Microsoft to Use DVDs & HTPCs for High Definition ...

[Rimmer]

Back on topic (almost). One final OT comment: if you do a Google search there are lots of 1280 x 720 16:9 LCD panels, and plenty of 1600 x 1200 4:3 models (as well as other 4:3 resolutions). In my opinion, 5:4 and 15:9 panels should be avoided at all costs. Selling them as "4:3" and "16:9" is very misleading.

I read somewhere that Microsoft downconverted their HD clips in order to make them easier to download. However, the retail versions aren't true 1080p either. Furthermore, I'm fairly sure the resolution of WMVHD DVDs is not 1440 x 1080, but 1440 x 816. The T2: Extreme Edition DVD is 816p, and I think the others may also have been encoded at this resolution (I can't say for sure, though). If 8Mbps is insufficient for 1440 x 816, it is clearly unacceptable for 1080p. Some people claim that 15Mbps is more than enough for 1080p24, but I can't help wondering if they really were looking at full resolution 1080p WMV video, and not 1440 x 816p.