Digital TV channel 'a game changer'

A new digital TV channel for Scotland could be a "game changer" for the country's creative economy, according to a former Scottish Broadcasting Commission chairman.


Blair Jenkins told MSPs that the channel was a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to make an impact in Scotland's media landscape.

Mr Jenkins, also a former head of BBC Scotland news and current affairs, chaired the Scottish Digital Network Panel, which last month published a report looking at how a Scottish digital network - which would include a TV channel for public service broadcasting - could be set up and funded.

The study comes after the Scottish Broadcasting Commission called in 2008 for the establishment of such a network, which would cost ￡75 million a year.

It concluded the licence fee would be the "most appropriate" source of funding.

Mr Jenkins appeared before Holyrood's Education and Culture Committee to give evidence on the proposed network as part of MSPs' ongoing consideration of broadcasting issues in Scotland.

He said the network, set up in the manner outlined in the panel's report, would provide new opportunities for those working in broadcasting in Scotland, particularly working in partnership with other organisations.

He said: "I would very much see the digital network as working in partnership with the likes of Channel 4, with BBC Alba as well, with broadcasters such as RTE, and other European broadcasters."

Mr Jenkins also said the network would have the potential to provide increased Scottish political programming, of which he said there is not currently enough coverage.

He said: "A lot of people in broadcasting and around are really disappointed with how broadcasting has responded to devolution. Any changes made in the last 10 years have been really pretty marginal. There are some very good programmes made but, there's no denying it, there isn't enough."


Source from:http://www.spaldingtoday.co.uk/news/digital_tv_channel_a_game_changer_1_2395829

All the Facts about HD TV technologies

HD TV was first introduced almost a decade ago and has changed the way we view and enjoy our media content. One of the key factors that make HDTVs so successful is their image scanning technology (method of displaying content). There are two main scanning methods, interlaced scanning and progressive scanning. Interlaced scanning has deeper roots than progressive scanning which was first introduced in LCD Monitors and DVD players.

Because progressive scanning produces more impressive images than interlaced in some instances, it is used for recorded content as well as some broadcasting standards. Interlaced scanning was first used for analogue and has a history with the first generations of High-Definition TVs (now standard definition TVs), although there has been some debate about which is more suitable for broadcasting, interlaced scanning has been adopted by most broadcasters. There are a few broadcasters that still use progressive scanning although only in the 720p format not full HD 1080p (which is superior by most standards to 1080i, the broadcasting format used by broadcasters.) Also progressive scanning is the standard used for digital media content, DVD/Blu-ray discs (where it has been very successful) and streaming platforms.

Here is a comparison of progressive and interlaced scanning:

Progressive scanning produces much better results for scaling to higher resolutions than equivalent interlaced scanning does for video, such as up scaling or up converting 480p to display on a 1080p HDTV. Also progressive scaling works better with full video frames which are common on streamed, digital and optical media whereas interlaced video must be unlocked as it were or “deinterlaced” before it is scaled, which can result in a poor picture resolution.

Interlaced scanning is better for broadcasting than media content. Progressive scanning relies on data bits or small pieces of content that are built and displayed progressively whereas interlaced scanning builds the images/content in odd and even lines which can create flickering. For broadcasting purposes, interlaced scanning is better as it requires less bandwidth than progressive scanned at the same frame size and vertical refresh which would explain why most broadcasters use 720p or 1080i instead of full HD 1080p.


As an image scanning technology, progressive scanning is ideal for certain applications of HD but not all. Is it the future of HDTV? This remains to be seen but it is a very serious contender to be employed full scale. For the average consumer, progressive scanning benefits will be seen mostly in digital content while interlaced scanning will be common in HD broadcasting. It is best to get an HDTV that supports both scanning technologies to future-proof any HD experience.

How to pick the right Accessories for your HDTV

Whether you are planning to take full advantage of your HD experience or on the market to replace some accessories for your HDTV, picking the right accessories can be complex. Although there haven’t been that many changes in the HD accessories market, finding the right companions for your HD television is can be decided by several factors. This article will discuss these factors and act as a mini-‘guide’ for picking the right accessories.

