Digital and HD Free to Air TV and HD TVs

[stephenb (Stephen)]

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

I agree, the station provided EPGs are terrible, ABC and SBS possible exceptions.
The most they provide is what's currently showing and what's on next.

I subscribe to IceTV to get my program guide which is much better and good for 7 days. There are still gaps though as ultimately the IceTV guide relies on data provided by the various stations. Channel 9 are particularly bad in this respect e.g. tonghts 7:30 slot is shown as TBA.

I couldn't disagree more. Our Free-to-Air TV guide is excellent for all free-to-air channels. I can see the program guide for every channel, up to 5-odd days in advance. I can set timer recordings and they work everytime (adding 5 minutes on either side to compensate for time-shift). Sometimes there are minimal gaps, but it never affects my programming.

I love the advance free-to-air guides.

[JethroB76 (Jeff)]

Originally Posted by GeoffW1

It seems not all the free-to-air channels broadcast the best possible HD signals. Aha. Some broadcast 1080i (interlaced) signals but others only 720p (progressive). There are no 1080p signals, yet. However, plasma and LCD screens are not by nature interlaced and must fiddle the 1080i signals to be progressive. Trouble is some of them process it to 720p (which is still called HD, just not bees-knees HD). So you lose something some of the time.

I have a 42" HD Panasonic and love it, but I'm glad someone mentioned this, alot of our HD braodcasts aren't overly HD. The introduction of digital tv hasnt been handled well in Australia it seems, perhaps mirroring our efforts with broadband internet

[snowyskiesau]

Originally Posted by glenluceskies

I couldn't disagree more. Our Free-to-Air TV guide is excellent for all free-to-air channels. I can see the program guide for every channel, up to 5-odd days in advance. I can set timer recordings and they work everytime (adding 5 minutes on either side to compensate for time-shift). Sometimes there are minimal gaps, but it never affects my programming.

I love the advance free-to-air guides.

I stand corrected. It's been a while since I used the station provided EPG.

I have the EPG downloaded to a webserver where there is software that searches for shows I like and automatically records them. It's not perfect yet but it's a lot cheaper than TiVo.

[toetoe (Peter)]

We have a 50" LG Plasma, it wont get me a coffee but it does everything else. The only regret we have is we wish we got the 60".

[acropolite (Phil)]

I've noticed that, when the EPG is not there often a few minutes later it will apear. Makes sense when you think that the EPG has to download from the incoming video stream and obviously would not be a high priority compared with the video and audio streams.


Patience Grasshopper....

[MrB (Simon)]

Yes have noticed the same EPG problem with STB's(set top boxes).
Also have noticed that if I change channel, the EPG has to be downloaded again.
I recently helped my mum pick out a decent HDTV, decided on a Panasonic Viera. Never had a problem with the EPG on it.
I'm guessing it has decent EPG memory and often refreshes the EPG in the background so it all just pops up instantly when you want it.
Which is common sense really from a design standpoint.

[gman (Grant)]

I purchased a Samsung 1080i HD W/Screen Television about 8 odd years ago.
It is a fantastic TV but it weighs about 90kgs and is quite deep - I had to cut out the back of the TV unit to let it fit in.
Being the person I am I won't upgrade it to a plasma/LCD just for the sake of keeping up with the Jones's.

No matter how much I stare at it, it still keeps going.

The plasma/LCD is still on hold

I cant wait to upgrade so I can utilise HDMI inputs and upscaling etc of DVD's and the likes.

Some one know how to sabotage a TV without it being too obvious?

[snowyskiesau]

If you're happy with your TV, why change?
My TV is about 5 years and is a 76cm CRT (Palsonic).

The picture is terrific and I can;t see any reason to upgrade. I'd rather spend the money on upgrading my DVR.

Only downside of a CRT is that it is too heavy for one person to move. It was unpacked into a corner 5 years ago and hasn't moved since. Hate to think what the carpet under it looks like

[mithrandir (Andrew)]

Originally Posted by snowyskiesau

I stand corrected. It's been a while since I used the station provided EPG.

I have the EPG downloaded to a webserver where there is software that searches for shows I like and automatically records them. It's not perfect yet but it's a lot cheaper than TiVo.

Recently we've had multiple consecutive days of 9 Sydney not providing any EPG data at all. It gets quite confusing when the PVR is full of programs all called "No Title".

When 9 do, any resemblence between the EPG and what actually shows up is pure coincidence. The same holds true for their new "Go!" service.

Ten seem to have started listing the "real" start time for some shows, down to the minute.

Once upon a time the SMH TV Guide was all you needed for the whole week. These days the stations supply them what could easily be described as a work of fiction.

[MrB (Simon)]

Ch9 is no different here.
Very helpfull when their EPG tells you that there's a movie on, but provides no title or description!