HDTV Forum

According to a recent survey by Leichtman Research Group (LRG), about one in five HDTV owners believe they are watching HD (high definition) programming simply because they own an HDTV, but instead are really watching SD (standard definition) content.

The data compiled by LRG is based on a telephone survey of 1302 U.S. households and marks the 6th consecutive year the survey has been run.

Th ...

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I sure know the diff. There's a distinct diff between HD and upconverted band width as well. Then, 1080 compared to 720... boy oh boy....... Sure will be glad to see the day when everything is in true HD and we are stepping into the next technological stage. Bring on the toys....................

Hi cpt_guavaberry -

Unfortunately 100 % HD will not be the case for many years, in all likelihood. In these extremely volatile financial times, there'll be even less funds available to create the necessary specials and / or new content.

In a recent survey, one of the most prevailing beliefs today is that of the magic date in next February as being THE date of 100 % HD!

Not certain I understand "..dramatic distinctions regarding ... 720 Vs 1080 ... ?" For the most part, it is indistinguishable for many as long as they are watching from 6 - 7 feet .... perhaps you were referring to Blu Ray 1080p materials?

eli

With the recent surge in sales of HDTVs I'm surprised that the number is as low as only 1 in 5. I would have guessed at closer to 40-50%. And in a related matter, I'm sure that even a greater number of people think that in February, 2009 the Digital Changeover means that everything will now be broadcast in HD - or some other just as erroneous idea.

Those of us who frequent sites like this one are more atuned to TV technology but the average person is used to looking at TV shows and movies without really understanding what's behind the picture. They really are only interested in the content and not the quality (unless it's REALLY poor.) That's not meant as an indictment, merely the way it is.

What about the ones that think digital broadcasting doesn't START until February 2009?

EXCELLENT point!

I am surprised that it isn't more then 1 in 5 (or 20%). Most HDTVs up convert SD. In many cases, people will have gone from an analog signal to a digital signal. If you never seen an HD image how would you know it is not HD. It looks better, it looks clear and it looks bigger.

I used to own a SDTV which could be put into a wide screen mode. This allowed DVD players to play back a movie in anamorphic mode. You got more pixels for the image because you didn't have to waste bandwidth on the black bars to get the right aspect ratio. I could see the difference. It was night and day. However, a friend of mine who owned the same TV could not. When I showed him the feature (he didn't know it had it) he didn't see the point.

Just like some people can distinquish sound better, some people see color better and other people see sharper images.

Final point. If people don't wear their classes while watching TV and it is somewhat blurry, will it make much of a difference.