Is high definition TV too complicated for the masses?

[spidey07]

I'm serious - it used to be you plug your TV in and get TV. While AT is likely full of tech savvy people that have a basic understanding of audio/video the general public does not. All the different connection options, all the tuning options, trying to zoom/crop to get rid of 'black bars', now you add home theater into the mix and I can understand why it can be overwhelming.

And experience with friends and acquaintances only proves it further. I am by no means complaining as I'm a very avid enthusiast and thrilled by what is available.

See poll

 

[JohnCU]

if the masses are anything like my grandma then i'm gonna have to say yes x10.

 

[BigJ]

Probably not.

People coped with Widescreen DVDs when they came out. Black bars from different aspect ratios or broadcasts shouldn't be any different. Most remotes have a zoom button right on them to help. With HDMI 1.3+, it's a single cable and no fuss.

The problem I think is everyone is so used to using plain old coax or composite plugs for decades. They're just a little overwhelmed right now because they don't know anything. When my parents got FiOS and a new HDTV, he (the FiOS installer) actually took the time to set it up and explain it to them and they haven't had a problem. I think as long as someone initially shows them what to do, it won't be too hard for them to handle in the future.

 

[Joemonkey]

What the heck am i supposed to do with my 2" handheld color LCD TV i bought 6 years ago? Tried to sell it at a yard sale to some unsuspecting folks for $20 but no one bought it

 

[GeekDrew]

YES. Absolutely. Heck, even the concept of digital versus analog... meaning either it works or it doesn't, instead of just having a snowy picture, is FAR too much for a lot of people to handle.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: GeekDrew
YES. Absolutely. Heck, even the concept of digital versus analog... meaning either it works or it doesn't, instead of just having a snowy picture, is FAR too much for a lot of people to handle.

I concur GeekDrew! :beer:

 

[imported_Imp]

Yes... it took me a while to figure out 720p/1080i/p, component video bandwidth, HDMI, DVI, digital cable box and digital service subscription. Many are too lazy and will end up going to BB, asking the salesman which $150 HDMI cable is best.

 

[Fritzo]

Note sure what the confusion is. We have Dish Network, and you don't have to do anything different.

 

[EGGO]

Don't even get me started on the 5 remotes ALONE.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: Fritzo


Note sure what the confusion is. We have Dish Network, and you don't have to do anything different.

Let's take that for instance.

I know more than a few people who get an HDTV and don't upgrade to HD Service from their satellite provider, or those who have Time Warner and don't request HD boxes, and TV looks even worse and they get negative impressions.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: TruePaige

Originally posted by: Fritzo


Note sure what the confusion is. We have Dish Network, and you don't have to do anything different.

Let's take that for instance.

I know more than a few people who get an HDTV and don't upgrade to HD Service from their satellite provider, or those who have Time Warner and don't request HD boxes, and TV looks even worse and they get negative impressions.

Or those that get an HD TV and don't know they need an HD signal.

 

[Shawn]

Yeah, most people I know have everything stretched out and don't even realize it. I can't stand it when HDTVs are displaying 16:9 content as 4:3 stretched instead of zoom which causes black bars on the top and bottom and a stretched image. Major pet peeve.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: oldsmoboat

Originally posted by: TruePaige

Originally posted by: Fritzo


Note sure what the confusion is. We have Dish Network, and you don't have to do anything different.

Let's take that for instance.

I know more than a few people who get an HDTV and don't upgrade to HD Service from their satellite provider, or those who have Time Warner and don't request HD boxes, and TV looks even worse and they get negative impressions.

Or those that get an HD TV and don't know they need an HD signal.

Yes, exactly what I was saying.

Also, I cringe just a little when people buy a new HDTV, and then say that they can watch their DVD's on their $20 DVD player "in HD".

 

[TwiceOver]

I'm fairly tech savvy and I don't get all the lingo how should I expect my grandparents or even my parents?

Pick a resolution, pick a form factor, pick a connector. Fucking standardize that shit.

I guess it is really still in its infancy so I really shouldn't complain. I have the TV but until TiVo HD boxes come down and my cable provider has more selection, I won't be switching any time soon.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Shawn
Yeah, most people I know have everything stretched out and don't even realize it. I can't stand it when HDTVs are displaying 16:9 content as 4:3 stretched instead of zoom which causes black bars on the top and bottom and a stretched image. Major pet peeve.

ditto that.

