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cdtv_admin@cdtv.ca
06/18/2004
5:39 PM
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Comment from Admin.
The bit rates for the video and audio transmissions on cable, satellite and over-the-air transmission are very similar for most content. HD video requires at least 13 Mbps for reasonable quality using current coding techniques (MPEG-2). The choice between cable, satellite and possible off-air depends more on the availability of HDTV programming in your area and its cost. In many parts of Canada, a full range of HD programming may only be available on satellite, as the cable industry moves to upgrade systems to get the digital capacity needed for HD. In major centers, (Toronto, Montreal, etc.), the choice will be mainly one of cost and convenience.
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o_2_1@hotmail.com
04/17/2005
4:12 PM
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I find very weird that close to nobody here, except Admin, is talking about main HDTV criteria which is exact quality of signals.I have quite an experience with it over various satellite platforms, mostly Canadian and US, and will surely share thoughts.
First of all our providers such as Express Vu are having very low bitrates on most HD channels due to insufficient capacity of their 15mbit carrier per one frequency where two or three 720p or 1080i channels are put resulting in about 7.5mbit per channel max!As you can see it's, at least, two times less than required when 13mbit won't give you amazingly clear picture at some picture bits as well.
Most other HD sat signals aren't free as well and have nearly same problem with lack of bandwith and couple of times less bitrate due to that, except about two C band carriers of CBS that are listed to have amazing bitrate and free to air (unchecked by me).Details by your country at www.lyngsat.com I would say it's not worth your penny nor equipment bought by now if you concidered going with sat.
Other and, probably, most worthy idea is to try off air HD in your city if you're in Canada.By now you can get almost everything that's available on PPV basis and with lower quality on sats/cable but with your old antenna and for free, if you're able to pick those signals up that is.Only thing you loose is few PPV movie channels that aren't that great concerning quality/content by now.
QUESTION TO ADMIN: I would really like to know bitrate details of Toronto/Buffalo, etc transmitted channels because that's what not listed anywhere and is my key point of getting HDTV-T (Off Air) or not.Would really appreciate that info and thank you in advance!
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