.

Works for me. :)

Sure seems like Sci-Fi wasn't ready for HD, they don't look prepared at all, nothing being shown in HD, even shows that are produced in HD. Also they are windowboxing 16x9 content.

Disapointing, but hopefully they will come up to speed fairly quickly.

It's ridiculous. The Eureka season finale had a Ghost Hunters promo bug on constant for the entire show. The only time it went away was for the few seconds that they did a TNT/NBC-type popup for, you guessed it, Ghost Hunters complete with picture. :rolleyes:

What's really sad is Eureka is a fantastic Sci Fi original show, while Ghost Hunters became an absolute joke with the Sharon Tate finale that was more like something from Psychic Friends Network. Hopefully, they'll begin to take more pride in their quality programming.

Really? I never even noticed it. I don't even notice those anymore unless it is one that pops up and moves. But in the lower right corner I rarely notice it.

I'm not too sure about that. I've got some HD quality Dr Who eps from the first two seasons of the new series and they definitely don't look like just upconverted material to me.


Dr. Who definately NOT shot in HD, the effects budget can't afford to do what they do in the HD realm.. Torchwood on the otherhand IS shot in HD. Skyone HD or whatever it is in the UK airs Dr. Who though and it does look good for SD.

*edited to add link here*
Link about Dr. Who not being HD (http://www.thestage.co.uk/tvtoday/2007/03/doctor_who_no_plans_to_move_to_hd_confirms_produce.php)

Also as far as Sci-Fi actually broadcasting in HD instead of windowboxed SD come on one.. this is Sci-fi, they will just windowbox the content anyway and fill the surrounding area with advertisements for ghost hunters or a new tremors/crossing over with john edwards multi-day marathon promotion. And then throw in some freaking wrestling to top it off... if Ever there was a channel with an identity crisis.

I don't have any way to do that, other than a hand held digital cam shot. What are you looking for specifically? Whether it's 16x9? Bug location?
a picture of your HD screen would do… Sci-Fi HD and/or USA HD. Like a shot of an HD show and then a shot of an SD show on the channel showing the new bugs. Whatever you can post, really. I'm just curious.

a picture of your HD screen would do… Sci-Fi HD and/or USA HD. Like a shot of an HD show and then a shot of an SD show on the channel showing the new bugs. Whatever you can post, really. I'm just curious.

Waiting for my niece to return my camera, she borrowed it on her 21st birthday and haven't heard from her since. :p

Has a single program been shown in HD on SciFi yet? Or will tomorrow's Stargate Atlantis be the first?

Has a single program been shown in HD on SciFi yet? Or will tomorrow's Stargate Atlantis be the first?

Probably Stargate Atlantis Friday.

Dount count on it.

It's looking like the statement that Sci-Fi HD existing was a little premature :)

Has a single program been shown in HD on SciFi yet? Or will tomorrow's Stargate Atlantis be the first?
Looking at the Sci-Fi schedule for Friday, they have a season 7 episode of SG-1 at 6 PM ET which is probably SD. But the Bionic Woman episode is on at 7 PM, Flush Gordon at 9 PM ET. These are shot in HD, so if Sci-Fi is indeed HD ready, they should be showing them in HD.

Sounds like from dbstalk people that they are showing the Species: The Awakening in HD right now.

Can't confirm because my tuners are tied up recording stuff.

Sorry - not a chance of an available tuner on the livingroom DVR Thursday at 9pm. ;)

Yes its 16x9 HD with the HD logo so they are up and running now. Congrats and hope our friends with Dish and cable get SciFi HD soon as I know a lot of people want this one.

Yep up in HD.

HD and looks real good too! The guide says LB only but it's HD. Finally, can't wait for more cheesey goodness.

Great - hopefully Atlantis and the Jamie Lynn Siegler movie this weekend will be HD.

Sounds like from dbstalk people that they are showing the Species: The Awakening in HD right now.

Can't confirm because my tuners are tied up recording stuff.

I just came in at the end, but it was in HD...so it has the honor of being the first SciFi HD broadcast.

At least we now know it will be ready for BSG in HD!

I have the whole thing recorded.

I really hope the cable co's get this one in before BSG... what a loss that would be to DTV.

Awww, I'm jealous (of those that have Direct tv) =(. I have comcastic!

