How many HDTV channel are there?

gwichman,


Yup, it's program-dependent. If the network is broadcasting HDTV and the local affiliate passes that along, you get HDTV. If it is widescreen progressive (eg. Fox) you get that, if they pass it along. A more interesting thing happens if the program is good old 480i analog.


For analog programming, the station can send it along as 480i digital, upconvert to 1080i or 720p with black bars on the sides (windowboxing) or stretch and possibly upconvert (ugly 14:9 *******ization on Fox and some NBC stations). You'll hear a lot of arguments on whether it's better to upconvert with a tens of thousands of dollars scaler at the affiliate or to let the consumer's line doubler do the work. You will notice that most of the stretched upconverts look like hell and don't leave many options for your receiver/tv at home.


What are the affiliates in San Francisco actually doing? Dunno, you could check the TV during primetime. Crossing Jordan and Leno will be pretty much your only chance to see if your NBC station is passing the HDTV signal. BTW, I think you guys are getting a different NBC affiliate pretty soon. Don't know what the new station will do.


Jim

Quote:
Which wouldn't be too surprising: South San Francisco Bay is home to the largest concentration of well-paid techies in the nation (possibly the world), who can afford the current prices of the equipment and can understand the technology and are likely to be attracted to it. For the moment, it's probably one of the most worthwhile places to start broadcasting in HD.


Are there any demographics on the sales of HD tuners in the U.S.? If so, what have been the biggest markets for them?


-- Mike Scott