The term “High Definition” for video content or TV-channels is used by marketeers for about anything that is better than the standard analog or digital transmissions (mainly on cable networks). It is claimed that compression technologies have evolved to a point where you only need “X” Mbps for a “High Definition” image. “X” is a number between 3 and 20 Mbps, depending on the source.
It is not easy to test these claims in normal life. Last week I had the opportunity for an impromptu test.
In the demonstration room of the new headoffice of Reggefiber one could see content on 3 identical large (40 inch+) LED TV screens.
The Roland Garros semifinal (tennis) was on 3 channels on the screens next to each other. The first standard SD (digital), the second “HD” Nederland 1 (MPEG-4, 11 Mbps, transcoded by the channel), the third “HD” Eurosport (MPEG-2, 20 Mbps without transcoding).
The difference between the SD and both HD channels was obvious. But to my surprise the difference between the 11 Mbps and the 20 Mbps channels was also quite visible. The larger bitrate showed more detail, an easier viewing experience. I have never been so close to a large screen without becoming tired.
Calling shots in or out was easy, you could almost identify each piece of gravel.
Yes, more is indeed more.
