How is HDTV doing outside the U.S.? (1 Viewer)

[Thik Nongyow]

Since I am familiar with the HDTV situation in the United States, how is the technology doing outside the U.S.? Are countries adapting HDTV in a swift or sluggish rate? Are there technical, economic, cultural problems or roadblocks by governments or the public to adapting HDTV? Finally, what is the international opinion on HDTV in general?

 

[Josh P]

In Australia digital television is just starting to come in. I believe it is hd although there was debate whether it sould be hd or a crappier version so I'm not exactly sure. However it isn't broadcast widely just yet so I personally dont have it.
:frowning:

 

[John-Miles]

In canada its available... but no OTA so your looking at about 75-100 a month to get HD here and thats only a smattering of channels.

 

[Lew Crippen]

In Australia digital television is just starting to come in. I believe it is hd although there was debate whether it sould be hd or a crappier version so I'm not exactly sure.

I left Oz to return to the States a couple of months ago, and at that time, while you could be HD capable sets, the tuners were not readily available. There were a few things telecast in digital format (such as last summer’s cricket)or widescreen (Weakest Link[/} and a few U.S. imports such as ER), but I am pretty sure nothing in HD. Channel 10 telecast an HD test loop, that a few high-end dealers used to demonstrate the worth of HD sets.

In Oz it was perfectly possible to purchase 16:9 sets that were not HD-capable, unlike here in the States, where new 16:9 sets are all (pretty much?) HD upgradeable.