Link This |
Email this |
Blog This |
Comments (6)
DNC Looks Amazing on Dish
August 27, 2008
Last night I spent a great amount of time flipping through the channels watching the big DNC convention in Denver. I was kind of disappointed with the HD quality I saw coming from the big networks, and CNN.
Just before Hillary Clinton wrapped up her speech I then remembered that Dish Network was offering its customers a special HD feed of the DNC convention on channel 211, so I tuned to 211 and was blown away with what I saw. The picture quality blew me away, the picture was so sharp and crisp it felt like I was there.
While the picture was excellent, the audio did need some work as one of the microphones in the audience was near someone whose cell phone kept ringing every 5 minutes, it got really annoying after awhile.
I flipped from channel 211 to a number of off air digital and satellite broadcast network and news channels and nothing came close to the picture quality I was seeing on Dish Networks 211.
Even if you are not a fan of the democratic party, if you want to see what “Amazing HD” looks like tune in to Dish Network channel 211 tonight. Now only if all HD could look that good.
I am hoping that Dish repeats this again and covers next week’s RNC event, however I have heard no plans from Dish Network to cover the RNC event.
More HD Locals for DirecTV
Today DirecTV has lit up three addition HD local markets. The new HD locals markets that were lit up today are Augusta, GA; Chattanooga, TN; and Johnstown – Altoona, PA.
DirecTV is making good on bringing more HD locals to more people by the end of the year.
FCC to Require Sirius / XM to support HD Radio?
There is a rumor going around saying that the FCC might require Sirius XM Satellite Radio to build in HD Radio support into their upcoming interoperable radios.
I really hope this rumor is not true, as I don’t think HD radio deserves a free ride. After all the NAB did to try blocking the merger, to force the satellite radio company to support HD radio would be a slap in the face especially now that the merger has already closed.
I am not anti HD radio, I happen to own two HD radios, but the broadcast industry hasn’t done enough to make HD radio work. I can’t drive around for more than a few miles without losing the HD radio signal in addition the constant HD radio fade in and fade out gets annoying quick. If HD radio was higher powered it would be better. When you can get a good HD signal it sounds great, and the free sub channels are interesting, but the low power HD signals make it useless for those who drive around all day.
If the FCC wants Sirius XM to add HD Radio support to their tuners then I believe that the NAB and HD radio folks need to pick up the costs of getting their technology to work with the satellite radios and should also cover the additional manufacturing costs.
From where I sit, it’s sad that in order for HD radio to succeed that they need to force a pay radio provider to support their technology.
Maybe if the HD radio guys worked with the FCC to fix their issues more people would want an HD radio. HD radio however should not be forced on anyone.
Posted by Scott Greczkowski on August 27, 2008 | Comments (6)
