High Definition TV

Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher ofThe HDTV Tuner - a guide to th kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.
The Sony HD camcorder, the Handycam HDR-FX1 is being marketed by the company as 'world's first HDV 1080i consumer camcorder'. But at $3,700, it's price tag is stretching the consumer label somewhat.

However, there's no doubt the the industry sees HD video as a consumer format and prices will come down over the next couple of years. This Sony HD camcorder is just the start of what is sure to be an avalanche of HD camcorders from electronics companies over the next few months.

So, does this mean we can all look forward to shooting Hollywood-quality home movies in the future? Not quite. Although its true that some Hollywood fetaures, such as George Lucas' 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' are being shot in high definition video, its not the same high definition as is shot and recorded by these camcorders.

If you look again at that Sony quote, you'll see the important label, 1080i. If you're familiar with HDTV, you'll know that 1080 refers to 1080 lines of vertical resolution and the 'i' means the video is interlaced. 1080i is one of the two most common HDTV formats, the other being 720p (720 lines, progressive scan).

Hollywood HD movies are shot on another format, 1080p. This is higher quality than the other two, as it mixes the higher resolution with the better-quality progressive scan picture.

There is another important difference too. Hollywood HD is uncompressed, whereas the video shot by cameras like this Sony HD camcorder is compressed as MPEG-2. This compression inevitably lowers the quality of the video stored on the camera's DV tape. However, it's necessary because the HDR-FX1 connects to a computer using a FireWire cable and FireWire, whether it is the 400 or 800 variety, doesn't have the bandwidth to transfer uncompressed HD footage. Even if it did, the sheer size of the files would make it impractical because of the large amoount of hard disk space needed to store it and the processing power needed to edit it.

Another fly in th HD ointment is that, currently, very few applications are able to edit the footage from this Sony HD camcorder. However, that looks set to change,as Apple has already announced that the next version of its Final Cut Express and iMovie applications, due at the end of January, will be able to edit HD.

HD video will eventually become a common consumer format, when prices come down and editing software is able to work with it. However, until a compression format is found that can squeeze the data contained in HD without noticeably reducing the quality, there will be little benefit over current DV format camcorders.

About the Author

Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher ofThe HDTV Tuner - a guide to th kit, the technology and the programming on HDTV.

Choose The Right HDTV Antenna For Your Set-Up

Choosing an HDTV antenna can be a frustrating business.

However, if you prefer to receive HDTV through an antenna, rather than a satellite or cable subscription, there are a couple of things that will make life easier.

First of all, if you can, you should opt for a roof or attic mounted HDTV antenna.

This will give you the best chance of picking up a good signal and is a must if you are in an area where signal strength is poor.

Such as where you live some distance away from the nearest transmitter or where your signal is affected by hills or other environmental factors.

If an external HDTV antenna is not an option, perhaps because you live in an apartment or in a building of historic interest, then you`ll have to go for an internal, set-top antenna.

Unfortunately, every HDTV antenna is not alike and the quality of your picture can vary greatly depending on which antenna you choose. So how do you know which one to go for?

Perhaps the best way is to find out from people who already has an internal HDTV antenna, how it works for them. The best way is to talk to people you know - particularly those in the same apartment block. Failing that, user reviews on the Web are a good source.

Amazon sells a number of antennae for HDTV and user opinion on them varies greatly. For example, the Terk HDTVi Indoor VHF/ UHF HDTV Antenna gets slated by users, while this Gemini ZHDTV1 HDTV-UHF Digital Indoor Antenna, which is actually cheaper than the Terk, gets great reviews.

As with any item of electronics, the key is to do your research.

Find out as much as you can about the HDTV signal in your area, and if possible speak to people locally who are receiving HDTV via an antenna, before you buy.

Kenny Hemphill is the editor and publisher of The HDTV Tuner (http://www.the-hdtv-tuner.com (http://www.the-hdtv-tuner. com)).

HDTV Television

HDTV Information

Digital Cable Box Descrambler Hdtv Motorola Of this new standard was devoted to establishing the features most of the remainder of 1993 This will surround sound include full Boot camp hdtv basics four styles of hdtv edtv vs hdtv native resolutions understand hdtv [geeks.com] Monster Cable High Performance 6' DVI-D Video Cable for HDTV ($7.99) Monster Cable High Performance DVID Video Cable for HDTV General Features 6.6foot cable length 24k gold contacts for optimum signal transfer Multistranded copper center connector for high bandwidth signal More accurate color rendition Supports 7... Price: $7.99 Cable Installers &HDTV (GI Broadband) Cable Modem Installer & HDTV. Truck/Van/SUV Req. Start Now, $800-1000wk. Will train hard working individuals. No Exp Needed. 954-492-1528 SF50008938 Location: Ft Lauderdale, FL Source: Jobs.net ATI HDTV Wonder PCI TV Tuner Remote Control Edition - 100-714127 - $59.99 Buy.com has the ATI HDTV Wonder PCI TV Tuner Remote Control Edition - 100-714127 for $59.99 . $10 off with Google Checkout . The HDTV WONDER is a PCI card for analog TV, free-to-air digital TV (DTV: SDTV and EDTV), and full quality free-to-air HDTV reception. It offers personal video recorder capabilities, with the controls to watch, pause and record all forms of TV to your system's hard disk, or to CD's and DVD's. In addition to analog cable support, the HDTV WONDER with an HDTV antenna allows consumers to experience free-to-air HDTV broadcasts without having to subscribe to potentially expensive cable or satellite service charges. Communities In Schools of NC Launches Gang Awareness Poster ... ... difference between regular tv and hdtv that much. for all my knowledge of ... an incredible difference in sound quality over rca cables if your dvd player ... in mind like hdtv cable hdtv satellite computer game inputs or common dvd ...click to enlargelike most people who have an interest in ...... as a hdtv the television must be capable of dolby digital output while this is technically true of the sanyo it is only true of the local channels received and not of any of the other devices you have in mind like hdtv cable hdtv... Good Housekeeping Full Sitemap

Would like to receive more info on High Definition Television?

Just leave your name and email address below.

Your information is safe. We ask you to verify your email address before we send you anything. And we don't share the information with anyone else.

Thanks - Enjoy

 
Amity, Inc.   Email me here   Privacy   Terms of Use
  HD TV Links
  HDTV Resources
  HDTV

Copyright www.HDTV-sources.com ALL Rights reserved - No emails are ever sent from this website!
HDTV | High Definition TV