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Off-Topic Discussion => General Discussion => Topic started by: Omniscaper on May 25, 2004, 09:39:54 pm

Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 25, 2004, 09:39:54 pm
DVD's introduction seems like it happened only yesterday. I thought DVD quality was as close to film quality as possible on a typical CRT monitor (ESPECIALLY Sony's widescreen enhanced Wega series)

ENTER HIGH DEFINITION

Them silly new CRT/LCD/Plasma TV's are now showing enough resolution and detail that Jay Leno's make-up department can no longer slack off. The resolutions on some of those sets go higher than my 17'' monitor. At the same time, them TV's now make DVD's look like a blurry mess, even with progressive scan.

Of course, Microsoft jumps into this bandwagon and introduces their HD codec "WM9". It puts Mpeg2's to shame (resolution wise). Now WMP9 can play HD content that makes use of our monitors to its fullest when viewing movies.

DVD now is about to catch up. Time for another format WAR. HD-DVD vs Blue-ray DVD(Sony). Now DVD's have an 18gb capacity and the means to display HD content on those nifty new TV sets.

I really do not want to repurchase the trilogy, but this comparison got me convinced, especialy when it comes to epic films.


Heres my first comparison of DVD:LOTR and HD:LOTR. Captured using WinDVD for the DVD and Virtualdub for the HD LOTR.
(http://www.penguinbomb.com/omniscaper/Screenshots/LOTRHD.jpg)
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Corsair on May 25, 2004, 09:41:08 pm
Gandalf is...well...BIG!
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Rictor on May 25, 2004, 09:46:22 pm
to tell you the truth, I don't notice the quality difference between normal TV, DVD, HDTV or whatever. Its all the same to me, so I doubt I am going to notice the difference here. The second picture is just bigger, I don't see it being any clearer or sharper.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 25, 2004, 09:50:23 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Rictor
to tell you the truth, I don't notice the quality difference between normal TV, DVD, HDTV or whatever. Its all the same to me, so I doubt I am going to notice the difference here. The second picture is just bigger, I don't see it being any clearer or sharper.


There is QUITE a difference silly goose. Imagine the smaller picture, STRETCHED to the size of the larger one. MUCH blurriness will be the result. The picture you see are ACTUAL pixel size captures. I found a sample of LOTR in HD encoded with microsofts HD codec.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Turambar on May 25, 2004, 09:54:20 pm
you can even see the crumbs in his beard!
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Rictor on May 25, 2004, 09:56:07 pm
Omni, I'm not saying there isn't a difference, I'm just saying I don't see it. :D:D I don't see whats the big deal with all these new fangled high definition standards. Normal TV is just fine for me.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 25, 2004, 10:07:32 pm
My cousin recently acquired an HD TV. Its basically a very large computer monitor. With resolutions so high that, standard TV broadcasts show their true, non-interlaced appearance, a blurry mess. I wish I could go back to the innocence of standard TV sets.... sigh. My love for HD is only fueled by the fact that its much closer to the original film-reel detail that we all saw in the theater.

I've updated the image, its a better comparison.

 I put interlaced lines on the first image. For the second, I resized the DVD screenshot in Photoshop to the same resolution as the HD version. This is what basically happens to DVD's played on an HD monitor with progressive scan
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Bobboau on May 25, 2004, 10:18:36 pm
DVD is still prety good...

can DHTVs be hooked up to a standard computer monitor port? (or one of those new fangled LCD ones)
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 25, 2004, 10:27:51 pm
I updated the image to include interlace lines to the DVD version. I'm all about filmquality since I edit video all day. I can only DREAM of editing actual film and HD content, well, at least for another year till HD video cameras move to pro-sumer grade.

