Question about Dish Network's HD picture quality.?

Question

I just recently purchased my first HDTV and now I need to get an HD reciever. I've been a Dish Network customer for 5+ years and I'm happy with their service. I've read online about Dish Network's HD programing being broadcast in "HD Lite." Is it really that bad? Will it improve with the launching of new satellites? I really don't want to have to switch all of my equipment to Directv because like I said, I've been satisfied with Dish Network. Is the difference huge between DISH and Directv HD feeds? I'm used to standard definition, so will it really matter?

Answer 1

Problem is, there are a lot of geeks out there that memorize and spew out numbers as though it makes them some kind of guru.  One of the examples is that 1080p is twice the resolution of 1080i since it's 60 frames per second rather than 30.  Blinking your eyes twice as fast does not sharpen your vision.

I've been working with HD research since 1981.  HD is not what it's all hyped to be.  Never was.  But it is slightly better.  With the transition to digital broadcasts, and the dramatic drop in digital circuitry, might as well go HD at the same time.

Side by side, HD vs SD looks pretty good.  But by itself, you get used to it pretty fast, so the novelty wears off.  If you've got it, great.  If not, no big loss.  Either way, it's still not 35mm.

With current MPG2 compression when receiving and rebroadcasting, satellite is becoming known as HD Lite.  There is always loss in compression and retransmitting schemes.  Cable will be no better.  And some cable/satellite channels already send in 720p just to save bandwidth.  So they're already Lite.

Me, I've NEVER been impressed with 'HD', so I think it's a waste of money for the extra HD capability through my TV subscription.  But my wife likes that we have it and it really doesn't cost much more ($5 a month out of $60 is an extra 8%, big deal).

Some people absolutely swear that once you've seen it, you'll never be satisfied with anything less.  Those are also the ones who will argue endlessly about Macs vs PC's, Fords vs Chevies, etc.

But unless you're a numbers geek, the difference between  SD and HD will not JUMP out at you and dazzle you to pieces.  It will be a slight improvement and that's all.  And HD Lite will be slightly less slight of a slight improvement.