Why do we need to pay for HD programmes?

SPLIT SECOND SG

Do u all know that HDTV is free in OZ and be recieved through any antenna including the old rooftops one?

There is no need for a special set top box for free to air channels. Am i crazy when starhub says u need a set top box?. This is really absurd and ridiculous. In a technologically driven country like singapore, its really funny. is it me or there is special technology in OZ that is not found in singapore?

Rednano SG

protest to abolish the $50 TV license 1st...

Poh Ah Pak SG

This is Singapore, not OZ.

The ministers here are already the highest paid in the world, so what the fuck do you expect.

You must pay and pay and still pay.

Fantagf SG

protest to abolish the $50 TV license 1st...

for yr info, tv licence is $110 not $50. WE pay $110 for enabling them propaganda and show those crap programmes

SPLIT SECOND SG

http://www.3fl.net.au/item/2007/05/high-definition-television-hdtv-in-australia

In Australia, High Definition is defined as a broadcast with a format of 576p, 720p or 1080i.

Nine and Ten both use 1080i, while ABC uses 720p. 576p is used by Seven and SBS. Regional affiliates follow the format of their metropolitan station – WIN and NBN use 1080i, Southern Cross Ten uses 1080i and Prime uses 576p.

Aside: Seven is using 1080i in Sydney and Melbourne – as a technical test. Hopefully they’ll roll it out nationally soon!

Update 24th June 2007: Seven is now 1080i in Perth and Adelaide as well.

Every station is required to meet a quota of at least 1040 hours of HD programming per year. For the commercial stations, these 1040 hours must comprise of native high definition programming. The ABC and SBS are given special conditions, and can count up-converted (meaning scaling up the standard definition to high definition, then broadcasting it in a high definition format) content towards their 1040 hours. However, even though the ABC doesn’t have to broadcast native HD programming – they still commit the resources and effort to do so – with much praise due to the operations team at the ABC.

SBS is the only station to not broadcast any native HD – they up-convert only. This is because they do not have the necessary equipment for native HD. However, they have plans to go to 720p from 2008.

JBL SG

Well this is Singapore, we hold the theory of Economics, "There is no such thing as free lunch" in Singapore very tightly. Where there are open opportunities to suck our money they will go all out to do it cause they know that there will still be people foolish enough to pay for it or rather "obedient" citizens.

SPLIT SECOND SG

there is a way to beat this: welcome to the world of freeware

U can still watch HD 5, 8 ect. Here is how to do it. its called HTPC setup

Laptop or PC, Tv tuner card, or USB version , digital tv reception (note: its normal Sd digital reception, not HDTV. The only difference is the resolution, digital 5, 8 can be received through antenna and its free to air)

download ffdshow and a tv viewing program like progdvb

set up ffdshow and make sure during install u choose the option "do not limit"

FFdshow works with progdvb to upconvert the resolution to HD.( all computer monitors are progressive digital displays)

if u want to go further, u can connect your PC or laptop to mainstream HDTV directly using VGA or HDMI.

FFDSHOW:sourceforge.net/projects/ffdshow

progdvb: www.progdvb.com

Note to Vista users: U have to turn on microsoft redistributable package in vista"s "windows ON and Off features" in control panel

Note to all users: FFDshow does not work in Microsoft media centre edition.

DEATHwawa SG

This is Singapore, not OZ.

The ministers here are already the highest paid in the world, so what the fuck do you expect.

You must pay and pay and still pay.

PAP - Pay and pay

bo bian, you live in singapore. go live in OZ lor. den liddat no need pay

skythewood SG

in OZ you got free HD. free kangeroo. free desert. free racial discrimination.

like OZ, go OZ oh.... problem solved.

lianamaster SG

In Singapore...it's a pay-and-pay society....