MPEG-4 Transition/Quality

[SBacklin]

I'll be honest, I haven't read much about the MPEG-4 Transition. All I really know is that D* is going to be using from now on for HD Programming? I was just curious if someone in the know can explain to me what is all going on? Are they moving programming to different sats? When transition is completen if it isn't already, what satellites will carry what programming? I hear something about a 5LNB dish. Also, can someone tell me who has the programming, has MPEG-4 made the pic quality any worse/better? When the transition to MPEG-4 is complete, what will be the best screen resolution D* will offer for HD? 720, 1080i or 1080p?, etc.

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to keep up with what is going on.

[Earl Bonovich]

There are a bunch of threads in teh HR20 and the non-dvr HD forum, that will go into much greater depth.


DirecTV is going to eventually use MPEG-4 for ALL SAT based HD broadcasts
Currently only Locals HD stations (and RSNS) are in MPEG-4 format
Existing MPEG-4 are on the 99 and 103 SATs, and you need the 5LNB dish to see those two orbital slots. When transition is complete, the MPEG-4 signal can come from any of the 5 orbital slots, most likely it will be the 99 and 103, but it can be from any of them.
PQ is very subjective, and dependent on the areas... LIke here in Chicago, I would have to say the MPEG-4 is very close to the OTA signal (when comparing on the H20)...other areas, they would say it is worse.
The best screen resolution is going to depend on your TV... for me it is 720p as that is the highest native resolution my TV can display, 1080i would be manipulated by my TV.... No DirecTV receiver outputs 1080p


Look in the two dedicated HD forums for a lot more details.

[Radio Enginerd]

I'll be honest, I haven't read much about the MPEG-4 Transition. All I really know is that D* is going to be using from now on for HD Programming? I was just curious if someone in the know can explain to me what is all going on? Are they moving programming to different sats? When transition is completen if it isn't already, what satellites will carry what programming? I hear something about a 5LNB dish. Also, can someone tell me who has the programming, has MPEG-4 made the pic quality any worse/better? When the transition to MPEG-4 is complete, what will be the best screen resolution D* will offer for HD? 720, 1080i or 1080p?, etc.

Sorry for all the questions, I just want to keep up with what is going on.

I had the chance to compare MPEG-4 against the OTA in my Pioneer Elite 50" Plasma and I was unable to see any difference. HOWEVER, I'm in agreement with Earl on this, picture and sound quality are VERY subjective so what looks and sounds good to me could look and sound bad to you. :)

Good luck to you.