MNET HD - Not available on normal decoders?

Dolby

Dolby

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I couldn't find this channel yesterday ... is it hidden on normal decoders or am I not looking hard enough? ;)

I thought as a non-HD decoder, we'd still benefit from wide screen and surround sound.
 
Are the normal deciders capable of even receiving - let alone processing - the HD signal?
 
I dunno :/

I assumed it would be backwards compatible ... I assumed wrong? So in 2 years when they're broadcasting more, they're going to have to double all channels for SD and HD - or we'll be forced to have the HD PVR?
 
In short, no.

About HDTV

HD (which stands for High Definition) has revolutionised the television experience with lifelike viewing, sharper images, more vibrant colours and precision picture quality. The image quality has up to five times more detail than your normal digital TV.

HD is a digital television broadcasting system with higher resolution than traditional Standard Definition (SD) television systems. Instead of using the conventional 625 lines to plot a TV picture, HD uses 720 or 1080 lines. In addition, the pixels in each of those lines are smaller and closer together, resulting in hugely improved picture quality, clarity and colour definition.

HD also uses more colours than SD, increasing the richness and intensity of everything you watch. Most HD programmes and movies utilise the widescreen 16:9 format and are also created with cinema-style surround sound, that you can experience in full with a compatible surround sound system.

It’s the ultimate way to watch your favourite movies, series and sporting events and it’s going to deliver so much more!

To experience the full magic of HD you require the following:

HD PVR (connected to the TV via a HDMI cable)
A Full HD or HD ready TV
Satellite installation (minimum twin LNB) - Click here for XtraView installation options or check out our Installation FAQs.
Home Theatre System (optional)
Click to expand...


The crux of the matter: THE HD PVR

The good news is that we’re offering subscribers an HD PVR decoder for the special launch price of only R2499*!
Click to expand...

So even if you currently have a standard PVR - you'll need to cough up some moola for a new one - DSTV, So much more... :rolleyes:
 
You can get it for R2199 from Makro atm... (think I might just have to go and get myself one this weekend)
 
ToxicBunny said:
You can get it for R2199 from Makro atm... (think I might just have to go and get myself one this weekend)
Click to expand...
I dont see the point yet - crap programming is still crap even in HD.
 
Oh yeah, the programming is still crap, no doubt about that.

But for me its more the PVR stuff that I want since I held off getting a PVR for awhile.
 
I got the HD pvr and channel 170 rocks!! Finally I am getting full value of my LCD tv
 
Dolby said:
I couldn't find this channel yesterday ... is it hidden on normal decoders or am I not looking hard enough? ;)

I thought as a non-HD decoder, we'd still benefit from wide screen and surround sound.
Click to expand...
It is in the Specialist Bouquet on a SD decoder. You don't get any picture though there is sound.

Buying a HD decoder for R2500 + R55 extra for ONE pretty channel wreaks of ripoff at the moment.
 
Last edited:
lcbxx said:
It is in the Specialist Bouquet on a SD decoder. You don't get any picture though there is sound.

Buying a HD decoder for R2500 + R55 extra for ONE pretty channel wreaks of ripoff at the moment.
Click to expand...

Uhm, for me it does not cost a cent extra, except for the insurance on the HD decoder, and still having my SD pvr, I can record on 3 different channels, uhm where is the extra R55 rippoff you are talking about?
 
For us going from standard, single decoders :/
 
once there is a greater variety of channels on HD I will start to consider the move.
 
ToxicBunny said:
Oh yeah, the programming is still crap, no doubt about that.

But for me its more the PVR stuff that I want since I held off getting a PVR for awhile.
Click to expand...
Perhaps when they make the move to the dual view PVRs but until then I'm happy with my older non-HD model.

I still wouldnt mind it if they would shift to widescreen even on SD. They've showed in the past that they're able to broadcast it.
 
Yeah, since you have the dual-view stuff, I'd stick to it as well....

I still have me one of those VERY old school decoders....
And the widescreen stuff would be nice, instead of me having to zoom the image when they're showing a WS picture letterboxed into 4:3 aspect ratio....
 
works with normal Coax.. but you need a twin lnb with a 2 - 4 splitter since it has 4 tuners.
 
JungleRumble said:
Hi Gothan - did they have to replace the cabling from the LNB? Or does the HD PVR work with normal coaxial?
Click to expand...

Nope, no cabling was replaced. I alread had a normal SD pvr, so all they did was put in an 8 way splitter from the two LNB cables..and BAM! Bob's your uncle
 
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