astro channels are transmitted in DVB digital format since day one, now we are waiting it to go HD or maybe HD-3D

This post has been edited by neb: Oct 10 2009, 01:00 AM

AV receiver from denon, yamaha, onkyo.... can de-interlace+upscale analog video signal up to 1080p, some higher end AVR can also upscale digital video signal

in USA for example, Animal Planet HD is broadcasted in 1080i

knock yourself out, check this link for a list of USA's HD trasmission:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Unite...High_Definition

facinating glimpses of astro's future roadmap:

http://www.nds.com/worldvision/forty_seven/article_2.html

currently astro is using DVB-S standard to transmit SD signal, for HD tranasmission which would probably use either DVB-S2 or DVB-S + Mpeg4, in both cases, we need a new decoder to decode the new signal

rg-6 cable, LNB + satellite dish do not need to be replaced, by the way current cable bandwidth requirement is 2500 MHz, HD trnamissio9n requirement does not require extra demand on cable, they uses the same bandwidth because of its improved signal compression algorithm.

I have not seen a single HD receiver capable of receiving mpeg4 or dvb-s2 signal release by astro to the end user yet, I don't think current dvb-s decoder would be able to be upgraded by firmware to receive mpeg4 signal

if you read this page
http://www.lyngsat.com/mea3a.html
measat satellite is already transmitting HD channel but on C-band, so technically they are already capable to go HD, my guess is astro is in testing phase before launching their HD package, earning more milk money from those who are willing to pay more for watching their HD channels

This post has been edited by neb: Oct 27 2009, 11:53 PM

Sun Direct, an indian satellite TV provider similar to astro (astro actually has 20% share in that company), has already gone HD, most probably using DVB-S + Mpeg4 route using insat 4b satellite at 93.5°E http://www.lyngsat.com/in4b.html

http://www.sundirect.in/HD/index.php
http://www.sundirect.in/HD/what_can_i_watch.html

This post has been edited by neb: Oct 28 2009, 01:15 AM

http://www.hdtv.vtc.vn/detail/1/1577/bo-th...hd-02/index.htm

closer to home, vtc from Vietnam has also rolled out their own HD channels, as can be seen from the web page, they are using dvb-s2 decoder with both component out and hdmi, but max resolution is only 1080i

This post has been edited by neb: Oct 29 2009, 04:14 PM

why people always said astro stream is over compressed? it is the standard pal video with 720x576 resolution or better known as 625i, comparing to our nighbouring country such as thailand satellite TV true vision , which has only 544x576

never subscribe to overpriced discovery package, chinese language channels are pretty clear, they are almost showing the pop on HD panel
viewer should make some complaints to astro for showing vcd quality discovery channel, so that astro know they are getting a crappy feed from discovery

very high tech device, invented over 4 thousand years ago, the chinese were the first to waterproof it to be used for rain

HD projector?

some satellites over europe are still broadcasting analog TV signal, such as Astra 1M at 19.2°E

I recently change my RG6 and F-connector, the rain-fade resistance is pretty good

save up to buy HDTV, prepare for astro HD launch next month

plasma tv tend to have less brightness and consume more electricity, panels from some manufacturers have more image-retention problem than others, but plasma generally has faster response time and wider viewing angle, panel last longer too.

LCD TV has brighter screen, but slower response time and narrower viewing angle.

go out and view the screens yourself, and pick the one you like most, modern LCD TVs are catching fast now

panasonic's neo panel is over rated, G series in facts uses more juice than S series fitted with last year old panel design

measat is all ready to do HD, just waiting for astro
http://www.measat.com/services_broadcasting_hdtv.html

astro should gives us bigger wok, 90cm instead of puny size 60cm

astro, please give us free HD decoders, and we will beta test watch HD channels for free