Pay TV doesn't broadcast in high definition
Foxtel has heard the wailing and the teeth-gnashing, and as of 22 June 2008 it will be releasing its Foxtel HD+ service. For cable customers in the eastern states, you'll be able to access all the FTA HD channels plus five additional HD channels consisting of sports and documentary channels. You can read our review of the iQ2 set-top box here.
Until recently, Foxtel only had analog retransmission agreements with Seven and Ten, so the availability of all HD FTA channels is a big deal. If you live in an area without cable access you'll have to wait a little longer for HD+ — satellite customers will only gain FTA (plus a gaggle of new channels TBA) when a new Optus satellite is launched in 2009.
Meanwhile, Austar is reportedly producing a new version of its MyStar set-top box with HD TV tuners on-board. Austar head John Porter told Australian IT in June that he sees the Austar box becoming "format-agnostic". To access HD channels with this box you would need HD FTA coverage in your area.
The analog switch-off date keeps getting extended, so it's not as if HD — or even digital TV — is a pressing necessity
Though digital television was launched seven years ago in Australia, there are still a whole lot of people happily watching the analog version. The slower-than-expected take-up has resulted in the switch-off date being pushed forward to 31 December 2013. Most of us will be flying cars to work by then. Still, as we've said before, digital TV offers a lot more than just a better signal.
I live in a rural area and I don't know if I can get a digital signal
Digital television broadcasts may have become available in your area. Unfortunately, with DBA gone it requires a bit of legwork, but as a starter the ABC lists coverage areas here. Both SBS and the ABC have digital services available to over 94 per cent of the population so it's worth checking.
Channel Nine HD and Ten HD are also available in some regional areas as well — despite competing with the stations' own regionalised versions in Win and Southern Cross TV — so it's worth checking your local TV guide for more information.
Now that Blu-ray has won the format war should I buy a new player?
In February this year, Toshiba announced it was quitting the race after taking quite a kicking as movie houses and retailers threw their weight behind Sony's format.
Most movie houses are ramping up production of Blu-ray and planning simultaneous Blu-ray and DVD schedules — even the once-HD DVD exclusive Paramount.
So, while we wait for movie studios to get up to steam, consumers are still getting a rough deal. Stand-alone Blu-ray players still cost upwards of AU$800, and discs cost in the region of AU$40 with the available catalogue still quite small. Especially when compared to the millions of DVD titles on the market and players for the cost of a Blu-ray disc.
Blu-ray: we know what it is now!
If your curiosity has been piqued by this next-gen format, there is a way to try it out without having to spend a motza on quickly outdated hardware: get yourself a console. The PlayStation 3 plays Blu-ray discs and upscales DVDs to 1080p. Both Blu-ray playback and DVD playback are the best available for the price, making this a home theatre wolf in cheap clothing.
In terms of titles, the number of movies available on Blu-ray has increased significantly since their introduction in 2006. Retailer EzyDVD now lists hundreds of both titles, and stores even feature signs touting that the employees are familiar with the format. It's quite a change from last year, when the phrase "Do you have any Blu-ray movies?" was often met with a blank look.
The bottom line
So, is it time to go HD? Things have certainly improved as far as HD TV is concerned, with television networks broadcasting a greater variety of programming at higher resolutions. Screen prices have fallen fast, and set-top boxes are becoming unnecessary in light of the inclusion of HD tuners.
The big issue surrounding HD TV is the extension of the digital deadline. With over five years left of analog transmissions, there is no immediate need for people to switch to digital, let alone HD. While the early adopters are settling in to watch their 1080p screens every night, there is a whole crowd of analog watchers who see no reason to shift. Still, the humble VCR still seemed pretty sweet until DVD appeared on the scene.
Our advice given the current state of play is to take the HD plunge if you're in need of a new TV. Given all channels must simulcast their programming in SD and HD, it's not as though you'll be forced into high-def before you're ready. Most new televisions feature both an analog and an HD tuner — which is handy if you find there's no coverage in your area.
As far as Blu-ray is concerned, we'd advise sticking with a PS3 as it offers a lot of features and future-proofing. However, we look forward to a time when stand-alone players can finally rub shoulders with Sony's behemoth. After all, who still uses their PS2 now as a DVD player given the high quality of stand-alones?
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John
21/08/2007 07:08 PM
I HOPE I AM PURCHASING THIS PANSONIC PLAZMA MODEL TH-42PX70A WHAT DO YOU THINK PLEASE LET ME KNOW THIS AS MUCH I CAN AFFORD,THANKS
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jjjk
30/08/2007 07:37 PM
For those disappointed with Foxtel viewing: I recently purchased a Panasonic HD Plasma (TH-42PX70A) and was disappointed with the quality of my foxtel images. It seemed that my better screen was merely highlighting the imperfections of the signal. I went and spent $50 on the Foxtel scart to component accessory cable and bingo - my tv registered a pure 576i signal and has given me an excellent picture. It truly was worth the outlay. On another note, I recommend my Panasonic plasma as it is performing well above my expectations and is value for money.
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David
06/09/2007 01:18 PM
There are just too many salesmen out there that talk wiith a forked tounge.
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DrG
08/11/2007 08:20 PM
Warner is format neutral and supports both formats.
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genre 1
30/06/2008 04:11 PM
Too unsetled at the moment I want Panasonic Blu- ray recorder /player but disappointed with T.V.s because , guarantee is not long enough for the outlay at the moment & I hear Pixels are not Guaranteed so U would do your $ 2 or 3000--00 cold . Yes U can buy more guarantee about 3 years but for a price , people don't have money like that to throw around , especially nowadays.
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