Well jlm, the HBO version (Gladiator)if you saw it over DirecTV is compressed Video as is a DVD progressive scan or not, its still compressed video. Laser Disks are not compressed, and good ole *Walt Disney (*when he was alive) had a conniption fit when he wouldn't release any of his archives for a very, very long time because, you in fact have a pure uncompressed copy of his work. But these are not HD sources, they are the good ole NTSC standards, but depending on the format in laser disk you have every frame of the movie uncompressed, a master copy. Another standard that will fade away in years to come like the 8 track tape. Again some other movies collecting dust at home. I will make this statement that I haven't seen it, But I would guess a widescreen Laser Disk copy of Gladiator (using a line doubler), would beat out what you just viewed on DVD progressive scan.
UHF OTA/HD (CBS / NBC *sometimes / ABC *sometimes / Fox DTV feeds / WPIX DTV feeds / PBS / at least in my case here in NYC are not, and from my understanding from what I have read here in the form will not be subject to any copy protection schemes as far as congress see's it, Which is good. I have well over 200 DVD's that are collection dust as to the quality pictures I receive off OTA, there is NO comparison, (*my views) and others here also agree with there receptions. It is a pure feed with no Hanky Panky, and weather sometimes does play into it. DirecTV regular broadcasts also look too washed out and not detailed as OTA, and again its a compressed video from the satellite. What is the old saying "Garbage in Garbage out". Satellite isn't the answer in its present state, as one HD channel uses multiple transponder and not cost effective, Cable ~ fiber optics is the ONLY way to deliver to your home all feeds uncompressed video, and that's what's going to feed these newer HDTV monitors coming down the road, this is my views and not necessarily going to happen.
Now getting to your question as to how HBO/HD channel converts the *Sopranos etc.? The original source was recorded with HD equipment or *Film (*no lines) and transferred to HD equipment. Again not all movies or events shown on HBO/HD is a true HD source, they use line doubling / tripling etc. along with your systems line doubling etc. Example The HD demo loop channel i.e. (The NY Jets demo / Boxing highlights is purely a demo of high definition taped events all using HD recording equipment etc., and edited to its maximum for showing off what these HD/Units can display, simply amazing. Again your also seeing a compressed HD video on your screen, and it is simply fantastic. I still say a CBS/OTA feed live sports event (THE MASTERS & The Final 4) was the best pictures I have ever seen on my HD unit, no comparison to any external source feeding the HD display unit. OTA is great and hope Congress protects it. ...Free TV OTA and keep it that way!
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STOP DVI/HDCP AND DFAST boycott JVC