DOGs

I've just watched last night's "Malcolm in the Middle" and noticed for the first time that Sky One have now adjusted their DOG so that it's actually in the true top-left corner (as opposed to 3 inches into the safe area).

I noticed that E4 were the first to do this some time ago. I know it means the DOG isn't fully visable for those viewing in 4:3, but have Sky now decided that so many people must have widescreen TVs that they should change their DOG policy accordingly?

Do any other channels now do this?

When Sky's DOGs disappear into the corner like this, it usually means they've malfunctioned. Sky Three's done this before on a few occasions before it jumps back after the next break. The DOG'll be back in the 4:3 zone before too long I reckon.

I must admit it did look abit stretched, so it may have been faulty, but E4's has a similar distortion when they place it correctly for 16:9:

http://www.rp-networkservices.com/tvforum/uploads/sky1dog.jpg

All HD channels now place their DOGs outside the safe area.

It's still an intrusion but much less so than before.

I don't know if it was a fault, but earlier during Top Gear on UKTV G2, I noticed the dog was really far into the picture... this was on a 16:9 TV set to 16:9 mode on the Sky+ box...

I really wish E4+1 would sort out their DOG. It's permanently in its 4:3 state, even when in 16:9 programming. Consequently when in widescreen it looks stretched, and generally a bit rubbish.

Of course they could sort them out by ditching the bloody things altogether...

Given that G2 is now broadcasting the occasional widescreen programme, it's possible they got the wrong one.

That SkyOnc dog is actually in 4:3 mode as it's a US programme stretched to 16:9 - see the E4 dog on Friends for a comparison.

Malcolm in the Middle is a widescreen programme isn't it? I always remember it being in letterbox when I had my 4:3.

It is 16:9, but you can tell from that shot they are using the 4:3 DOG by accident.

What exactly would be wrong with implementing the DOG in MHEG? That way viewers could get rid of it if they so wished.