[opendtv] Re: [oldvtrs] So Much for HDTV]

At 11:21 AM -0400 8/21/08, John Shutt wrote:
H.264 has means within it's decoder toolkit to soften the 'edges' between macroblocks (and to vary the size of macroblocks, but that is a different issue.)
Given the computational power available today to even the most lowly MPEG-2 decoder, some enterprising designer somewhere will create an MPEG 2 decoder that recognizes severe macroblocking and take steps to blend the edges of adjacent macroblocks to reduce the obvious sharp edges during those times.
This would be done entirely within the decoder, and no new transmission standard or bitstream information (such as "warning-dissolve approaching') would be necessary.
As for the "Master Control in every home" concept, it sounds good but until 100% of your receivers are thusly equipped, it is absolutely useless. For an example, see the different audio options built into ATSC.
The logo placement in the STB concept will only work in a walled garden environment such as Cable Boxes or DBS receivers, where the transmitter has full confidence in the compliance of all receiving devices. OTA broadcast? N.E.V.E.R. 

I agree that installed base will be important. But never say never.
What this requires is for the broadcasters to define a REAL platform for DTV that can survive or at least coexist with competitors. It could easily happen, IF broadcasters cared enough to become competitive...again.
This is certainly no more difficult that implementing TruTwoWay, or defining a mobile transmission standard.
You start the ball rolling by providing something that people really want. They may not care about better dissolves or the ability to remove a logo bug, but the foundation that you could build will support MANY things that consumers WILL want, and even more important, services that competitors WILL provide. 

Regards
Craig


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