With the popularity of HD programming programmers have a problem or the perfect product. If a programmer is not offering HD they run the risk of being passed over. Viewing choices are now being made based on the whether the program is in SD or HD.
To try and not get left behind we are now seeing program providers showing SD quality video stretched, paned and scanned, on their HD channel. All in all it does not make for a very pretty picture.
The definition of HD, as set forth by the DVD forum is, 720P or higher with an aspect ratio of 16 x 9. The 16 x 9 was a compromise based on 4 x 3 and various aspect ratios for movies. 4 x 3 programming would be stretched and movies 2:35 or wider would show black bars on the top and bottom to makeup the 16 x 9 aspect ratio. And that is just how DVD are manufactured.
Unfortunately, TV programmers do not follow those rules and show 4 x 3 with pillar bars. Then the SCI-FI channel comes along and shows letterbox, 4 x 3, programming with pillar bars. Does SCI-FI really think the public wants to watch programming surrounded in black bars, reducing a 55" TV to 32"?
So that is where we are at today with many fabulous programs in HD and the pretenders trying to keep up with the Jones. If some of the pretenders go by the wayside because they can't compete that is okay. This will make room for more new programs like HD Net and MGM HD movies in correct aspect ratio with no commercials.
To try and not get left behind we are now seeing program providers showing SD quality video stretched, paned and scanned, on their HD channel. All in all it does not make for a very pretty picture.
The definition of HD, as set forth by the DVD forum is, 720P or higher with an aspect ratio of 16 x 9. The 16 x 9 was a compromise based on 4 x 3 and various aspect ratios for movies. 4 x 3 programming would be stretched and movies 2:35 or wider would show black bars on the top and bottom to makeup the 16 x 9 aspect ratio. And that is just how DVD are manufactured.
Unfortunately, TV programmers do not follow those rules and show 4 x 3 with pillar bars. Then the SCI-FI channel comes along and shows letterbox, 4 x 3, programming with pillar bars. Does SCI-FI really think the public wants to watch programming surrounded in black bars, reducing a 55" TV to 32"?
So that is where we are at today with many fabulous programs in HD and the pretenders trying to keep up with the Jones. If some of the pretenders go by the wayside because they can't compete that is okay. This will make room for more new programs like HD Net and MGM HD movies in correct aspect ratio with no commercials.
