Broadcast vs. Content resolution (TMJ4 but also general)

[mrmike]

Why is it that stations broadcast non-HD material in pillarboxed 1080i?  Is this a technical or marketing thing?  Local or Network?  I'm thinking in particular of "A Christmas Carol" on 4-1 last Sunday, but it's a general question.  I'd like to know who to gripe at when I'm bitching over a beer.

[Den Mayer]

I believe 'pillar box' 1080i HD is a Technical matter

   in that no HD standard allows 4:3 aspect ratio...

  Until all HD material is shot in 16:9 wide...

    the Pillar Box 4:3 HD will be a common compromise ...

[mrmike]

I think you're conflating "HD" and "DTV".  480i/p are DTV broadcast resolutions, though not "HD".  Why don't digital TV stations broadcast 480 material in these resolutions?  Is it because they're trying to claim they're "All HD all the time"?  It makes no sense to me.

[hikerak]

Would this mean that we 4:3 people would get a digital broadcast that would fill the screen like the analog signal does and we would have that nice digitally clear screen?

Unlike now when we have the left and right side of the screen cropped off?  

Am I understanding it in laymans terms??  I would  have the same question...

[mrmike]

hikerak: That's exactly correct.

-MM

[Den Mayer]

Unlike now when we have the left and right side of the screen cropped off?


  I've seen 16:9 TV cameras where the TV monitors center area

   is framed as the 4:3 viewing area.....

   Hence, when live wide screen production is active...

    really the the left & right sides are 'not' lopped off for 4:3...

    As the 16:9 viewer gets to view the 'less essential'

   side content. The 4:3 frame includes the important detail..

   Bottom line is the 16:9 viewer views the bonus material...