 

[RESmonkey]

Stupid people won't realize and go on and on how their HDTV looks so good when they're not even watching HD.

 

[invidia]

I'm pretty sure a huge number out there don't know the difference between analog and digital.

 

[Leros]

I bought an hdtv, the cable company came over and set up the cable box. I can press on, and then start flipping channels.

Seems idiot-capable to me.

 

[zinfamous]

I'd say yes. I was recently in Costco, and every LCD/PDP had big fat signs on them: "You must order HD service to receive an HD image"

It stands to reason that these signs are up there as the result of massive complaints, and attempted returns accusing Costco of selling them defective TVs.

 

[olds]

Originally posted by: Leros
I bought an hdtv, the cable company came over and set up the cable box. I can press on, and then start flipping channels.

Seems idiot-capable to me.

Hopefully, they set it up correctly.
RG6 FTL.

 

[TruePaige]

Originally posted by: zinfamous
I'd say yes. I was recently in Costco, and every LCD/PDP had big fat signs on them: "You must order HD service to receive an HD image"

It stands to reason that these signs are up there as the result of massive complaints, and attempted returns accusing Costco of selling them defective TVs.

True.

It's how BB pushes their HDTV Installation services.

 

[BigJ]

Originally posted by: TruePaige

Originally posted by: Fritzo


Note sure what the confusion is. We have Dish Network, and you don't have to do anything different.

Let's take that for instance.

I know more than a few people who get an HDTV and don't upgrade to HD Service from their satellite provider, or those who have Time Warner and don't request HD boxes, and TV looks even worse and they get negative impressions.

It doesn't take much for people to ask questions when they buy the TV. I don't even sell TVs at my place of business and I usually have at least one person a day asking about what they need to enjoy their HDTV.

"So what do I need to enjoy this sweet new TV?"
"Well sir, you'll need to ask your cable company for an HD box. That's right sir H-D. It's a box just like the one you have now, but it will really allow you to see the difference in quality. And for that box, I have a really good cable for it."
"Oh yea, show me this cable."
"Sir this Monster HDMI, that's H-D-M-I Elite cable is specifically for your brand new TV. All you need is this one wire from your cable box into your TV and you'll be able to take advantage of it."
"So what do I do again when I get this all home and get the cable box?"
"Well on the back of your new cable box, plug this in to where it says 'HDMI', then do the same on the back of your new TV."

You'd figure that the sales people would want to push as many accessories as they possibly can with the set they're selling.

Since I get no commission, I give them the cheapest HDMI cable I have, explain it nice and slow, and the people are on their way. I even let them know their cable company will likely have the technician hook the new box up to the TV as long as they have the cable there (and for FiOS, they give you a free HDMI cable).

 

[Atomic Playboy]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Probably not.

People coped with Widescreen DVDs when they came out. Black bars from different aspect ratios or broadcasts shouldn't be any different. Most remotes have a zoom button right on them to help. With HDMI 1.3+, it's a single cable and no fuss.

The problem I think is everyone is so used to using plain old coax or composite plugs for decades. They're just a little overwhelmed right now because they don't know anything. When my parents got FiOS and a new HDTV, he (the FiOS installer) actually took the time to set it up and explain it to them and they haven't had a problem. I think as long as someone initially shows them what to do, it won't be too hard for them to handle in the future.

This. Right now, yes, people are slowly making the switch to HD and in that interim period you need to have a high degree of technical knowledge to get everything functioning properly in your entertainment system. In the next five years as everything moves to HDMI (single cable for audio and video), everything will get a whole lot simpler. Hell, you can already get a set top DVR with two cables - a coax line in and an HDMI out to the TV - and enjoy high definition programming on cable or dish.

 

[zinfamous]

Originally posted by: BigJ
Probably not.

People coped with Widescreen DVDs when they came out. Black bars from different aspect ratios or broadcasts shouldn't be any different.

well, they still release DVDs with re-formatted aspect ratios in order to accomodate 4:3 screens. It seems some people still want that....Sure, DVD went a long way in informing the general public about proper ar....but if a BD is ever released with Pan & Scan, I think I'll have to defect.

 

[spidey07]

Originally posted by: RESmonkey
Stupid people won't realize and go on and on how their HDTV looks so good when they're not even watching HD.

I wouldn't call it stupid. I'd call it new to them.

I agree about seeing friends goo-goo and gaa-gaa about their new HDTV and they are not even watching HD.