Ernest

High Definition Popularity

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.

Martino

Re: High Definition Popularity

" 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."

Just give me the Original Aspect Ratio (OAR) for all programming - if it was shot in 4 x 3 - go ahead and pill box the sides....I don't agree with the "4 x 3 programming would be stretched "

Most 16 x 9 sets will offer some sort of "stretch" mode themselves - so if you like the stretch, you can do it yourself - but don't force me to watch a stretched image because someone doesn't like black bars...

In my DVD player - if a move is shot in 4 x 3, the pill bars are included on the sides, so I'm not sure about your statement of "that is just how DVD are manufactured"....

Scott-S

Re: High Definition Popularity

I agree with Martino. Every show should be aired OAR. Let the view decide if they want it stretched.

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Scott

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Lew Crippen

Re: High Definition Popularity

The definition as set forth by the DVD forum actually has nothing to do with the definition of telecast HDTV (defined in the US by the FCC and the standards are basically worldwide).

Don’t be misled by the compromise argument—that actually had little or nothing to do with deciding on 16:9 as the format used, but rather it was a result of studies that concluded that 16:9 was ‘perfect’ in the sense that this ratio closely approximates how humans view the world.

Of course none of this means that we should see aspect ratios altered from the original regardless.

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