Get a List: Get a list of what you need specifically. Do you already have a sound system? Does it support surround sound? Is there an HD ready set up box? Are you going to access other kinds of content from a computer? These are all questions you need to ask before heading to the store. This will help you find out what accessories you need specifically for your HDTV.

Pick a set up box. Depending on where you get your HD content from, you should select a set up box that can handle all your media in one unit. For example if you have content on a computer, a mobile device and optical discs (e.g. DVDs/Blu-ray) you should consider getting an all in one multimedia system to handle all your media. If your HDTV has more than 1 or 2 HDMI ports and you have no free ports, getting an all in one system that can act as a hub for your content, it can save you a lot of cables, connections and space.

Pick the right sound system. After you have picked a set up box, unless it comes with a sound system (such as a home entertainment system), the next thing on your list to pick would be a sound system. Given that 5.1 Surround sound is the most affordable, you can go for this option or if you are in a tight space, you can select a sound bar which can produce the 5.1 equivalent using virtual sound that bounces off the walls and creates the surround effect.

Next you will need to pick the right connections. This may not be necessary if you already have another sound system in place but if it is your first purchase, choose to go the HDMI route. HDMI was designed specifically for HD video and surround sound and can help cut the cable clutter.

Picking the right accessories and electronics to enhance your HD experience can be made simple if you get a list of your specific needs, pick the right set up box, check the sound system and put the right connections in place to plug into your HDTV.

All the facts about the evolution of HDTV

The term high definition was first discovered and used to describe television picture quality standards in the 20th century and HDTV televisions have a long history in the evolution of TV and broadcasting. Originally designed to replace then existing systems that were only able to produce 12 lines of picture resolution, different HD television systems were developed and implemented in different countries.

The US used NTSC using 525 lines of resolution while European countries used a PAL system that was capable of producing 625 interlaced lines instead. This led to having separate broadcasting platforms and format until the late 1990s when DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) was formally introduced and mandated by regulators around the world. It required wide screen transmission creating the need for bigger televisions and the term HDTV was adopted. Formats used previously before the introduction of DVB are now considered Standard Definition although some countries still recognize those formats as high-definition.

Today most HDTVs are able to produce as average of 720 lines of progressive resolutions and full high-definition (Full HD) is recognized as 1080p or 1080 lines of progressive resolution.

Some computer manufacturers have introduced other versions of high definition including Extreme High definition (1440 lines of progressive resolution) and ultra high-definition Television (4320 lines of progressive resolution) although only extreme high definition is available to most consumers and is optimized for computer based LCD monitors, most notably the Apple iMac 27inch which has 1440p as its native resolution.
For most consumers 720 lines of resolution or 720p HD is satisfactory as it still has the benefits of HD and digital compression as full HD.

Lower prices HDTVs support 720p or HD-ready signals while others come with full HD 1080p support built in. While getting a 1080p HDTV or Full HD TV is the ideal option, most broadcasters are broadcasting using 720p HD so most consumers can still buy an HD-ready HDTV without losing out on the HD experience. For those with a big pocket, there are 3D ready Full HD Televisions available that can support 3D as well as 720p and 1080p resolutions. HDTV has evolved from its early days where 13 lines was considered high definition, to where today almost 100 times that is considered extreme high definition.

Sony Bloggie 3D Pocket Camcorder

Sony as a company has proved severally to be a company that will continue to top the electronic market until the end times. This company is really unique in several ways with type of products it produces and as such this is one of the reasons why it is often necessary to see to it that most electronic gadgets obtained are Sony products. Sony Bloggie 3D pocket camcorder which was recently developed has shown in several ways how unique it is and as such majority have always testified to this effect. The most amazing aspect is that, when considering its cost, it will be realised that, it is rated to the advantage of all and sundry. Sony as a Company has therefore done well with this unique product and as such majority still expect more development from them.

