TDF - anybody else finding the TV pictures poor this year?

[Globalti]

Fuzzy, poor colour and a lack of those superb helicopter shots we seem to have enjoyed for the last few years?

 

[dellzeqq]

I thought the one of Wiggo attempting to crash a Johnny Halliday concert was superb

 

[dellzeqq]

testing the new TT machine

 

[dellzeqq]

EBH tests Sky's diffusion line for Brompton riders

 

[LosingFocus]

Fuzzy, poor colour and a lack of those superb helicopter shots we seem to have enjoyed for the last few years?

Are you watching on EuroSport or ITV4 SD? If so, then yes but this is a trend in recent months to lower the broadcast quality of SD channels to push people towards HD channels. Have to say the quality on ITV4HD is fine and dandy - a bit of breakup from the motorbike cameras but thats to be expected.

I know there is a weight issue, but I would love to see helmet cams used on some of the riders...

 

[Globalti]

Yes, just ITV4. What does SD mean?

 

[ohnovino]

ITV4 on Freeview is broadcast with a very low bandwidth so that lots of other channels can be squashed into the same frequency. Most of the time it's not really a problem, but for fast moving images like sports programmes it can be annoying. Their football coverage is almost unwatchable.

 

[ColinJ]

I have answered that question twice already in other threads!

 

[Fab Foodie]

S

Yes, just ITV4. What does SD mean?

Shite Definition?

I've noticed the samethis year. Still, QVC's still sharp ...

 

[LosingFocus]

Yes, just ITV4. What does SD mean?

Standard Definition - your basic digital TV signal. As ohnovino says, compressed to hell to get as many channels as possible broadcast. Plus I still stand by my conspiracy on Sky when the SD channels are crappy...

 

[AhThisFeckinThing]

Agree, quality getting worse, even the likes of UK Gold is clearly on a lower bandwidth making the pictures sometimes unwatchable. I was really tempted to get HD this year for tour and all the Eurosport cycling, but feel if I am being conned I will NOT do it, possibly

 

[ohnovino]

Presumably HD is no guarantee of quality: just because a picture has more pixels shouldn't mean it's safe from the same potential compression issues as an SD broadcast.

 

[LosingFocus]

Presumably HD is no guarantee of quality: just because a picture has more pixels shouldn't mean it's safe from the same potential compression issues as an SD broadcast.

True in theory, but Sky (and Freeview) want people to buy HD product and, at the moment at least, thje HD channels are clear and fresh and perfect.

 

[Basil.B]

So much for technology!
Like watching a 20 year old video tape.

 

[Nearly there]

Im watching on Eurosport Hd excellent clear pictures