HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray // Sonys Playstation 3

[Rob]

Originally Posted by 720p

Yuck, no HD content across the ocean sucks! I guess any HD disc isn't going to take off faster than a snail's pace over there. Well at least you have the higher resolution DVDs. Are standard new TVs in Europe capable of taking advantage of 540 lines of resolution? You've got digital broadcasts right?

Uk broadcasting has had 575i 50hz lines for 20-30 years. In the past we had the better tv signal compared to the USA where it was 480i 60hz. We've only had digital tv for about 5 years. The Govt. has had to keep pushing back the analogue switch off due to slow take up. Even though digital freeview boxes are just £40 or so. 2006 has now become 2012! This is probably the same time we'll get terrestial HDTV. Problem with Sky's 2006 hi-def service is that it will only work via HDMI or dvi with hdcp. Most panels in the UK only have component. My LCD tv for example, has a 1366 by 768 res, can accept 720p/1080i but has no digital video input. Having only bought the tv in the last 6 months, there's no way I'll be buying a new set in a year or 2. If hi-def discs are also only playable via HDMI/DVI I'll be screwed.

As you say, hi-def disc formats will probably take off pretty slowly over here. I know people who either don't have a dvd playe yet, or only use their PS2's. Some have only bought into dvds recently. Whether they'll be wanting to buy into a new format so soon is debatable.