Sony’s new 3D camcorder which actually allows users to shoot video clips in full 3D is noted to have been developed in 2011. The 3D uses 2 lenses and 2 image microphones therefore allowing you to make your own 3D small movie clips and also has the ability of uploading it to the web using the built in USB connection. It has a 2.4 inch LCD screen which allows one to play back his or her movie in 3D without having to wear 3D glasses which is really fantastic. It also possesses a built in stereo microphone and a LED light when actually shooting video which reduces shadows when shooting. It is noted to shoot in 1920/1080 MP4 video and also offers 5 megapixel still shot camera. Moreover it comes with 8 GB of storage and in built software which has the capabilities of compressing the clips so that it is already prepared for uploading to the internet.

Hitherto, the 3D also has a built in Usb connection which often makes it easy for one to connect the camcorder to a computer when trying to upload certain things or when trying to charge the battery which of course makes it very convenient and one does not need an extra cord for charging which sometimes may be frustrating.

Understanding HDTV & HD Broadcasting

High-Definition Television, also known as HDTV, is a television capable of receiving a higher resolution and quality than that of a Standard Television (Standard Definition TV). This article will look into how HD Televisions benefit from HD broadcasting standards used as well as being a short ‘guide’ how HDTV and HD broadcasting work. A lot of consumers are making ill-informed decisions about buying HDTVs and sometimes end up not exploiting their HDTV’s full potential.

HDTV benefits directly from digital television and the digital broadcasting platform that is being adopted around the world. Digital HD broadcasts can allow a user to view multiple channels on the same feed without losing quality because the signal is compressed and reproduced on each HDTV receiver. Some HDTVs do come with built in tuners and cable Card slots.

HD Television broadcasting has other advantages to both consumers and broadcasters allowing broadcasters to transmit up to 16 individual channels on an analogue broadcast transmitter equivalent’s bandwidth without losing HD quality as well as seven separate channel feeds. Users are able to also interact using subtitles, multiple languages and electronic program guides (EPGs) all on the same transmission feed.

High-definition televisions (HDTVs) can also produce a much better video image quality by using more lines of resolution than that of analogue and standard definition TVs, which at most use about 576 lines, whereas Full HD Televisions can use 1080 lines of resolutions. The lines help reduce the image pixels visible to the human eye making the picture displayed seem more real and detailed than ever before.

HDTV digital receivers allow for better reception of content as well as color enhancement and visual clarity that is anywhere between 2 – 5 times that of analogue TV broadcasts. The sound quality is also on par with CD quality because of the individual audio channels employed, a lot of HD television systems can produce and output Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. With HD broadcasting and content and an HDTV system, it is possible can enjoy broadcast programming, movies, sport events and in the same resolution as they were recorded on film (35mm) without the need for additional up scaling or resources, all in the comfort of a home environment.

Connecting Your Pocket Camcorder to A HDTV

Televisions have been around for the same time that camcorders have been. Although most camcorders that were around in the early days of TV were reserved for professional recording, the industry has come quite far to the place where normal people can now be a part of the creative video process, creating and sharing their videos. Pocket camcorders such as the bloggie series, and Flip Mino camcorders have video output capabilities to display and share content on the big screen. For the web user who loves to share video with friends and family in person, this option can be a deal breaker. Although most pocket camcorders come with built in software that allows users to edit and save video on the camera as well as for viewing on HDTVs.

There are some essentials to enjoying this video output and these two options are often overlooked extras. The video output port and HD video support. Although most do support HD videos, the actual picture resolution varies because there are several picture resolutions, 720p and 1080i, there are some pocket camcorders like the Sony’s are able to record video in 1080p which is Full HD.

To enjoy high-definition video, you have to record in HD keep the content in HD without compressing it and also being able to output via either an HDMI port of another connection port. Some pocket camcorders come with easy to use software packages, the Flip Mino series comes with in-built software that works on multiple OS systems. Some pocket camcorders can even load and reformat video for web uploading.

If you will use your pocket camcorder for sharing videos this feature can be the deal breaker. Also unless you plan to share your video on the internet, you will not want to compress the video or resize it using any built in software.

Making sure that your pocket camcorder is able to achieve what you want it to is very important and although most may consider pocket camcorders to be low risk items, there is no way to replace recorded videos once it has been recorded and memories are all you have left. Making memories and sharing them is the main reason most people have pocket camcorders to begin with.