October 27th, 2005
Problems for HDTV
I think I’ve mentioned my frustration with HDTV in the past. It’s too confusing with all the jargon and whatnot. I don’t want another complicated computing device, I just want a TV that works. Unfortunately, right now that’s probably a PC — or an . But there’s a couple content-related sticking points that I think are interesting.
First are TV torrents . They’re usually recorded off HDTV and distributed as almost DVD-quality files only hours after the show airs. If you’re on the West Coast, you can actually get East Coast recordings before your local show airs (or finishes airing). Torrents go up fast and populate even faster. Better quality, no commercials, archivable and you only have to wait a few hours (maybe a day) longer.
Second — and this is the ironical part — are HD programs downsampled to be broadcast over regular TV. These shows suddenly look just like DVD content. Watch Monday Night Football, for example. Sure it looks fantastic on an HDTV, but it looks really good on regular TV too.
As network executives air more HD content, they’re going to push us consumers to buy new expensive HDTVs. But simultaneously, us average Joe’s are going to find that these HD shows on our aging analog TVs look better than ever. And we may find ourselves putting off that new TV purchase for a few months more, flirting with that HDTV switchover deadline.
So, the more digital and HD programs that are available, the more life you can expect to get from your old analog TV set.
I have to admit, I didn’t expect that at all.