A Word about Visual Tech

I’m sure that many have heard of the latest craze about high definition and all of its attributes. Much of the country will become much more familiar with these terms when all cable providers will switch their signal from analog to digital starting in February 2009. But then again, what are those attributes and what do they mean? What’s the difference between 480i, 720p, and 1080p? How can you watch programming and movies in these different formats? It is my hope that I can dispel some of the confusion surrounding these items and more.

First though, a word must be had about the history of high definition. Surprisingly, high definition technology has been around since the 1980’s in Japan. Much of the craze over high definition here in the United States has been limited to the past ten years. Like many cultural and technological phenomena, we Americans seem to be at the end of the line before any of the latest and greatest makes its way here. To further demonstrate this, even by the late 1980’s, the Japanese had developed an analog signal to broadcast high definition programming. But on the other hand, our flat screen computer monitors are high definition.

That then brings us to the difference between digital and analog, as it may be central to some when the big switch over occurs in February 2009. Currently, many still receive analog broadcasts in regard to their television viewing. Analog technology is actually an “analog wave.” For example, when a television broadcasting station beams out an analog signal from a TV tower to a receiving device, the wave is in its original form. Digital technology on the other hand uses the original analog wave, but that wave is sampled at a given interval and turned into numbers. For example, a digital signal can be found within a compact disc, DVD, or Bluray Disc. On a CD, 44,000 numbers are stored per second of music. In sum then, an analog signal has limitations in size, but digital technology allows for the 0’s and 1’s (the information) to be compressed and error free, hence more clarity.

What does that have to do with 480i, etc…? First off, because a digital signal can carry more information than that of an analog signal, it allows us to view TV and movies in life like high definition. For example then, most television viewing is done in 480i, as it is in analog form and can only carry a limited amount of information in the signal. What exactly is 480i and such?

-480i: This is called “standard definition” and can only display a limited number of horizontal and vertical lines on your television.
-480p: This is what you would see when you view a standard DVD; a few more horizontal and vertical lines.
-720p & 1080i: These two formats are called “high definition.” These formats are broadcast in a digital signal due to the increased data, which in turn provides for more horizontal and vertical lines. -1080p: Known as “true HD,” 1080p is also broadcast in a digital signal and provides for the best picture possible.

The easiest way to think of the above is through the numbers. For example, there is a 360 horizontal and vertical line difference between 720p and 1080i. 1080p on the other hand can refresh the line rates in your TV at a much faster rate (hence the “I” and “p”). When the digital signal become standard, you are not going to be able to view high definition or true HD on your tube TV (if it has a digital tuner), as the TV is not capable of producing the number of lines required. You would have to purchase an LCD or a plasma TV in order for that to happen. If your tube TV is a bit older and does not have a digital tuner, you can acquire a converter from the government or from a cable company that will convert the digital signal into a usable form by the TV.

There are more nuances to be discussed, but I’ll leave it at this stage for now.

Due Caution Must Be Observed

I hate to bring a figurative bout of depression to the rampart surrounding the Cub’s success thus far in the 2008 season. But I believe that due caution should be exercised in regard to their success. Yes, as I’m sure you have heard, the Cubs have the best record in baseball as of today, with 36 wins and 21 losses. Evidently, this is the first time since 1908, the last time that the organization won the World Series, in which they have had the best record in the league going into June. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But as Lou Pinella said, it really does not matter right now. If this was the last week of the season and they had the best record, well, yes then, it would matter. I do not want to bring up the subject of curses and such, as I do not believe in such matters. Within the context of this season though, it should be noted that there are 105 games left. A baseball season is incredibly long and during that time all teams go through strings of great successes and struggles. But what makes a great team in baseball is a team that maintains consistency throughout those successes and struggles.

The Cubs have a long road ahead, as a vast majority of their games will be on the road after the all-star break. Even in June, they only have 9 games at the “Friendly Confines,” a place where they have proven to be rather formidable thus far. The key to a successful season for the Cubs will be winning on the road as well. Granted, much of the hype thus far has to do with the national media attention that the organization is receiving in regard to not winning a World Series in 100 years if they do not win it this year. I know that there are masses out there rooting for them to “win it all” this year and I am one of them.

But with that said, I wouldn’t start placing my bets just quite yet...