Digital TV - are we being ripped off?

superscaper

nullogik wrote: »

Yep, thats what I meant "digital frequency and channel readout". I've seen quite a few shops (both independant and large chains) using "digital" to describe such analogue radios.

I suppose the lesson here, is if its not "DAB" then its not truly "digital" as people would expect.

That's probably why they introduced "DAB". I can't see any way of not calling the "digital channel" radio "digital" to distinguish it from an analogue radio without that feature. I undertand the actual technology and terminology etc and even I got a bit confused back there. So you've definitely proved your point :beer:

Idiophreak

mushypeaman wrote: »

Because when the change to digital TV happens, we won't need a TV set that tunes into, and receives, TV channels will we? All we shall really need is a monitor screen that displays the output from our Freeview box, or Sky box, or DVD player, or video player.

Leaving aside the TVs with a built-in Freeview box

Why are you leaving aside the TVs that are...TVs??

Yes, when digital is the only option, you might only need a scart socket (or HDMI, or whatever) to plug your freeview box into...but...That's exactly the case now...You don't need the built in tuner in your TV at all if you're going to plug into a freeview box.

I don't think I really understand what you're getting at....

Inactive

Idiophreak wrote: »

I don't think I really understand what you're getting at....

You are not alone.. :rotfl:

penrhyn

If you all want to fuel your paranoia, the current DAB standard used in the UK could be replaced.
Thus all current UK DAB radios will become obsolete.
http://www.digitalradiotech.co.uk/articles/All-DAB-receivers-will-be-obsolete-in-a-few-years-time.php

Early High Definition panels have 720 vertical pixels, the newer crop have 1080 vertical pixels.

There are currently two competing High definition DVD standards, HD and Blue Ray, one will be consigned to the technology dustbin , remember Beta Max.

As to getting ripped off the price of technology is always coming down, keeping all those Chinese workers busy polluting their country so we don't have to pollute ours.

superscaper

penrhyn wrote: »

There are currently two competing High definition DVD standards, HD and Blue Ray, one will be consigned to the technology dustbin , remember Beta Max.

I disagree, a more equivalent analogy: remember DVD+ and DVD-? Both of those are still with us, and with players like LG's BH100, and with JVC developing hybrid discs there isn't any reason for either format to disappear. Each have their own advantages and may find their own niche markets.

wolfman

Hmmm I partially agree. DVD+ and DVD- were adopted differently, whereas with HD-DVD and BluRay there's more of a division between a lot of the blue chips in media and film.

I still agree though in the sense that both will be around just like DVD+ and DVD- have co-existed, mainly due to the amount of money invested and technologies that are dependent on both (ie PS3 - BlueRay, and Xbox360 HD as examples).

rmg1

Just to go off at a slight tangent, but still on digital TV, what are the "powers that be" going to do about the breakup of the signal due to weather, obstructions, etc?

Analogue signals don't seem to be affected as much as the new digital stuff (pixelation, freezing, complete loss of sound/picture/both, etc).

It seems that until this is sorted, we aren't going to get a complete service, so shouldn't have to pay a complete TV licence (just to pay for the new links on Auntie Beeb!)

espresso

rmg1 wrote: »

Analogue signals don't seem to be affected as much as the new digital stuff (pixelation, freezing, complete loss of sound/picture/both, etc).

Analogue signals are affected by ghosting and co-channel interference etc. and if you are suffering from (pixelation, freezing, complete loss of sound/picture/both, etc) you need to get a properly installed aerial. i.e. not a set top type.

rmg1

espresso wrote: »

Analogue signals are affected by ghosting and co-channel interference etc. and if you are suffering from (pixelation, freezing, complete loss of sound/picture/both, etc) you need to get a properly installed aerial. i.e. not a set top type.

We've never had a problem with the analogue signla, but do get fairly regular interference from digital.
As for the aerial, it's a communal aerial (don't ask) so not a lot we can do with it. And please don't mention getting Sky.

espresso

rmg1 wrote: »

As for the aerial, it's a communal aerial (don't ask) so not a lot we can do with it.

You should report your problems to the landlord as the communal aerial system is obviously not giving a good clean signal as it should.