*cries*

Hmm, the hopefully someone will have snagged and posted an HD version of Atlantis by sometime tonight. I would rather not have to get it that way, but until Comcrap adds Sci-Fi HD I will do what I have to. Anybody know the number or address to Comcast's executive services dept?

Actually, I think they have a VP here in Nashville. I was having trouble with my internet service (pings literally measured in the second range, between 1.2 and 2.5 seconds on average). A printout of a pings to different sites included with a letter to said VP and I had somebody calling me up to make sure I got taken care of. Afterwards my pings were in the 35 ms range. I wonder if he's still here...

Hmm, the hopefully someone will have snagged and posted an HD version of Atlantis by sometime tonight. I would rather not have to get it that way, but until Comcrap adds Sci-Fi HD I will do what I have to. Anybody know the number or address to Comcast's executive services dept?

Actually, I think they have a VP here in Nashville. I was having trouble with my internet service (pings literally measured in the second range, between 1.2 and 2.5 seconds on average). A printout of a pings to different sites included with a letter to said VP and I had somebody calling me up to make sure I got taken care of. Afterwards my pings were in the 35 ms range. I wonder if he's still here...

I'm sure that the version aired in Canada will be available on Tuesday, I watched the one from last week this way 720p, it looked incredible, no BUG either, so that was nice. I'll continue to watch those until Sci-Fi starts airing in HD.

Bionic woman recast is in HD. Gives me hope for Atlantis.

I'm curious to see if they go widescreen SD for Doctor Who. Flash Dumbass and Atlantis should air in HD.

The movie yesterday and the Bionic rebroadcast in HD are great signs.

Not only is the PQ good on BW, but finally I get to hear 5.1. Our local affiliate doesn't pass anything but 2.0. Very nice.

Not only is the PQ good on BW, but finally I get to hear 5.1. Our local affiliate doesn't pass anything but 2.0. Very nice.

hmm where have I read this before ;)

I get sick to my stomach whenever I see the quality of the SD compared to what we've been getting on SCI FI for the past few years.

Flash Gordon up in HD...things are looking positive for Atlantis

I get sick to my stomach whenever I see the quality of the SD compared to what we've been getting on SCI FI for the past few years.
SciFi distributes its SD channel at 704x480 (15Mbps?). It's unfortunate so few get to see it.

Stargate: Atlantis up in HD. Pretty good for a channel that doesn't exist.

hmm where have I read this before ;)

*Sigh* I just keep hoping that station managers from Jax will one day spend the bucks....

Stargate: Atlantis up in HD. Pretty good for a channel that doesn't exist.

Actually, the PQ is quite good. :)

"quite good?"

Possibly the best broadcast HD I've ever seen!

I get sick to my stomach whenever I see the quality of the SD compared to what we've been getting on SCI FI for the past few years.

That's for sure. The season finale of Dr. Who, even though not presented in widescreen, was the sharpest SD broadcast I've seen in a long time.

Flash Gordon up in HD...things are looking positive for Atlantis

Was the BSG:Razor "minisode" in HD?

Stargate: Atlantis up in HD. Pretty good for a channel that doesn't exist.

Let me just say, "You suck!" :p

"quite good?"

Possibly the best broadcast HD I've ever seen!

Yes...it is extremely good....however after having just seen Pushing Daises this week that one has to take the prize as "best" PQ, at least for me.

NBC invited me to another viewer panel and I bitched that they didn't repeat Eureka after going HD. Hopefully they will listen. SG:A looked much better on SCIFIHD than it has ever looked on UHD.

I'm very happy with the PQ of scifi HD. Honestly I used to hate watching SD sci-fi, the HD channel makes me giddy. Hope to see Eureka in HD and can't wait for BSG

Happy scifi fans all around!

Now if they'd just stop insulting us with pro-wrestling and schlock 'reality' ghost hunting junk.

This would be a good opportunity for SCI-FI to rerun some of their past minis. Dune, etc.

Eureka is certainly available in HD, it airs in UK in HD I think. You can download the episodes of the internet in 720p.

I would like to see the SG1 repeats in HD too, I would watch those again if they were in HD.

I would rewatch Eureka if they show it in HD. Good show and would definetly benefit from HD.

I would rewatch Eureka if they show it in HD. Good show and would definetly benefit from HD.

