On Feb 20, 8:25=A0am, Bobcat <bob_c...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
> On Feb 19, 11:33=A0am, manitou <manitou...@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> wrote:
>
> >http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2008_02/pr1903.htm
>
> > CPJ
>
> According to this item on U.S. News & World report, Toshiba is
> abandoning its HD TV line because its biggest rival Sony has adopted
> Blu-Ray. You're the guru in this subject - want to give us your
> comments pls?
There are so many ifs, ands _and/or_ buts, it's difficult to know
where to start.
The article mentions many people see little or no difference between
hi-def and standard on displays smaller than 42". The fact is, you
need a large and perfectly calibrated display to see either at their
absolute best. The big difference isn't so much a sharper picture
(though, depending on the source, this is often dramatic) but a
*richer* picture, especially colour detail and subtlety.
Up here in Canada, I'm noticing that HD channels for some of our
networks (Global and CTV) do *not* look as sharp as their US
counterparts. This has really jumped out at me using the PVR to
record shows like "HOUSE" and "Eli Stone". So I'm trying to stick
with the US channels for now. It seems the Canadian ones are using
heavier data compression, or perhaps using inferior disc (or tape)
formats when they rerecord shows and insert commercials.
However, "SUPERNATURAL" on CITY-TV looks stupendous --- as good as any
HD source I've seen, and does full justice to Jared Padalecki who has
the most beautiful skin I've seen on a man or woman in my entire
life! Last week's new ep, "Mystery Spot", was an extraordinary show,
almost a homage to David Lynch, as well as a nod to "The X-
Files" (mentioned a couple of times during the show). IINM it was
directed by Kim Manners, an "X-Files" vet. Like the earlier "X-Files"
seasons, the show is made in Vancouver. The cinematographer is French
Canadian, and a true artist.
I believe many people will continue preferring to have their own hard
disc versions of movies and other favourite programming. Internet
downloads and pay-per-view still have a long way to go in terms of
base technical quality and ergonomics. And if you have a PVR it's, if
anything, easier just to set it to record anything you want to see
then watch it at your convenience.
OTOH, I think there's already an emerging problem that people don't
have time to access all the programming now available, not even aging
babyboomers, unless you can spend eight hours a day watching TV!
Charles
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