I believe many HD sets include RGB and DVI connections. I'm DYING to hook up my cousin's HD set to a computer. Imagine playing FS on a 32'' 16x9 HD monitor with a resolution of 1280x720 pixels and not 720x480 (in actuallity, 500 interlaced lines)!!!
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Rictor on May 25, 2004, 10:32:43 pm
:D:D

all for me, I'm flattered. Yeah, I can see the difference now. I saw the pic before you put in the interlace lines, and the difference was noticeable. I can see how you would notice if you work with film all day.

but keep in mind, you're talking to a person who until about a year ago owned a 15-20 year old TV that actualy physically compressed the height of the image, so all the people looked like dwarves. And I never noticed until my friends pointed it out. Now I just watch the telly on my mom's computer, cause we ain't got a TV.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 25, 2004, 10:38:07 pm
You've got to remember, the future seems to aim at trully multimedia PC technology and HD content. Remember, Lucas got the ball rolling now on DIGITAL HD cameras, which is a quantum leap in film making. With digital becoming more and more widespread, I simply want to point out the advantages of using HD monitors for EVERYTHING (PC stuffs and movies & TV). I just wish I had the funds to have the technology now. I don't mind having all my technology connected to my computer.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 26, 2004, 12:38:39 am
Now hears HD at its HIGHEST resolution, 1920x1080. I believe at this resolution, the interlaced lines are back.

(http://www.penguinbomb.com/omniscaper/Screenshots/matrix.jpg)
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: WMCoolmon on May 26, 2004, 03:58:31 am
:nervous: That's higher than my monitor will go.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Grug on May 26, 2004, 04:11:10 am
lol nice.
If they can keep my eyes good enough to tell the difference in another 30yrs or so then I'm sold. :D

btw can you get rid of interlacing in-games? it would seem that lines similar to those there are showing up in HaloPC on a Radeon9800XT...
Kindof detracts from the purity of it all... :(

-Grug
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Kazan on May 26, 2004, 06:48:06 am
All TV Broadcasts must be in HD by 2007

Source: FCC
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Setekh on May 26, 2004, 07:10:17 am
Wow, that's remarkable. Love the hair. :)
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: aldo_14 on May 26, 2004, 07:41:38 am
Quote
Originally posted by Kazan
All TV Broadcasts must be in HD by 2007

Source: FCC


This is the US, I presume?
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 26, 2004, 09:20:02 am
That news regarding the FCC mandate was quite a shocker for me. I believe they need to free up NTSC frequency range for cellphone bandwidth. If I recall correctly, UHF is already being used for cellphones. High definition ATSC signals will require people without cable to acquire new TV tuners to receive channels.

I wonder if its some conspiracy to FORCE ppl to upgrade to HD or subscribe to cable TV.

Grug, I have HaloPC. I don't see interllace lines. What resoultion are you playing at? It could be your monitor, but I thought interlaced monitors were phased out a long time ago. I know some games have resolution settings that allow scanlines such as MAME and Zsnes. Interlaced lines are used to hide the pixelly look of low resolution output.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Kazan on May 26, 2004, 09:34:56 am
aldo_14: duh

Omniscaper: I knew it because I used to work selling HDTVs for comission

It IS not a conspiracy - because they were very public about it "All Transmissions must be HD by 2007, you may continue to operate your NTSC signals for a while" - I don't think they've set an NTSC kill-date yet, however it makes sense that the companies will phase them out as their value diminishes.

If you do not have an HDTV you will need a HD->SD converter box, which cost around $70 IIRC

Some games intentionally interlace their videos - it actually makes a stretched image look sharper, also your system can render the movie faster
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 26, 2004, 09:49:07 am
The only thing annoying about interlaced images is the horizontal distortion that occurs with fast moving imagery. I never noticed it till I saw an HD tv in action.

I read up on a TV that is not HD, that can display HD in "enhanced definition" on a standard definition screen. Sony came up with an effective solution for enhancing DVD video on a non-HD TV. They have a line of Wega's that detect anamorphic video and it focuses the scanlines on the DVD's movie screen and not the black bars. It's QUITE a difference. I think its the BEST way to view DVD's. It doesn't blur the image the way HD TV sets do.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Kazan on May 26, 2004, 01:47:55 pm
HD only blurs low-res images

PS: 1920p is the highest spec HDTV, yes, official specs call for 1920P not 1920i

that last matrix image is 1920i
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Flipside on May 26, 2004, 01:56:16 pm
Impressive, but as long a regioning remains in place, I still think DVD's will not be with us for all that long.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 26, 2004, 02:47:20 pm
I thought the ATSC's HD format designations refer to the vertical resolution followed by either "i" (interlaces) or "p" (progressive).

