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1080p programming via DirecTV?
For some time I've been advising forum readers that, at the present time, the only source for true 1080p programming is Blu-Ray discs and, to a limited extent, pay-per-view programs via DirecTV. That latter option is not based on personal experience, and something doesn't quite feel right about it.
Knowing the limits of broadcast satellite downlinks, I'm wondering if DirectTV's 1080p is *really* full 1080p, or is it a highly compressed version that actually doesn't compete with Blu-Ray or even uncompressed 1080i in picture quality.
3 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
I have not confirmed all of this, put what I have heard is that they are playing Blue Rays over their system at 1080/24p, NOT at 1080/60p. This significantly reduces their bandwidth needs, along with their use of MPEG4 compression. The satellite receiver then has to convert the signal to 1080/60p MPEG2 for transmission to the subscriber's HDTV using a typical 3:2 cinema pull-down technique.
P.S. It's Dish Network, not DirecTV that is currently offering this 1080p video-on-demand channel.
Additional Details (for my attacking fool): I'm discussing Dish Network's 1080p service above, not DirecTV. I don't think I made that clear enough. DirecTV may have a 1080p service soon, but it is not released yet and, therefore, not worth discussing. Dish Network's VOD does NOT rely upon cables or Internet connections for downloads. Dish Network's VOD movies can be ordered with nothing more than a remote control & satellite receiver. Dish Network's VOD movies are broadcasted like any other content over their satellite system.
The most important point here is that through the use of 1080/24p, we can significantly reduce bandwidth requirements and allow more future HD services that are not 720p/1080i format, but true 1080p to the subscriber!
- tshnobodysfoolLv 51 decade ago
Directv will have 1080/24p available for video on demand - just like Dish does now. VOD has nothing to do with a "satellite downlink". You don't know what you're talking about with the "pay per view" - everything coming through a cable as opposed to an internet download is a maximum of 1080i.
- classicsatLv 71 decade ago
DirecTV's VOD offerings are coming from your internet connection, not satellite.