MB
Mark B
Reading between the lines here, it would seem to me that since Analogue and Digital TX control merged, a correct and proper switching on both platforms is now 'realistically easy' for the technicians and pres. people to co-ordinate.
I think the reason the aspect ratios were compromised before was to get the least noticable conversions on both platforms. Mind you, Analogue BBC ONE could have just taken a pure ARC-d feed from Digital BBC ONE whilst CBBC was on, as they do now. But I suppose there wasn't an easy link at the time (without actually setting up a digibox in pres, set to 'Letterbox' mode!) - but think of the compression! Yuk!
Little known fact: The BFI use ANALOGUE signals for archive purposes, because the believe (quite rightly) that the quality of digital TV is just not good enough. Analogue is the only system that still delivers true 'broadcast quality' television pictures.
I often wonder if an encoded-analogue system could have been developed as a way of delivering a greater multichannel system on the existing UHF spectrum (or even in the GHz range of satellite). Analogue can still be good if the reception is OK. And of course, as well all know, Digital can still be knocked out by bad reception (terrestrial OR satellite), and usually the interference, although not in the form of snow or ghosting, is usually a lot worse - i.e. exploding blocks and picture freezing all over the place!!!
Still, the change is irreversible now. I look forward to a future of exploded RealPlayer-style images on our TV screens!!!! But hey, it's digital, so it must be better.
I think the reason the aspect ratios were compromised before was to get the least noticable conversions on both platforms. Mind you, Analogue BBC ONE could have just taken a pure ARC-d feed from Digital BBC ONE whilst CBBC was on, as they do now. But I suppose there wasn't an easy link at the time (without actually setting up a digibox in pres, set to 'Letterbox' mode!) - but think of the compression! Yuk!
Little known fact: The BFI use ANALOGUE signals for archive purposes, because the believe (quite rightly) that the quality of digital TV is just not good enough. Analogue is the only system that still delivers true 'broadcast quality' television pictures.
I often wonder if an encoded-analogue system could have been developed as a way of delivering a greater multichannel system on the existing UHF spectrum (or even in the GHz range of satellite). Analogue can still be good if the reception is OK. And of course, as well all know, Digital can still be knocked out by bad reception (terrestrial OR satellite), and usually the interference, although not in the form of snow or ghosting, is usually a lot worse - i.e. exploding blocks and picture freezing all over the place!!!
Still, the change is irreversible now. I look forward to a future of exploded RealPlayer-style images on our TV screens!!!! But hey, it's digital, so it must be better.
Today they're in the BP studio. (Wonder if they can fill the week?!)
CO
Conrad
I sent an e-mail yesterday complaining about 4:3 cropping, and finally some action's been taken - I hope! Did anyone see the CBeebies trailer after Tweenies? I'm recording all this week's CBBC in LP just so I know I'm not missing
anything
! 
CO
Conrad
Ooh, someone can afford the blank tapes! 
JA
james2001
Founding member
I noticed this too. Why are they cropping to 14:9 then Zooming in? Are they just preparing properly for next week when they might hopefully pillarbox the signal, then zoom in? Obviously it's possible to show all programmes properly on kids slots- CHannel 4 and 5 manage perfectally, it's just CBBC and CITV who have a problem
(Edited by james2001 at 4:56 pm on Feb. 4, 2002)
(Edited by james2001 at 4:56 pm on Feb. 4, 2002)