----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
Hugh,
The CEA did not actually screw up, they protected primarily the interest of the large mass of
manufacturers and existing inventory that 5 years ago were mainly CRT based and some plasmas with
limited 480p capabilities, reason by which the ED level was created; they did an excellent job on
that protectionism objective.
Remember, the CEA "Consumer Electronics Association" is not about consumers, is about "consumer
electronics", the organization does not represent/protect consumers.
The reasoning they gave at that time was that some specs were needed to reduce the "consumer
confusion" about what they buy, but the pressure from the manufacturers (and the sitting duck
inventory they had) was the driving force for the specifications of the levels, the creation of ED
as a level for a 480p, a 480p that was already SD, and the aberration of allowing 810i and 540p as
qualifying for HD.
In other words, I agree that horizontally the mess since 1998 is obvious, but vertically was already
a huge compromise in quality, and it was headache enough to deal with.
I am not surprised that no mention was made of horizontal resolution. Remember that the ATSC
table-3 standard is a specification applicable to OTA signal types, and, because of the OTA signal
standard, HD-STBs had to comply to been able to do that, "tune", it was not a mandate for display
devices to comply with those specs 100%.
It is only until a few years later, way after the CEA established their turf-protective specs, that
we start to see DLP as a steam roller of the 720x1280 domain of fixed-pixel-displays, accompanied
with LCD, LCoS, and some plasmas.
With the improvements in technology the CEA could have revised the specifications to be more strict
with the requirements, and even include 1080p 60 fps as a supreme display device, out of the ATSC
standard. But it is too late, the zoo has all the lions out already, and even the cute monkeys bite
the uninformed consumers on a daily basis.
When you listen to Shapiro he always expresses concern for consumers, but if you read between the
lines it is not truly about of the consumer, is because of the industry that needs the consumer to
exist, as well as his job.
Even today, if the specs are revised for display equipment to meet the complete HD specification,
many PDPs and most CRTs will be left out, even when 4:3 HD sets are not doing 810i letterboxing
anymore but adjust their raster to show all their 1080i lines within the displayed 16:9 images.
Only DLP, LCD, and LCoS would be able to qualify with at least 720p.
So if we are going to be strict with updated specifications we are running the risk to leave out one
of the best quality and price-reasonable options for the mass consumer out there, CRT based sets,
just due to insufficient horizontal resolution when displaying a 1080i signal.
Do we really want something like that? is the consumer able to understand the pros and cons of what
"someone tells them" they are missing horizontally? large RPTVs at $1000 range are becoming one
main attractive point for the mass consumer, the consumer that is concern with the daily food on the
table, not a flat panel over the fireplace.
Are we gaining anything by telling those that they should discard a $1000 CRT RPTV their wallets can
reach to today because the set can only resolve 1200+ horizontal resolution, and tell them that for
$13000 they can get a SXRD LCoS 1080p and get the illusion they are enjoying true 1920, if and when
1920 material becomes available massively? Ironically, most families are probably would sit so far
back on their family room that there would be no difference to their eyes anyway.
So, I agree with you Hugh, the 1024 spec is not truly HD in that panel, but that is close what most
of the early adopters had with CRT RPTVs since 1998, including you and me, and is close enough to
make 99% of the people happy, and that is what HD is about, improve your life with great viewing and
in turn make that redefine the TV content to a new meaning.
Best Regards,
Rodolfo La Maestra
For the ones interested in the history of HDTV I copy below what the CEA approved in Aug 2000:
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Thursday, August 31, 2000
CEA EXPANDS DEFINITIONS FOR DIGITAL TELEVISION PRODUCTS
Clear Labels Benefit Consumers and Retailers
Arlington, Va., August 31, 2000 - In response to the proliferation
of new digital television (DTV) products available at a range of price
points, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) today announced more
detailed definitions for the DTV products now available to consumers.
The new product definitions, with corresponding logos identifying each
class of products, are designed to give retailers and consumers a
clearly defined explanation of the various choices in the growing
digital TV marketplace.
A new digital TV product category called Enhanced Definition TV
(EDTV) has been added between High Definition TV (HDTV) and Standard
Definition TV (SDTV). EDTV products are digital TVs with higher display
performance than SDTV. This new category offers consumers another range
of options when purchasing DTV products.
The new definitions and logos also address the component nature of
many manufacturers' television product lines. With new definitions and
logos for "monitors" and "tuners," consumers and retailers will now be
able to distinguish sets with integrated DTV tuners from monitors and
tuners sold separately. Therefore, consumers can be sure that the EDTV
or HDTV monitor they purchase can be combined with the appropriate tuner
to receive digital broadcasts and display at Enhanced Definition (ED) or
High Definition (HD) quality levels.
The definitions are expected to be incorporated into manufacturers'
television marketing materials in the coming months. CEA's Video
Division Board developed the definitions to more clearly define
parameters for the varying levels of DTV products available and to make
it easier for consumers to differentiate between the types of DTV
products offered. The Board defined minimum attribute resolution
requirements that, until now, had not existed for High Definition
televisions and monitors. Specifically, HDTV displays must have active
top-to-bottom scan lines of 720 progressive, 1080 interlaced, or higher.
Additionally, for the first time, consumers will be able to understand
the different technical approaches taken by manufacturers to the display
of widescreen high definition programming, particularly on 4:3 aspect
ratio HDTV displays. (Manufacturers will disclose the number of active
scan lines for a high definition image within a 16:9 aspect ratio
"letter boxed" image area on an HDTV display).
The CEA Video Division Board also adopted two resolutions that
provide clear guidelines to manufacturers and retailers for the
advertising of DTV products to consumers. The first resolution will
allow consumers to clearly differentiate between the new DTV sets and
analog-only televisions. The resolution states that analog-only
televisions (televisions/monitors with a scanning frequency of 15.75
kHz) should not be marketed or designated to consumers as having any
particular DTV capability or attributes.
In a second related resolution, the Board agreed that the new
definitions for monitors and tuners should be used by all manufacturers
and retailers to replace general, non-industry terminology like
"DTV-ready" or "HDTV-ready." Until now, no consistent terminology has
existed to identify these component products.
"Consumers can buy with confidence knowing that the DTV products
they purchase do indeed have DTV capability and are upgradeable to a
specified level of DTV performance," remarked Gary Shapiro, CEA
president and CEO.
"This new terminology, developed by the TV manufacturer members of
CEA, will give consumers a 'good - better - best' choice when shopping
for digital TV products," Shapiro explained. "As the transition to
digital television moves forward, manufacturers are creating new
products to satisfy a wide range of consumer desires. Manufacturers
created this range of definitions so that consumers will be armed with
the information they need to make informed buying decisions across
varying budget levels," he added.
The CEA Digital Television definitions are:
High-Definition Television (HDTV): HDTV refers to a complete
product/system with the following minimum performance attributes:
* Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats
* Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 720
progressive (720p), 1080 interlaced (1080i), or higher
* Aspect Ratio: Capable of displaying a 16:9 image (1)
* Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
High-Definition Television (HDTV) Monitor: HDTV Monitor refers to a
monitor or display with the following minimum performance attributes:
* Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 720
progressive (720p), 1080 interlaced (1080i), or higher
Aspect Ratio: Capable of displaying a 16:9 image (1)
(1) In specifications found on product literature and in owner's
manuals, manufacturers are required to disclose the number of vertical
scanning lines in the 16:9 viewable area, which must be 540p, 810i or
higher to meet the definition of HDTV.
High Definition Television (HDTV) Tuner: HDTV Tuner refers to a RF
receiver with the following minimum performance attributes:
* Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats
* Outputs: Outputs the ATSC Table 3 720p and 1080i/p formats in the
form of HD with minimum active vertical scanning lines of 720p, 1080i,
or higher. Additionally, it may output HD formats converted to other
formats. The lower resolution ATSC Table 3 formats can be output at
lower resolution levels. Alternatively, the output can be a digital
bitstream with the full resolution of the broadcast signal.
* Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV): EDTV refers to a complete
product/system with the following minimum performance attributes:
* Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats
* Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 480
progressive (480p) or higher
* Aspect Ratio: None Specified
* Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) Monitor: EDTV Monitor refers
to a monitor or display with the following minimum performance
attributes:
* Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines of 480
progressive (480p) or higher
* Aspect Ratio: None specified
Enhanced Definition Television (EDTV) Tuner: EDTV Tuner refers to a
RF receiver with the following minimum performance attributes:
* Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats
* Outputs: Outputs the ATSC Table 3 720p and 1080i/p and 480p formats
with minimum active vertical scanning lines of 480p. Alternatively, the
output can be a digital bitstream output capable of transporting 480p,
except the ATSC Table 3 480i format can be output at 480i.
* Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
Standard Definition Television (SDTV): SDTV refers to a complete
product/system with the following performance attributes:
* Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats, and produces a useable picture
* Display Scanning Format: Has active vertical scanning lines less than
that of EDTV
* Aspect Ratio: None specified
* Audio: Receives and reproduces usable audio
Standard Definition Television (SDTV) Tuner: SDTV Tuner refers to a
RF receiver with the following minimum performance attributes:
* Receiver: Receives ATSC terrestrial digital transmissions and decodes
all ATSC Table 3 video formats
* Outputs: Outputs all ATSC table 3 formats in the form of NTSC output
* Audio: Receives and reproduces, and/or outputs Dolby Digital audio
-------------------------------------------
-----Original Message-----
From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf Of
Hugh Campbell
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 6:42 PM
To: HDTV Magazine
Subject: Re: Plasma specs
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
And this is exactly where CEA screwed up by not making both the horizontal and vertical lines part
of what they call HDTV. If they had said 1240 was the minimum than 768 or 720 would be fine. By
accepting 1024x768 the consumer is losing 15% of the resolution versus a 1240 x 720 set.
Hugh
----- Original Message -----
From: "Daniel vom Saal" <
[email protected]>
To: "HDTV Magazine" <
[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 5:35 PM
Subject: Re: Plasma specs
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
1024x768 is consistently being marketed as HD by vendors at this point.
I would not consider it HD. As a fixed pixel display, I think the
minimum for an "HD" label should be 1280x720 - the lowest resolution of
the HD formats. However, all the marketing departments out there seem
to disagree with me...
-----Original Message-----
From: HDTV Magazine On Behalf
Of James F.Healy Jr.
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 4:45 PM
To: HDTV Magazine
Subject: Plasma specs
----- HDTV Magazine Tips List -----
I received an email from PC connection regarding a 42" Plasma for sale
for
$1399. Its resolution was 1024 x 768
Is 1024 x 768 considered HD in todays market?
Electronics > Home Video > Televisions
42" HD Plasma with built-in tuner
3G Technology
Available mid-June
The OP-42TN2 plasma television is a treat for the eyes whether it's on
or
off.
3G sought to define an image that would symbolize cutting edge
technology,
combined with top of the line features and quality. They have
accomplished
this with the OP-42TN2 plasma display. This 42" plasma TV provides a
cinema-feel for your home theater. View widescreen broadcasts and DVDs
the
way they were meant to be seen. The 3000:1 panel contrast ratio produces
deep blacks, brilliant whites and truly vivid colors.
With every scene, the picture is clear and vivid, capturing and
revealing
every detail, even in bright light. Plasma screens are impervious to
picture
distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when
placed
near lighting or sound systems.
With a plasma screen you get colors like you've never seen before,
extremely
wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and
easy
placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile: the OP-42TN2 is a mere
3.54 inches deep, perfect for desk or wall mounting. It comes with a
stand,
speakers and tuner.
Product Specifications
Audio
Speakers Included 2 speakers
Sound Output Mode Stereo
Features & Functions
HDTV Compatible Yes
Multi-channel Preview Picture-in-picture (PIP)
Multi-channel Preview Picture-on-picture (POP)
Multi-channel Preview Picture-by-Picture (PBP)
Secondary Audio Program (SAP) Yes
General
Television Type Plasma
Diagonal Size 42 in.
Performance
Contrast Ratio 3000:1
Viewing Angle (H/V) 170 degrees
Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
Image Aspect Ratio 4:3
Video
Max Resolution 1024 x 768
Actual Weight 70.6 lbs.
Contents TV, remote control, stand, speakers, batteries, AC power
cord,
documentation
Ports/Connectors (1) Y/C in (S-Video)
(1) RF (75 ohm F-Type)
(1) Component (Y, Pb, Pr) RCA
(2) AV in RCA
(1) DVI
(1) PC (RGB) 15-Pin D-sub
(4) Audio inputs (1 for PC and DVI, 1 for component and S-Video, 2 for
AV)
(1) External speaker output
Power Notes Total Audio(Watts): 10 W + 10 W/8 ohm
Source: AC 100~240V / 50, 60Hz
Consumption: St-by: 4W, Operating: 300W
Environment Condition Pressure: 800 ~ 1000hPa (Altitude : 0~2, 000m)
Warranty - Labor 1 Year
Warranty - Parts 1 Year
To unsubscribe please click:
[email protected]
To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that
same day) send an email to:
[email protected]
To unsubscribe please click:
[email protected]
To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that same day) send an email to:
[email protected]
To unsubscribe please click:
[email protected]
To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that same day) send an email to:
[email protected]
To unsubscribe please click:
[email protected]
To receive the digest mode (one email a day made from all posted that same day) send an email to:
[email protected] 