More than half the U.S. households — 56% — now have at least one HDTV installed, according to a new study by Nielson. That’s not particularly surprising, since it’s getting increasingly difficult to buy a display that isn’t high definition (except for the iPad perhaps).
But here’s a statistic that might surprise you. More than 80% [...]
[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/columns/2010/11/hdtv-almanac-still-watching-standard-definition.php]Read Column[/url]
HDTV Almanac - Still Watching Standard Definition?
-
alfredpoor
- Major Contributor
- Posts: 1805
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 9:27 am
-
ccclvib
- Major Contributor
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:35 pm
If the majority of the people I know are indicative of the norm, it's "they don't care!" My neighbors, some friends, even some relatives, all just not only don't realize they're not watching HD, but go to extremes to make it obvious (watching SD in full-frame on a 16x9 display.) I've asked more than a few if the distorted picture bothers them, and the answer I get most of the time is, "You mean it's not supposed to look like that?"
I've given up explaining what they can do because in most cases they remember as long as I'm in the room. I have no doubt the providers (cable/satellite) don't care as long as they're getting their money, but I can't abide the fact most of these folks are paying for HD and don't know what to do to watch it!
I've given up explaining what they can do because in most cases they remember as long as I'm in the room. I have no doubt the providers (cable/satellite) don't care as long as they're getting their money, but I can't abide the fact most of these folks are paying for HD and don't know what to do to watch it!
Mike Richardson
Capitola, CA
On the shores of the blue - and cold - Pacific
Capitola, CA
On the shores of the blue - and cold - Pacific
-
alfredpoor
- Major Contributor
- Posts: 1805
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 9:27 am
I Feel Your Pain
Mike, I totally agree. I'm constantly "fixing" other people's HDTVs because I can't stand watching cars drive away on oval wheels. (Or worse, watching the cars turn into stretch limos as they drive off the edge of the frame; that must be what a bad acid trip looks like!)
But don't throw in the towel. Those of us who can appreciate the difference need to be able to show others without sounding like a know-it-all. I'm convinced that there are people out there who would prefer to watch video content in its original aspect ratio if they only understood what was going on.
Alfred
But don't throw in the towel. Those of us who can appreciate the difference need to be able to show others without sounding like a know-it-all. I'm convinced that there are people out there who would prefer to watch video content in its original aspect ratio if they only understood what was going on.
Alfred
-
lmarks
- Member
- Posts: 25
- Joined: Wed Dec 07, 2005 11:06 am
And another thing
I helped a GF pick out a home theater. I connected the digital cable box, home theater, and (old) TV using the highest resolution options. We stopped seeing one another. A few months later I stopped by. She had gotten a new flat screen TV. Her son had reconnected the TV, home theater, and cable box--all with yellow-RCA-ended composite video cables! 
-
alfredpoor
- Major Contributor
- Posts: 1805
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 9:27 am
Ouch!
He really knows how to hurt a guy!
Alfred
Alfred
-
ccclvib
- Major Contributor
- Posts: 91
- Joined: Mon Feb 06, 2006 10:35 pm
Can't tell you how many times I've seen that - although from the installers of the various providers(!) when they come to install the piece parts necessary to provide HD. It just blows me away.
Admittedly, the big thing is using HDMI - where possible - and the cost of the cables, but they don't even mention the choice, they just hook it up with whatever and go away.
Admittedly, the big thing is using HDMI - where possible - and the cost of the cables, but they don't even mention the choice, they just hook it up with whatever and go away.
Mike Richardson
Capitola, CA
On the shores of the blue - and cold - Pacific
Capitola, CA
On the shores of the blue - and cold - Pacific
-
alfredpoor
- Major Contributor
- Posts: 1805
- Joined: Wed May 13, 2009 9:27 am
Cable myths
Mike, in my experience, a $12 HDMI cable works just as well in most installations as a $120 one. Not that I'd expect the store's installers to mention that. Still, they shouldn't use composite video for an HDTV and a high-def source. <sigh>
Alfred
Alfred