Is HD stb worth if i only watch SD channels.

[techspark]

Hi, i would like to know will it be any useful to get an HD stb even though i only watch SD channels.

I would be buying a new full HD tv soon, probably 55inches and viewing distance is abt 10 feet.

I was looking to get reliance dth connection as the local stb quality is not good.

I will be only subscribing to SD channels and in reliance the HD stb is 2x the price of normal stb( but their HD stb also upscales SD channels as they say 250 hd like channels, so is this upscaling good and is there a diff in quality of these sd channels compared to normal stb)

Please let me know. Thanks!

 

[aakashr]

here's the thing.......always think long term. Any cable operator you subscribe with you will be with them for a long time. You do not want to keep switching between them for service or for channels, so make a wise decision.

You do not need to go for HD STB if you are only going to be watching SD. However HD is the future and in the next few years there will be more HD content available and at that time you would definitely want to join the HD world. And later perhaps you will also have a 5.1 HT system to full exploit your HD content.

So for me I would go with a name that gives good service and also has support for 5.1 audio. As I understand only Tata Sky and Airtel have support for 5.1 audio. Others are talking about it but still are yet to have full support for 5.1 audio.

suggest to go with a regular STB for now but always think of future upgrade. Its a hassle to again change cable operators.

FYI for 55inches here are the ideal viewing distances depending on source:
SD/DVD 480p : 16 feet
HD Cable 720p/1080i : 11 feet
Full HD Bluray 1080p : 7 feet

 

[baijuxavior]

55 inch tv for SD content only? Dude, you should buy HD STB and subscribe to HD channels to take full advantage of your TV. But if you want only SD, then no need to buy HD STB. I have reliance hd, but remember you won't get HD quality from upscaled channels. Your TV will do the upscaling better. Also there is no 5.1 in Reliance hd channels as of now.

 

[sachin64]

Hi I just purchased 50ST30. What would be the best viewing distance for it.

 

[aakashr]

Hi I just purchased 50ST30. What would be the best viewing distance for it.

50inches
480p : 15ft
720p/1080i: 10ft
1080p : 7ft

 

[techspark]

here's the thing.......always think long term. Any cable operator you subscribe with you will be with them for a long time. You do not want to keep switching between them for service or for channels, so make a wise decision.

You do not need to go for HD STB if you are only going to be watching SD. However HD is the future and in the next few years there will be more HD content available and at that time you would definitely want to join the HD world. And later perhaps you will also have a 5.1 HT system to full exploit your HD content.

So for me I would go with a name that gives good service and also has support for 5.1 audio. As I understand only Tata Sky and Airtel have support for 5.1 audio. Others are talking about it but still are yet to have full support for 5.1 audio.

suggest to go with a regular STB for now but always think of future upgrade. Its a hassle to again change cable operators.

FYI for 55inches here are the ideal viewing distances depending on source:
SD/DVD 480p : 16 feet
HD Cable 720p/1080i : 11 feet
Full HD Bluray 1080p : 7 feet

Thanks for your detailed response. I have decided to go with reliance normal stb , as i don't need HD now. Hopefully when the channels that i view are available in HD , by then reliance will have 5.1 audio, if not then i will change to some other brand.

Just wanted to know which is the best service provider for SD channels ??

 

[aakashr]

Thanks for your detailed response. I have decided to go with reliance normal stb , as i don't need HD now. Hopefully when the channels that i view are available in HD , by then reliance will have 5.1 audio, if not then i will change to some other brand.

Just wanted to know which is the best service provider for SD channels ??

I would have to go with Airtel / Tata Sky in terms of service and channel package. There have been cases where both might have failed to extend satisfactory customer service but in general these are the top names for now.

BTW congrats on the purchase of 50ST30................excellent choice!!!

 

[madhavk8]

HD is absolutely worth it !!!!! No comparisons to SD !! Just go get it !!!

 

[marsilians]

If your watching is SD, the only advantage in going for a HD box is if you would connect to your tv with HDMI or component video. This will display the SD channels much better than the svideo.

 

[techspark]

^^ True, i was considering it for the hdmi port.

But the normal stb has component out so i guess it should be more than sufficient.

 

[CANDUU]

double post.

 

[CANDUU]

man having 55" tv without hd is ridiculous,try watching star movies and movies now in hd ,then you will change your mind.

 

[technobhatt]

Well..it could be some sort of personal preference ! However, I don't encourage idea of watching SD ..that too on 55" TV !!
Go for a HD connection bro and everybody here is so sure..that one day you won't tolerate watching a SD channel on your 55" TV.

 

[techspark]

Agree with all of you. I don't like SD either. Even on my 29 inch CRT i can say the quality is bad. But i have no choice, i mostly watch regional channels and they are all in SD :sad:. I dont think they are gonna be upgraded soon , not even in 3 years from now.

 

[aakashr]

There will be a time when all channels will be broadcast in HD, until then.................patience!!!