Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

I agree and the tv industry appears to be leaning towards this view too.

There will be another 10 HD channels on Freeview within the next year and Freeview is also looking to move the HD channels into the top spots, ie BBC One HD moves to channel 1.

I think it will be a while before we see SD totally killed off, probably 10 years as you say. But pay tv operators like Sky and Virgin will move sooner, I think.

With the imminent launch of CH4 +1 HD on the horizon, I could see companies such as Sky killing off the SD +1s to free up EPG places. Then you may see channels such as Sky 1 HD simply being called Sky 1 and the current Sky 1 being renamed Sky 1 SD.

At some point companies especially Sky will "force" everyone onto HD as they did when they changed from their analogue service to their digital service.

---------- Post added at 23:03 ---------- Previous post was at 22:06 ----------

In 10 years year time, if not a lot sooner:

The bulk of stbs will be gone. Content will be "broadcast" straight from the cloud.

Mpeg4/h.264 will be gone. H.265 is on the way now and even that will be superseeded within 10 years.

HD is now being seen as the "standard" and not premium way to broadcast channels. The BBC will have all of its channels in HD within 12 months. So, by the end of 2014 there will be at least 15 HD Freeview channels, so no longer premium.

Sky will not hold HD channels to themselves in 10 years time. That's what 4k/8k will be for.;)

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

I would like to see one of 2 things:

1: I have always wondered, is it not possible to build something into the new supposedly intelligent boxes whereby if you go to an SD channel, the box can automatically forward you to the HD version of the channel instantly. There could be an option in the menu of the TIVO box something like "HD TV Channels only" and if you tick it you are basically saying you have a HD TV and always want to watch and record HD where possible.

In fact, we do not even need that, since the STB's Virgin use should know they are running on a HD TV since you select what picture quality you want in the menu depending on the TV being used. This could trigger this menu option for HD Channels.

2: Better still...I would like to see the SD channel numbers 101, 102, 103, 104, 105 etc, become HD. It should be the SD channels that are 108, 113, 151, 140 etc. It's ridiculous that we have to go hunting for the HD channel over the SD one now. The priority and weight should be towards HD.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

HD = Emperors new clothes. The most popular TV size is 32 inch, on which it makes diddly squat difference. Same thing happened with digital tv and digital radio - people with good analogue signals and good FM reception got no difference (or downgraded quality in the case of digital radio vs a FM signal)

HD is useless for recording too as it fills up Tivo - very quickly. Got a wish list set for the 'Carry On' films ( I know, but lets forget my taste for the moment...)- pees me off when it chooses an HD channel to record it on.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

On the other hand I choose to record certain things so I can watch them properly, at leisure, on a big screen. SD just doesn't cut it for that.

My wife tends to scroll down the EPG list and put something on. Then I ask her why she's chosen the SD version, and after some more scrolling the HD version is found. Wouldn't it be so much simpler if there was an option to hide SD channels that have an HD equivalent.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

I don't agree that HD = Emperor's new clothes. My dad has a Panasonic 32in full HD TV and watching Blu Ray is still incredibly detailed. Live broadcast sports also look much more defined. 32in may well be a very popular size TV, but this is changing toward larger screens - hence why we're seeing so many larger screens at only a few pounds more than their smaller counterparts. I have around 37 HD movies on my 1TB TiVo, along with dozens of HD programmes, and hover about the 75% full capacity. Could probably still record around 15-20 more movies if I wanted to.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

It's not the size of the screen but how far away you are. Try sticking the 32inch on your lap and say there is no difference!! :D

---------- Post added at 16:20 ---------- Previous post was at 16:19 ----------

Nice insight there SP, Thanks! ;)

And alot of us DO NOT WANT or CARE ABOUT HD :)

I have always preferred SD ... Its beautiful and how stuff started...

CRTs are beautiful and in my opinion produce THE NICEST picture......

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

Dinosaurs used to rule the world, where are they now?

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

You're at it............:td:

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

My job takes me into a number of houses each week (my previous job took me into hundreds of houses each week)

On the odd occasion I see a 4:3 tv I have to double take to ensure my eyes haven't betrayed me.

Additionally, I would say most low in one families have a decent sized flat panel TV (not always a top brand make I would agree) - they also seem to find money for the latest smartphones and often smoking.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

This is now a genuine question for 2017?

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

Agreed mate. Trolling .. well attempting too lol :D:D

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

Yes, it is, but the answer is not to have an SD switch off at this stage.

Not only are there many people who cannot afford the cost of upgrading to HD ready equipment, but a lot of channels would be lost as a result - in fact almost all those channels which do not currently have an HD alternative.

I really cannot understand why anyone should be so exercised about the continuing existence of SD channels. Nobody is forced to watch them!

If anyone wants to look at an SD sanitised version of the EPG, they only have to select the HD channels option.

The question for 2017 is how to facilitate the introduction of UHD channels. Should these be added to the EPG or would it make more sense to offer UHD content via streaming/on demand?

Why we should be focussing on scrapping older technologies before the population has had a chance to adapt, I really cannot fathom.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

If we assume that you're correct, I don't suppose you like others moving in on your occasional speciality.

Re: Why are we still bothering with SD?
 

Way of the world isn't it, you know, onwards & upwards and all that stuff. Improvements and enhancements that do little in the way of improving stuff, but adds a few quid to the profits if you can convince the masses that it's better than what they currently have.

I remember the days of 5 channels of quality (ish) TV, now we have 300 channels of garbage.
I'm not yet a dinosaur
I also remember Luton being a top flight club a mere 30 years ago *waves at mhatter67* (good win Sat) :wavey: