What is HDTV?: Part 2If you missed part 1, skip back to it here. Currently HDTV is widespread in Japan and is becoming commonplace in the US, with most major networks distributing HDTV versions of their popular content.
The 2005 Superbowl led to a large increase in the demand for Fox Sports HDTV and cable companies scrambled to add it to their offering in the run up to the game. In Autralia, HDTV uptake was sluggish initially but has increased significantly since 2003. The situation in Europe is not so bright. There is only one company broadcasting HDTV in the whole of Europe, Euro1080, and it has only two HDTV channels, both in the 1080i format. Euro1080HDe shows major cultural and sporting events to cinemas and clubs around Europe, while HD1 broadcasts sports, opera, rock music, and lifestyle programs via satellite to homes in Europe. UK satellite broadcaster, Sky, which is owned by Fox proprieter Rupert Murdoch, has announced plans to broadcast some HDTV content in 2006. The BBC has also made noises about broadcasting HDTV programs (it already films some programs in HD format). However, it will be a while before HDTV in Europe catches up with the rest of the world. The controversy created by the confirmation of plans by the UK government to start switching off analogue transmitters in 2008 showed how many people have yet to make the switch to DVB-T. That will be used as an argument to show that there is no appetite in the UK for another major change in TV broadcasting - particularly as most people think they already have 'digital TV' in the form of DVB-T.
Given that television was invented by a Briton, and Europe led the way with PAL for so long, this is a rather sorry state of affairs.
Related Links
KEEP IN TOUCH      The HDTV Tuner front page 
|
