HDTV Rocks!

[Misunderestimator]

I keep flipping between the non-HDTV station and the HDTV one, and MAN what a difference! I know, I know... Don't shoot me for spending money on this shit... I still give to the cause. :)

[Deja Q]

1. DId you make sure your set can handle the broadcast flag?

Or is at least upgradeable when that standard comes out?

The FCC, controlled by the RIAA, is mandating anti-"piracy" equipment be in place.

Early adopters won't be happy.

Current buyers may or not be happy when the time comes.

[Misunderestimator]

2. Oh yeah.... I'm getting HDTV...

It's a flat-panel LCD widescreen HDTV Panasonic...the HDTV satellite box receives three or four of each of the broadcast (ABC, PBS, CBS, NBC) stations, some of which programs are in HDTV (which is why I can tell the difference, because I can flip between a non-HDTV broadcast and a normal one of the same show). I can DEFINITELY tell the difference. It's really quite amazing.

[Touchdown]

5. It's not broadcast standards, it;s recordability standards.

Some manufacturers adopted a firewire type jack that allows some recordability, but some of Hollywood wants them to adopt the more draconian JVC codec which is installed in their HD VCRs. THe DVD consortium hasn't made any decisions as of yet.

Codes will be broadcast that will tell a recorder (VHS/DVD/HD) whether or not it can record a certain program. Those will be built into the recording devices themselves.

The broadcast standards you speak of have been in place since 1998, when HDTV was officially launched. there are 17 different picture formats. The only diference to make is the connections. Some have component inputs, others DVI, and still others, the new JVC standard.

Mitsibishi has a policy of automatic upgrades to all ther sets sold since 2000. They call it something like "Future Proof" or whatever...which means that whatever copy protection format is adopted, they wil install those jacks if my set doesn't already have them, for free.

[Touchdown]

3. Welcome to the future.

I've had mine for almost 2 years now, but I've been spoiled with TiVo, so I'll eventually have to buy a new HD hard drie recorder. Those commercials are too much!

The Olymics were beautiful. Even a boring game like the pommel horse looked good! Pole vaulting was the best, as you can see every grain of dirt the athlete kicks up, and even the hairs on his legs.

[NYC Liberal]

4. Discovery looks the best.

I agree, HDTV is awesome! What brand do you have?

[Misunderestimator]

6. A Panasonic 42" LCD

And the DirectTV satellite receiver is a Hughes digital.

[NYC Liberal]

7. Nice! I have the same...

except with cable.

[AndyTiedye]

8. No HDTV Signals Here

I got the HD tuner, but all the HDTV signals are far too weak, even with an amplifier
and a big roof antenna.

Just because antennaweb says there should be reception doesn't mean there will be.
(Of course, I found that out AFTER I spent the money on the tuner).

Too much absorption from the trees, I guess. Analog stations are watchable,
but no digital.

Fringe areas like ours will lose broadcast TV entirely when it goes all-digital in a few years.
Not that I watch it much, anyway.