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Hi-Def Fans Allege Low Blow

Cable's compression of HD signals water down the product, connoisseurs say

By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 21, 2008 3:16 PM CDT
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(Newser) – TV enthusiasts are miffed that high-definition channels aren't looking as good as they should on expensive home-theater systems, the AP reports. Without much spare bandwidth, compressing the signal is cheaper for the cable companies than increasing capacity. "They have to figure out a way to deliver more HD content through their distribution networks," says a tech expert.

That's easier for satellite TV companies, because they have the option of launching new satellites, rather than having to redo existing infrastructure. Comcast insists its compressed signals shouldn't be noticeable, but subscribers say the problem is plain to see. "It kind of looked like they took the standard definition and just blew it up," one irked viewer said.

It kind of looked like they took the standard definition and just blew it up, says a Comcast subscriber.
"It kind of looked like they took the standard definition and just blew it up," says a Comcast subscriber.   (AP Photo)
Owners of expensive tech are complaining that the signal compression used on HD channels compromises the quality of the picture.
Owners of expensive tech are complaining that the signal compression used on HD channels compromises the quality of the picture.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts gestures during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.
Comcast CEO Brian Roberts gestures during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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Why isn't there lots of HD radio?
Audioholics

I want to see every crag in Admiral Adama's face!
TV by the Numbers

 
television • Comcast • satellite TV • high definition • bandwidth • signal compression

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