General Coming Soon to Virgin TV (2018) - Page 142

jfman · 16-09-2018, 15:08

I think an issue is the fact that the move to HD represented a number of simultaneous changes - not just resolution.

With the move to HD in the UK many users experienced three improvements for the first time.

1) a digital interface between STB and TV.
2) moving from low bitrate MPEG2 streams
3) improved resolution, some of the SD channels aren't even full resolution standard definition.

Back in the day I had a FTA HD set top box and motorised satellite dish, and viewing the German public broadcasters in SD over HDMI was night and day compared to what we were being offered in the UK. Routinely fixed bitrate 8 Mb/sec was the norm, as opposed to 2-3 Mb/sec (and sometimes less) variable and 544x576 resolution that we were routinely offered in the UK.

paul0363 · 16-09-2018, 20:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by vincerooney

haha i like the "for once i agree" do i usually talk rubbish on here? Haha actually dont answer that! No doubt once UHD becomes the norm the television companies will create a new type of television to get us to invest further.

Already happened.... 8kTV

nomadking · 16-09-2018, 22:40

With HD and UHD the distance from the TV is a factor. You won't necessarily notice any difference unless you sit closer.

japitts · 17-09-2018, 12:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfman

Thanks itshim for testing, and spiderplant for giving your take on it.

Indeed - it was me that mentioned this restriction, maybe I was thinking of the old V+ but I was pretty sure I'd read it somewhere more recent than that. Either way, I stand corrected.

Dave42 · 17-09-2018, 20:44

Gold HD launch 25th September

Official UKTV
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Verified account

@UKTV
16m
16 minutes ago

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Replying to @CMonkRoberts @virginmedia @goldchannel
Hi Colin, Gold HD will replace Gold SD on Virgin Media’s platform on the 25th of September. Hope this helps!

nomadking · 17-09-2018, 20:54

But how much of the content on Gold is available in HD in the first place?

Dave42 · 17-09-2018, 20:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomadking

But how much of the content on Gold is available in HD in the first place?

not sure just glad we finally got a date for gold HD launch

alwaysabear · 17-09-2018, 21:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomadking

But how much of the content on Gold is available in HD in the first place?

Not much especially if video tape was used. If film was used there is a chance of HD.

iadom · 17-09-2018, 21:32

Can definitely see a difference viewing channel 999 on my Sony 4K tv. And the sound is much better on my 5:1 sound system. Most HD channels especially Sky Sports have very low volume levels, had to turn this down several notches just now.

Mad Max · 17-09-2018, 22:09

I've just had a look, and tbh I can't really see a big difference between HD and the so called UHD, it's a very good and clear picture, but not as good as I was expecting, and my settings are correct at 2160P.

mot12 · 17-09-2018, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by iadom

Can definitely see a difference viewing channel 999 on my Sony 4K tv. And the sound is much better on my 5:1 sound system. Most HD channels especially Sky Sports have very low volume levels, had to turn this down several notches just now.

Big Dry that I watched some of on 999 it wasn't in 5.1, not on my set-up at least. It was coming over in just stereo for me hence why it was louder than 5.1 usually is at the same volume.

Most of Sky sports live stuff is 5.1, hence why the volume is lower that's how 5.1 tends to work you have to turn things up.

---------- Post added at 21:33 ---------- Previous post was at 21:25 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max

I've just had a look, and tbh I can't really see a big difference between HD and the so called UHD, it's a very good and clear picture, but not as good as I was expecting, and my settings are correct at 2160P.

I think I'm right in saying Big Dry and all the wildlife documentaries on 999 are LoveNature productions. I've seen some of that channels programs on the LoveNature channel and it's not the greatest HD in the world, so it makes sense that the 4K from that channel also won't be the greatest. It isn't Planet Earth or Blue Planet production levels. I think it's still pretty damn good though.

The Drama's on 999 are going to be a good test for how good Virgins 4K channel can really look!

Ultimate.Conj · 18-09-2018, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by mot12

Big Dry that I watched some of on 999 it wasn't in 5.1, not on my set-up at least. It was coming over in just stereo for me hence why it was louder than 5.1 usually is at the same volume.

Most of Sky sports live stuff is 5.1, hence why the volume is lower that's how 5.1 tends to work you have to turn things up.

---------- Post added at 21:33 ---------- Previous post was at 21:25 ----------

I think I'm right in saying Big Dry and all the wildlife documentaries on 999 are LoveNature productions. I've seen some of that channels programs on the LoveNature channel and it's not the greatest HD in the world, so it makes sense that the 4K from that channel also won't be the greatest. It isn't Planet Earth or Blue Planet production levels. I think it's still pretty damn good though.

The Drama's on 999 are going to be a good test for how good Virgins 4K channel can really look!

I think we'll really start seeing the difference once we watch more content in UHD more of the time. Watching HD consistently you can see the clear difference between the SD picture. I think the same will happen with UHD.

Although the football on BT Sport 4K definitely looks a lot clearer and crisper than in HD.

OLD BOY · 18-09-2018, 11:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mad Max

I've just had a look, and tbh I can't really see a big difference between HD and the so called UHD, it's a very good and clear picture, but not as good as I was expecting, and my settings are correct at 2160P.

What sort of TV and what size screen to you have, Max? Maybe your TV was upscaling everything to near UHD already so that the difference is not so perceptible.

If you've already verified your picture settings both on the TV and the V6, you are using a good quality HDMI cable supplied by VM and your V6 is plugged into the appropriate HDMI socket on your TV, I don't know what else to suggest.

Having watched the Virgin Ultra HD channel for 10 minutes last night, the picture on my 49" Sony was astounding.

Ultimate.Conj · 18-09-2018, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

What sort of TV and what size screen to you have, Max? Maybe your TV was upscaling everything to near UHD already so that the difference is not so perceptible.

If you've already verified your picture settings both on the TV and the V6, you are using a good quality HDMI cable supplied by VM and your V6 is plugged into the appropriate HDMI socket on your TV, I don't know what else to suggest.

Having watched the Virgin Ultra HD channel for 10 minutes last night, the picture on my 49" Sony was astounding.

Same here OB, the picture was brilliant. Mine is a LG OLED.

I think with having a 4K tv that has upscalling capabilities, you are right. Because of the upscalling to near 4K anywhere, the different won't be as much.

It is definitely a lot clearer on the VM UHD channel though. Is the broadcast also in HDR?

BenMcr · 18-09-2018, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate.Conj

Is the broadcast also in HDR?

No, nor is BT Sport UHD.

I don't think the DVB spec has completely sorted out HDR support for broadcast yet.