New HD channels.

[groucho]

What are these HD channels appearing on sky digital? There's Sky movies 10/11HD (I think) and National GeographicHD; what I've seen so far.

They seem to be subscription channels.

[lazyitus]

Maybe the first of the new High Definition channels that they're introducing.

See here

>> Edited by lazyitus on Saturday 11th February 12:46

[Roop]

Yes, they are the new HD channels - I spoke to Sky yesterday as I have SkyHD on order and they are expecting to launch the service in March. My VISA's going to take a battering chez Derestrictor in his HD LCD department, I can see it already...

[groucho]

So, is it that the picture is just better?

[johnny]

I wish they would get their act together and just bloody release the HD box!. I registered months ago and have put off getting Sky+ to wait for it. Now 24 is starting, i still don't have Sky+ and i'm working Sunday night so can't watch it. And i'm working when it's repeated on Monday night!! Aaarrggghh!

[Parrot of Doom]

If you've got broadband, just download it via bittorrent.

[groucho]

What's this HD box. Is it just an upgrade on the Sky+ with the same sort of functions?

[johnny]

Parrot of Doom said:

If you've got broadband, just download it via bittorrent

Good idea - I just haven't got round to figuring out how yet!

The new Sky HD box will have Sky+ functionality and will obviously be able to handle HD content 720p & 1080i if i remember correctly. HDMI interface(s) will be present so you need a TV that is 'HD Ready' with similar inputs. I've not been able to find out much more info despite calling Sky a couple of times.

There are a few pics of it on t'internet (try T3 or somesuch).

[Andy Mac]

The difference between HD and regular is pretty unreal. It looks fantastic.

[Roop]

HD is different in many ways. Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but the UK spec HD will be 1280x720 non interlaced (actually progressive scan). This is compared with the current PAL standard of 720x576 interlaced. It is essentially much higher resolution and the difference is astounding. It's like switching your Microsoft Windows resolution from 640x480 to 1024x768.

[richb]

groucho said:

What's this HD box. Is it just an upgrade on the Sky+ with the same sort of functions?

No, it's substantially different.

[richb]

johnny said:

I registered months ago and have put off getting Sky+ to wait for it.

I registered and haven't heard a thing, should I have done? Got the HDTV need the source now!

>> Edited by richb on Saturday 11th February 15:19

[Andy Mac]

richb said:

groucho said: What's this HD box. Is it just an upgrade on the Sky+ with the same sort of functions? No, it's substantially different.

.. It's like going from the old US spec, to UK spec, and then some! The difference in clarity, is unbelievable. they have the nascar/dtm demo on TV's here, and it looks astounding.The colours, the clarity, are phenomenal.

[Plotloss]

HD has been suggested as a £10 per month extra to current subscribers. As Roop says its a 720p feed and they need to replace your current box with a Thomson HD STB, the downlink and dish are the same. Its connectivity is still up in the air, Sony have said its going to have component outs (by saying their component in plasma is sky hd compatible), other articles and a Sky release suggest its going to DVI and HDMI only, no component.

I've heard installers training has just started or is starting very soon.

There is already a HD satellite over Europe, so if you have the equipment you can already watch HD content and of course its downloadable off the web.

Sony should have now finished kitting out Sky's studios with the HDCAMs and HD VTRs which is how they are getting the picture to you in the new improved definition but PoD is the man to talk to for that sort of thing...

[timmartin]

:d parents got an LCD TV recently and i always thought that taking a crap signal and blowing it up was pointless...

This sounds brilliant, are there any highstreet shops with demos on, i wouldnt mind seeing the difference myself?

[Marshy]

I thought sky were going to do some 1080i stuff as well or has than changed?

I also read somewhere that early boxes would have component output as well as HDMI due to HDMI not being prevalent enough yet.

Have to agree though: HD stuff looks stunning, and that's just the 720p stuff (which is all my projector will do). I have some Battlestar Galactica eps in hi-def, and they're amazing. (And I've already watched it by paying money to sky, and paid for the DVD box set, so I think I've handed over my pound of flesh there...)

[Andy Mac]

My 51 inch TV () will take a HD signal, it's just a case of waiting until they actually release some that are worth the extra hassle.

[rich1231]

Andy Mac said:

My 51 inch TV () will take a HD signal, it's just a case of waiting until they actually release some that are worth the extra hassle.

Andy,
loads of stuff has been fimed in HD already...

[Andy Mac]

I know, but time warner only have a few channels broadcast in it, and they are a bit gaff to be honest... I'm not paying to have Steve irwin, and American Chopper in lovely colours... i want movies, Speed channel, Fox soccer, etc.

ie.. these are available in HD...

"HBO East High Definition

801 Showtime High Definition

820 Discovery HD Theater

821 TNT HD

850 - 852 WCNY-24 (Sycracuse, PBS)

855 WTVH-5 (Syracuse, CBS) HD

863 WSTM-3 (Syracuse, NBC) HD

889 WSYR-9HD"

Local news, and discovery are not exaclty going to make me rush out. I'll wait until the channels I see more often are in HD.



>> Edited by Andy Mac on Saturday 11th February 22:18

[scorp]

how do you recieve HD on a scart connection, do you need a special reciever or something?