Perhaps the most controversial decision in the early days of HDTV standards was the use of interlacing at the highest resolution (1080i). The introduction of Blu-ray and HD DVD also brought the standardization of progressive content (1080p) which has been responsible for the introduction of many more HDTVs capable of displaying these signals. Now Dish Network has brought 1080p to their online Video On Demand (VOD) service.
Dish Network’s IP-VOD service is similar to offerings from cable companies, but due to the lack of interactivity inherent in satellite communication it requires a DVR and broadband internet connection. Subscribers with a MPEG-4 HD DVR will now be able to get A&E’s new series The Beast in 1080p.
“We are thrilled to work with A&E in pioneering these efforts by taking television to the next level using 1080p format,” said Jessica Insalaco, DISH Network’s Chief Marketing Officer. “As the first pay-TV provider to first offer VOD movies and now offer a TV series in 1080p, DISH Network continues to lead the industry when it comes to delivering the best quality programming options, DVR technology and overall value for our customers.”
Although the satellite VOD offerings from Dish Network and DirecTV aren’t capable of precisely emulating the experience of their cable counterparts, using receivers designed specifically for their services does give them an advantage when it comes to non-standard features like 1080p.
Result for: directv
The popular satellite-television provider DirecTV spent a hefty $1.2 million USD in 2007 lobbying the US’s switch from analog to digital TV.
Other broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite providers have all been campaigning to educate consumers about the government mandated transition that is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2009.
Current cable and satellite customers have nothing to worry about, even if they have old analog TVs, because their providers will provide devices to help them with the transition. However, “viewers who get free, over-the-air programming” will now need to buy converter boxes now available in stores. The US government is providing coupon vouchers to help citizens pay for the devices if they need such help.
DirecTV spent $600,000 USD for the second half of 2007 to lobby Congress, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The company spent $640,000 in the first half of 2007 on the same issue.
Result for: directv
On Monday night it appears that users trying to record NBC TV shows using Microsoft Vista’s Media Center were unable to, the reason being that NBC sent off a broadcast flag that in turn activated Media Center’s built in DRM copy protection measures, and stopped recordings of over-the-air and cable broadcasts.
Both NBC and Microsoft stated that they have no explanation for the issue and noted that DirecTV and TiVo DVR users did not report any issues.
The two TV shows in question were the new “American Gladiator” and “Medium” episodes. Users received the following message when trying to record the shows. “Recording cancelled. [TV show] cannot be recorded. Restrictions set by the broadcaster and/or originator of the content prohibit recording of this program.”
All that seems to come out of this situation is the proof that Vista’s Media Center does indeed have built in DRM that can be triggered by broadcasters at any point, restricting the recording of content at will.