We would all like to see Deputy Lupo in HD.:D

Dammit, this better come to Dish Network soon. I am so sick of SciFi in SD, it is easily the WORST picture quality of any channel ever.

I would like to see the SG1 repeats in HD too, I would watch those again if they were in HD.
Sci-Fi airs SG-1 repeats at 6 PM ET on weekdays. The schedule shows season 7 episodes next week. But season 7 may not have been shot in HD. The first 5 seasons aired on Showtime and then it moved to Sci-Fi. So figuring out which seasons maybe available off the shelf in HD before season 8 is not clear unless some one can fill us in.

Sci-Fi does mini-marathon blocks during weekdays for various series. Some of these series and episodes should be available in HD. Has anyone seen any movies or shows during the day in HD yet? It could be that they are setup for only showing HD during the prime-time evening hours. Checking the Sci-Fi schedule bot, they are running several of their original mini-series on Sunday, including the Legend of Earthsea which aired last year (?) in letterboxed format, IIRC. It was lousy, but it would be worth checking just to see if it is shown in HD. There is a Star Trek: Enterprise block on Monday night. Will this be in HD? (HDNet has been airing Enterprise, so the show is being aired in HD elsewhere).

BTW, Sci-Fi is airing repeats of season 2 of Eureka starting on Tuesday, Oct. 9. http://www.scifi.com/schedulebot/index.php3?date=9-OCT-2007&feed_req=

I don't get D*, so I can't watch Sci-Fi in HD yet. But it would be useful if people who do get the channel could report when they see true HD, so we can get a handle on how much HD they are showing so we know what to expect as the other service providers add the channel.

Sci-Fi airs SG-1 repeats at 6 PM ET on weekdays. The schedule shows season 7 episodes next week. But season 7 may not have been shot in HD. The first 5 seasons aired on Showtime and then it moved to Sci-Fi. So figuring out which seasons maybe available off the shelf in HD before season 8 is not clear unless some one can fill us in.
Despite a change in networks, I would assume the same production companies would have been involved. As a result, there's little reason to change the workflow and equipment even if the end distribution is an SD network. It seems to me it would have been more expensive to change everything than to simply continue shooting and posting for HD. Besides, SD automatically reduces the future syndication value as more channels go HD.

I was disappointed that when SciFi was showing Threshold on Thursday, it was 4:3 SD instead of HD (CBS initially broadcasted it in HD).

Was the BSG:Razor "minisode" in HD?

No, unfortunately not. And I can't figure out why as the movie will certainly be in HD.

Sci-Fi airs SG-1 repeats at 6 PM ET on weekdays. The schedule shows season 7 episodes next week. But season 7 may not have been shot in HD. The first 5 seasons aired on Showtime and then it moved to Sci-Fi. So figuring out which seasons maybe available off the shelf in HD before season 8 is not clear unless some one can fill us in.


I believe that all the seasons were remastered for HD when they released the DVDs.

Only time will tell for sure though.

I was disappointed that when SciFi was showing Threshold on Thursday, it was 4:3 SD instead of HD (CBS initially broadcasted it in HD).

Yeah, I recorded them hoping to catch an episode that I missed. However, since they were SD, I deleted them.

Dammit, this better come to Dish Network soon. I am so sick of SciFi in SD, it is easily the WORST picture quality of any channel ever.

Scifi is easily one of my most watched and loved channels. Not enuff to get me to move from *E to *D ................But close.

I will give dish til the new season of BSG;)

Despite a change in networks, I would assume the same production companies would have been involved. As a result, there's little reason to change the workflow and equipment even if the end distribution is an SD network. It seems to me it would have been more expensive to change everything than to simply continue shooting and posting for HD. Besides, SD automatically reduces the future syndication value as more channels go HD.

Actually, I believe season 8 of SG1 (which coincided with Season 1 of Atlantis) was the first season to be shot on HD video. Before that I'm pretty sure they were all shot on 35mm film. They MIGHT have started filming HD in Season 7, but I'm pretty certain it was 8. That being said, the DVDs, even going back to the earlier seasons, DO look amazing. Easily some of the best looking DVDs I've ever seen.

I love the Sci Fi channel, but I'm not sure how they can't be completely embarrased to have that massive Ghost Hunters bug up virtually full time on top of their programming.

