DStv High-Definition broadcast details

[chrisc]

With the fast refresh rate of modern TVs, and fast video processors, there will be no discernible visible difference between 1080i and 1080p. Any smearing you see might be due to compression during transmission, or the TV's inability to render the image fast enough (more likely). Also check the signal strength and signal quality for that channel, if they are not both very close to 100% this can also cause visual artefacts.

 

[Roman4604]

When the two frames are at different points in time you get the comb effect:

If you are seeing this on your TV with 1080i, it must be really old or really rubbish. Not even budget 1080p TVs (popular name brands) exhibit this kind of effect.

This image shows an interlaced signal being displayed without de-interlaced (DSP processing/correction).

 

[DELEVEX]

... Also check the signal strength and signal quality for that channel, if they are not both very close to 100% this can also cause visual artefacts.

I do not agree. Firstly we're talking about a digital picture, not analog which means it's either on or off. Secondly, the signal strength and quality displayed on your decoder is in no way a true reflection of the actual figures (Not even close, trust me). And finally, the incoming encrypted signal will not have any effect on your outgoing decoded signal - once again it's either on or off.

 

[TheMightyQuin]

I stand to be corrected but it is my understanding that 1080i50 gets converted to 1080p25. So it is only a transmission standard. The TV still shows the content at progressive as we no longer have the old CRT where interlacing used scan lines. As most movies are shot at 24fps converting to 1080i50 should result in ideal HD reproduction. I know that PAL movies on DVD just take the 24fps and show it at 25fps to match the 576i50 25fps and speed up the sound track. That is why a PAL version is slightly shorter than a NTSC movie which uses the silly 3:2 pull down to convert 24fps to 30fps.

Where the source content is 50/60 fps then 1080p50 would be better but movies at 1080i50->1080p25 should be perfect. BluRay uses 1080p24 to match the source.

Is this information also available in English? Jirre......

 

[Roman4604]

Watching an HD channel on the tv results in a horrible 'almost real-time' picture.

Not sure I understand what you're describing?

including a horribly cropped back & white border at the top of the screen.

Actually, the black and white border at the top led me to believe the fancy cycle speed up and frame doubling DSTV is doing is resulting in a slightly off aspect ratio.

What you describe here is not caused by the TV, its actually in the signal stream from the original broadcaster. They're called overscan artifacts and can be present when you configure your TV for 1:1 pixel mode (instead of the usual 16:9 underscan mode).

I've always used 1:1 pixel mode on all my TVs (as it provides a sharper 1080i picture), but have never seen overscan artifacts on a DSTV HD channel, while I do occasionally see them on some SD channels.

Are you sure you were watching a HD channel?

 

[elvis_presley]

[Are you sure you were watching a HD channel?

Of course he was, and using a Monster<tm> composite cable to get the video into his TV. I've never had an issue with DSTV HD quality - compared to the untouched bitstream 1080i / 710p rips you download, I can't see a discernible difference.

Seriously, though - bad setup on a TV can make a R35k panel look like a R5k panel.

 

[Smiley_lauf]

I watched India v England t20 at a friend's place in HD. The green of the field was smearing all over the place....

It happens on 176 English Premier League channel--grass and ball are smudged! But compare that with Sprinbok Rugby match broadcast from South Africa (local) or even PSL soccer (local) the HD quality is superior.

Must be to do with distance?