8 CUTTING EDGE
It is commonly recognised that all the major TV networks must broadcast in digital – what is commonly called digital television (DTV). But what is often not known is that each major TV network is obliged to broadcast at least 20 hours of HDTV content a week (although most broadcast more).
If you want to know what shows are broadcast in HD they are listed on Digital Broadcasting Australia’s website (www.dba.org.au).
“If you want to watch a program, be it sport, current affairs or drama, in HD,” explains Colley, “the TV broadcast has to be in high definition, the
While all Sony BRAVIA TVs have a resolution suitable for HD (720 lines minimum), the new X Series and SXRD models can boast Full HD resolutions of 1080 lines. As well, the new BRAVIA V and X Series have HD digital tuners built in so there’s no need for a separate set top box.
It is also now possible to record programs in HD. Earlier this year, Sony released a couple of digital video recorders (DVRs) that can record, in HD, programs that are broadcast in HD.
SVRHD900
(SVRHD900, pictured below left, with a 250GB hard drive for $1499 and SVRHD700 with 160GB for $1299). The recorders also feature twin tuners. This means you can record two separate HD programs at the same time or watch one HD program while recording another. Of course they can also record programs that were broadcast in standard definition as well.
The Full-On HD experience
Digital Television is not the only source of HD content. There are others, which Sony is perfectly placed to take advantage of.
The movie studios will be releasing HD versions of its blockbuster titles. Sony, for instance, plans to put out an HD version of The Da Vinci Code From there, it won’t be long before there’s a steady stream of titles available in HD.
Films such as these will rely on a new video disc format called
“However, we must not forget that the screen is not where the HD experience ends. Sure the high definition pictures will blow you away,” says Colley, “but sound is 50 percent of t movie experience and there’s no place wh
is more important than when you’re liste a blockbuster with thumping,
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WHAT IS BLU-RAY?
With an appearance similar to that of a DVD or CD,
Sony is releasing a range of