I hope TW gets Sci-Fi HD before BSG starts back up.

Off topic... when does the new BSG movie air on Sci-Fi?

I hope TW gets Sci-Fi HD before BSG starts back up.
Off topic... when does the new BSG movie air on Sci-Fi?
Saturday, November 24, according to the Sci-Fi website. So you have about 6 weeks for Time Warner to add Sci-Fi HD.

BTW, can anyone tell us whether the SG-1 and Enterprise episodes that aired on Sci-Fi HD yesterday were in HD or not?

Enterprise was not. Has it been released in HD for syndication? Didn't catch SG-1.

Enterprise was not. Has it been released in HD for syndication? Didn't catch SG-1.

Enterprise was not in HD its first season or two I believe, I am not sure. I believe it was SD wide screen. Currently HDNet has the cable HDTV rights to it, and airs it fairly often(I don't if SciFi also has HD right or not).

Enterprise was not. Has it been released in HD for syndication? Didn't catch SG-1.
HDNet has been airing Enterprise since the fall of 2006. In HD of course. The show was in HD starting with the pilot episode, BTW. They are currently working through the 3rd season on Monday nights with previously shown episodes on HDNet running during the day on weekdays. It is possible that HDNet got HD exclusive rights to Enterprise when they got it last year. At that time, the plans for the start-up of a Sci-Fi HD channel would have been for some distant time in the future and the management would not cared much about locking up any HD rights. Then DirecTV came along later and pushed the cable nets hard to offer a HD channel before the end of 2007, so Sci-Fi and the other NBC/Universal properties found themselves being told to offer a HD simulcast channel. Or it may be that Sci-Fi simply has not obtained the HD version of Enterprise yet.

As for syndication, other than Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune and the recent HD syndication of Two and A Half Men, there has been no widespread HD syndication yet.

I just switched to the SciFiHD channel, and I am amazed that they are windowboxing a 16 x 9 episode of a 2003 of Stargate SG1. Turning my 65" plasma into 49" one. The only upside to this is that the Ghost Hunter promo/logo id only occupuing an 8" x 8" space instead of a 12" x 12" of real estate. Even so, this logo must go. Why would they do that? This is supposed to be an HD channel, viewers with 4:3 sets should not be able to access the HD channel.

Overall I am very disappointed with the ScifiHD channel. I had great expectations and they have pretty much been dashed. I hope they notice that some here have stated that they recorded Scifi content and then deleted it upon finding it was not HD. Actually, maybe their advertisers should take note.

So far everything they have that is available in HD has been shown in HD. Can't ask for more than that from a simulcast channel.

Yeah, I don't get the bashing of SciFi. The HD they are airing is very high quality, from what I've seen so far. They are keeping the rest OAR. The only problem I have is the bug, but sometimes I hardly notice it.

Heck, the fact is I never watch that channel except when BSG is on, so as long as that airs in HD, I'll be happy. But from what I've seen of these new HD channels, I'd be out bashing A&E and the Discovery Channels long before I'd bash SciFi.

I just switched to the SciFiHD channel, and I am amazed that they are windowboxing a 16 x 9 episode of a 2003 of Stargate SG1. Turning my 65" plasma into 49" one. The only upside to this is that the Ghost Hunter promo/logo id only occupuing an 8" x 8" space instead of a 12" x 12" of real estate. Even so, this logo must go. Why would they do that? This is supposed to be an HD channel, viewers with 4:3 sets should not be able to access the HD channel.

Why complain that they are showing something OAR? This is *exactly* what we want ALL channels to do. Show it in OAR and then let us zoom/crop/whatever as we see fit.

Why complain that they are showing something OAR? This is *exactly* what we want ALL channels to do. Show it in OAR and then let us zoom/crop/whatever as we see fit.

Because in this very specific scenario when the source aspect ratio is the same as the aspect ratio of the channel, it doesn't make any sense for the width and height of the two to be different. Zooming on the display is going to look worse than having the source material sent out already upconverted.

I just switched to the SciFiHD channel, and I am amazed that they are windowboxing a 16 x 9 episode of a 2003 of Stargate SG1. Turning my 65" plasma into 49" one. The only upside to this is that the Ghost Hunter promo/logo id only occupuing an 8" x 8" space instead of a 12" x 12" of real estate. Even so, this logo must go. Why would they do that? This is supposed to be an HD channel, viewers with 4:3 sets should not be able to access the HD channel.

