Sky HDTV website launches

Personally, I can't wait for this.

I've never actually seen a high-defintion tv broadcast though. For any of you who have, how would you describe it.

Check out Sky's website for more.

Cue Gran Daddy.

Has this been posted before?

Can I expect a rap on the knuckles from Mr Harvey?

I think owan might be suggesting that some members would suggest this could be one for the "Media Websites" forum - but seeing as it's more (or could be) a general discussion about HDTV and Sky's implementation of it then no reason why it shouldn't stay.

A-ha, cheers Ison.

I did think about posting it in Media Websites, but thought the topic lent itself more to General, as it was not a discussion on the Sky website per se.

It's very sharp with vivid colours, they are pictures on the net to prove this, you can infact get a PC Card that does this and turn over to 19.2E, to have a look at their broadcasts of HD, however you do need a quick computer to handle the processing involved.

The website is pretty light on useful information about the new service, and most of the links redirect to the "sign me up for information" webform.

Not even an approximation of subscription or hardware cost. Presumably they will test the waters to see just how high a price they can get.

The webform carries a mandatory telephone number field, so goodness only knows what hawkers and traders I've just signed up for.

I wouldn't mind so much, but they haven't even put comparitive images for me to see the benefit of HD, rather they have ludicrous "simulated" pictures which would suggest I currently watch television with a pair of stockings over my eyes.

Some examples of HD footage.

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/hdgallery/

This page holds samples of HD material. Note that even for the lower quality HD video a video card is ESSENTIAL, as well as a PC above 2.8GHz or a Mac above 1.25GHz. Medium quality will only work on Dual Processor Intel Zeon processors if you are using a PC. The highest quality files will work only on a high end Apple PowerMac G5 system.

You need Quicktime 7 to view these files.

Indeed. Idiots.

What are the BBC's plans for HD? I know they already shoot some stuff using it - but what about transmission?

Well they are going to ask for £50 in subs, I don't think Sky will get many punters for this, except the rich and famous and Rupee's relatives.

Be warned that the 1080i/25 version of HDTV involves film effect!

The Aussies are currently using HD - infact Home & Away is filmed in 1080i/25, which will give you an idea of what the "film effect" thing looks like.

I only catch it occasionally when I'm channel surfing, but the Home and Away picture doesn't strike me as being great.