HD TV and Optus (foxtel) Digital

[jonesy86]

Im looking at getting a new HD tv and was wanting to know how it will all work with Optus (foxtel) Digital running as well.

Any advice/tips will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Abaddon]

Foxtel digital for the most part looks awful on a big screen TV, particularly on an LCD, because of their poorer handling of standard definition content. But even on a top Panasonic or Pioneer plasma Foxtel still looks ordinary, and not as good as FTA digital channels.

Your best bet is to get an SCART to component cable (not the SCART to composite cable Foxtel provide) to improve the PQ. More localised content like on Fox Sports does look improved using the component cable. However the rule of shit in equals shit out still applies for the heavily compressed, low bit rate content that Foxtel pump out.

Otherwise upgrade to Foxtel HD. The NFL on Fox Sport HD or ESPN HD sure does look pretty.

 

[jonesy86]

Yeah that's what I'm looking at it's only about $15 a month more than I'm paying now for the standard 'Optus with Foxtel Digital'.

 

[Maddhew]

Foxtel digital for the most part looks awful on a big screen TV, particularly on an LCD, because of their poorer handling of standard definition content. But even on a top Panasonic or Pioneer plasma Foxtel still looks ordinary, and not as good as FTA digital channels.

Your best bet is to get an SCART to component cable (not the SCART to composite cable Foxtel provide) to improve the PQ. More localised content like on Fox Sports does look improved using the component cable. However the rule of shit in equals shit out still applies for the heavily compressed, low bit rate content that Foxtel pump out.

Otherwise upgrade to Foxtel HD. The NFL on Fox Sport HD or ESPN HD sure does look pretty.

Apart from certain US shows that aren't even broadcast in wide screen i would have to disagree. I have a Pioneer Plasma and normal foxtel channels look pretty good. You are right about the HD looking awesome though. It's just a pity there aren't more channels. There will be in time i guess.

 

[Abaddon]

Apparently there will be 9 or so new Foxtel HD channels this year.