Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you: No adverts like this in the forums anymore. Times and dates in your local timezone. Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance. Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely. Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net. If you are already a member then feel free to login now.

Just been thinking about this, following yet another advert on the Telly for HD products.

Namely, I've been thinking 'what's the bloody point in it?' Seriously, I just don't get it. Take Blu-ray and the defunct HD-DVD. So, they do everything a DVD does, but with a slightly better picture and slightly better sound. Plus, I can detract from my viewing pleasure by fannying around with the options and info stuff whilst the film is on, rather than be sensible and wait to explore the extras until after the main event.

And HD Telly in general. 1. It's bloody expensive. 2. It seems largely pointless. Colleague of mine got Sky HD when it first came out, and was raving about how during a football match, he could see individual blades of grass. Erm...wooo? Not really sure how being able to see irrelevant details warrants paying Sky more money each month...

Sure, I suppose if you have more money than sense, and own a Bang and Olufsen Home Cinema type set up you might get added pleasure out of HD, but then, who actually does? Do not most people just stick a telly in the corner and veg out of an evening, watching whatever tripe the powers that be have deigned to beam into our living rooms? How many people actually have a room layout conducive to surround sound? And if you have neighbours (which most people do) you're buggered for actually turning it up to the point where it makes the real impact.

HD, I name thee SWIZZ!

I don't know what swizz is (nor do I want to find out...), but I think you're dead on the nail about HD. It's not something I'd invest hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in.

I mean, what am I going to do with my superTV? Look at blades of grass, like your friend did? Watch Avatar again ()?

As a video producer I can say from experience that HD cameras produce a superior picture even when the footage is compressed for standard definition DVD.

But it's not as if standard definition is duff. It's perfectly fine, so what's the point in HD?

Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:But it's not as if standard definition is duff. It's perfectly fine, so what's the point in HD?

Sales! Sales! Sales!,one has to keep up with the Jones', if HD is 15% better in picture qaulity then we MUST have it.

Once they invent smell o vision i will buy one until then regular old farmer vision is good enough for me. Could you imagine smell o vision with porn.

...
Why the hell would you WANT smell-o-vision with porn?

Kanluwen wrote:...
Why the hell would you WANT smell-o-vision with porn?

For the same reason you'd want it while watching "CSI"... Depth of the experience.

Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:But it's not as if standard definition is duff. It's perfectly fine, so what's the point in HD?

I remember 425 line mono TV. People probably said that was good enough. Hell, people probably said silent movies were good enough.

Current SD could be improved by making it progressive scan.

HD 720p really is good enough. If anything, it's a bit too good and shows up too much detail such as zits on actors' faces (or surgery scars) which would be lost in SD.

Something like Blue Planet looks fantastic in HD though.

Dronze wrote:

Kanluwen wrote:...
Why the hell would you WANT smell-o-vision with porn?

For the same reason you'd want it while watching "CSI"... Depth of the experience.

"Oh man, it's like I'm in the middle of this sweaty, smelly orgy! I'm so glad I paid extra!"


or

"OH MY GOD I CAN SMELL THE DEAD BODIES! OH THIS ROCKS!"

I will totally take a pass on Smell-O-Vision.

Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:But it's not as if standard definition is duff. It's perfectly fine, so what's the point in HD?

Awesomeness. Same purpose behind television itself.

What? Walking around and talking to people isn't good enough?

HD TV's aren't that expensive nowadays especially compared to some of our tabletop armies, tools, etc. I'd definitely pick up a warranty though since repairing a TV is usually more expensive than buying a new one; just in case you get that lemon and all.

If you don't watch TV then SD ftw; but if you do then its worth it. A 37" 720p isn't that expensive nowadays - Love watching sports and Top Gear on HD. HDTV's can also double as computer monitors which can be fun

A lot of standard DVD and Blu Ray players also have technology that more or less converts a standard DVD to HD-esque quality which isn't too shabby.

My 52" 1080i is wondrous when playing Civ 4.

I used to think the whole "It's perfectly fine, so what's the point" when it first came out because of the pice but now it's come down a hell of a lot since then. But...

dogma wrote:My 52" 1080i is wondrous when playing Civ 4.

...I can't think of a room smaller than a churchhall a 52 inch television wouldn't look stupid in. Stupid sized tvs I really cant see the point in, and that's not the fault of price.

whatwhat wrote:
...I can't think of a room smaller than a churchhall a 52 inch television wouldn't look stupid in. Stupid sized tvs I really cant see the point in, and that's not the fault of price.

Its mostly for viewing multiple source articles at the same time; gaming is merely a side benefit.

Edit: When including my 3 parallel monitors (dual video cards) roughly 1/3 of my living room is covered by screen.

Cane wrote:HD TV's aren't that expensive nowadays especially compared to some of our tabletop armies, tools, etc. I'd definitely pick up a warranty though since repairing a TV is usually more expensive than buying a new one; just in case you get that lemon and all.

If you don't watch TV then SD ftw; but if you do then its worth it. A 37" 720p isn't that expensive nowadays - Love watching sports and Top Gear on HD. HDTV's can also double as computer monitors which can be fun

A lot of standard DVD and Blu Ray players also have technology that more or less converts a standard DVD to HD-esque quality which isn't too shabby.

I never bother with warranties, as under European law, manufacturers are obliged to repair/replace for free within the first 2 (might be 3) years.

And they say Europe does bugger all.

feth Civ 4, my Panzers keep getting killed by longbowmen.

How in the bloody hell is that happening, Ork?

I don't know, their cities have like 200% defense bonus or something. :(