My local channels show syndicated Smallville but not in HD its windowboxed but my cable box can zoom it to fill the screen, its an easy work around unlike nothing can be done about TNTHD and much easier than what now has to be done to undistort A&EHD picture on 4:3 programs.

Why complain that they are showing something OAR? This is *exactly* what we want ALL channels to do. Show it in OAR and then let us zoom/crop/whatever as we see fit.


D*'s HD box cannot zoom HD content. My Panny can, but my newer Pioneer cannot (go figure). Anyway - zooming without cropping still maintains OAR and makes the most sense on a 16:9 HD channel.

Because in this very specific scenario when the source aspect ratio is the same as the aspect ratio of the channel, it doesn't make any sense for the width and height of the two to be different. Zooming on the display is going to look worse than having the source material sent out already upconverted.

Thanks Acciden T, Exactly. I have always been for OAR, however I don't consider windowboxing (reducing the overall size of a 16 x 9 content to less than full screen for 16 x 9 displays, the HDTV standard) so that i receive a picture with black bars on all 4 sides.

OAR = Original Aspect Ratio

Zooming 16:9 to larger 16:9 is still "OAR".

OAR = Original Aspect Ratio

Zooming 16:9 to larger 16:9 is still "OAR".

CPanther95, really thanks for the TLA update, just in case I thought OAR was one half of a people powered propulsion system for water craft. BTW, TLA= three letter acronymn.

Now if you would go back and re-read my posts, you might notice that I never said that the windowboxing of the aformentioned Sci Fi SG1 content wasn,t OAR. My objection was to reducing the 16 x 9 OAR content to less than full screen for my 16 x 9 display. My 2nd post was directed more at bonscott 87's post in, which it appeared to me, that he mis-interpeted my complaint about windowboxing to mean that I did not understand OAR. My point was and still is; that I am not OK with getting a 16 x9 picture that has been reduced to a size much smaller than my display' screen size.

Actually, I wasn't really responding to your post - just restating the fact that zooming is still OAR. Making more clear-cut what I said in my previous post.

Actually, I wasn't really responding to your post - just restating the fact that zooming is still OAR. Making more clear-cut what I said in my previous post.

To quote Emily Latella: "Never Mind"

I'm still curious about how much HD there has been on Sci-Fi for the more recently produced programming. Were the repeats of season 2 of Eureka on Tuesday night in HD?

I'm still curious about how much HD there has been on Sci-Fi for the more recently produced programming. Were the repeats of season 2 of Eureka on Tuesday night in HD?

No :(

So far I have seen nothing in HD. No SGA, no Flash Gordon, no Eureka (from last week). It would help if they would use the HD symbol. I have no problems with any other station, just SciFi.

You need to watch it more often then andy. there has been many shows/movies shown in HD

I watched Flash Gordon on 10-5, last Friday. The episode was "Revalations". It was wide screen but very narrow (not normal width) and PQ did not look like HD. If Eureka was HD this week I did not get it. How do you know ahead of time if anything is going to be HD if they do not label it HD? As I mentioned, I have yet to see SGA in HD and I watch or record it every week.

Last week I saw Stargate Atlantis in HD, looks pretty sweet. I agree, I wish D* would update their programming guide to show which shows are in HD.

I watched Flash Gordon on 10-5, last Friday. The episode was "Revalations". It was wide screen but very narrow (not normal width) and PQ did not look like HD. If Eureka was HD this week I did not get it. How do you know ahead of time if anything is going to be HD if they do not label it HD? As I mentioned, I have yet to see SGA in HD and I watch or record it every week.

That Flash Gordon was weird... they started out in HD. I had to leave the roon for a few minutes and when I came back is was in SD with bars at the top and bottom of the screen. I thought for a minute that I had hit the up-down button and was on the Sci-Fi SD channel but the on-screen display said SCIFIHD.

Last week I saw Stargate Atlantis in HD, looks pretty sweet. I agree, I wish D* would update their programming guide to show which shows are in HD.

AFAIK, D* is not responsible for the programming guide. I think it is the Tribune company that supplies them (and many other companies) the data.