1080i = 1920x1080
720p = 1280x720
420p/i = 720x480

I read somewhere that there are EXPENSIVE sets that can display 1080p which sounds sweet. I do suspect though that it simply takes 1080i and deinterlaces and rescales the image. I'm not aware of current 1080p broadcasts.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Kazan on May 26, 2004, 02:53:39 pm
yes you're wrong, im wrong

brainfart

however 1080p is the "true" hd
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: aldo_14 on May 26, 2004, 03:04:36 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Kazan
aldo_14: duh
 


Is that a yes, then?
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 26, 2004, 04:38:54 pm
AHA!!! Got Two Towers now in HD.

(http://www.penguinbomb.com/omniscaper/Screenshots/GollumHD.jpg)
Title: w00t!
Post by: Gregster2k on May 26, 2004, 05:23:57 pm
mmmm...all you folks with big HDTV widescreens need are:

- 1280x720 Widescreen output option in the good ol' FreeSpace SCP *IM SERIOUS HERE*, plus any extra and necessary support for high definition output on the video card end or something that you already have (think ATI Radeon 9800 Pro AT LEAST to run the game at *that* res)
- Heavily modified FreeSpace2 menu and HUD graphics to support such ludicrous dimensions
- popcorn
- wireless keyboard, mouse, and joystick
- soda
- slightly modified FOV setting to provide "surrounding" feeling
- a Creative Labs SB Audigy II or a nForce2 mobo, something capable of outputting Dolby Digital surround sound
- Dolby Digital receiver with surround sound
- Drool mat

I would so love to see someone post digital camera pictures of the FSO SCP running at its finest on a huge widescreen HDTV. I don't have an HDTV but if I see the FSO SCP running on one I'll have a reason to get one =D

( --- and yes, I AM serious, I want to see someone accomplish this! ;))
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Omniscaper on May 26, 2004, 06:14:01 pm
I actually have most of those things except for the Radeon 9500 pro and missing HD converter. My Uncle has the HD TV set and I think he would not appreciate having his living room turned into my personal arcade machine.

Gregster2k, this will be the result if you did not leave out the most important element in that formula of yours, 5 beautiful blonde Swedish bikini girls pampering your every need.

But if I had that and owned a HDTV set......

The bills will rack up because of my absense at work. My daily showers and personal grooming will cease. My belly will swell with junk food. My teeth will turn green. My finger and tow nails will grow longer than that Indian dude in the Guiness  Book of Records.  A putrid smell will emminate from my apartment. Police will break in to remove me from my personal Matrix due to unsanitary conditions and rent neglect. The equipment will be confiscated for collateral. I will end up in the streets looking like a smelly crusty Gandalf.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Gregster2k on May 26, 2004, 06:26:42 pm
Heheh...didnt say you had to...
Title: Re: w00t!
Post by: Carl on May 26, 2004, 06:41:18 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Gregster2k
mmmm...all you folks with big HDTV widescreens need are:

- 1280x720 Widescreen output option in the good ol' FreeSpace SCP *IM SERIOUS HERE*


If you listen carefully, you can hear all of HLP's Interface artists dropping on the floor from a heart attack at the same time.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: WMCoolmon on May 26, 2004, 06:46:13 pm
Don't you mean
Quote
- Heavily modified FreeSpace2 menu and HUD graphics to support such ludicrous dimensions

that? :p
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: aldo_14 on May 26, 2004, 07:13:31 pm
Quote
Originally posted by Omniscaper

But if I had that and owned a HDTV set......

The bills will rack up because of my absense at work. My daily showers and personal grooming will cease. My belly will swell with junk food. My teeth will turn green. My finger and tow nails will grow longer than that Indian dude in the Guiness  Book of Records.  A putrid smell will emminate from my apartment. Police will break in to remove me from my personal Matrix due to unsanitary conditions and rent neglect. The equipment will be confiscated for collateral. I will end up in the streets looking like a smelly crusty Gandalf.


Well, that would explain the existence of Harry Knowles.
Title: Lord of the Rings in HIGH Definition...... new format war to begin soon?
Post by: Gloriano on May 27, 2004, 02:15:32 am
HDTV's are Expensive but worth it'

I did buy big HDTV over year ago and still works well(it has minor proplem been there ever since I did buy it)

Games look awesome and Movies