CNBC HD won't be HD

That's right, it's hard to believe, but when CNBC HD goes live soon there won't be any HD video. We're already used to on-location and other segments being upconverted on our local HD news, but even they've invested enough to produce at least the studio shots in HD. It's not all bad though, as they're going to upconvert the same 4:3 image from the regular version of CNBC, put it in a window and then use the rest of the space for HD graphics, tickers etc. We think this is a good use of the wider HD frame, and if they do it right, we can see this taking advantage of HD in a very unique way that may turn out a success. That being said, not doing any HD on a so called HD channel is really lame.

[Via AVSForum]

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 4:06PM]

Just like ESPN HD started out

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 4:07PM]

ESPN HD atleast had some HD when they launched. According to this article the only thing that will be in HD is the graphics etc.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 5:39PM]

So basically the "Burn-in-Champions" at CNBC are going to take this opportunity to use the wider frame to stick in more static graphics, to cement their title as the "number one channel for burn-in on plasmas everywhere!"

Disclaimers to prevent flame fests: Yes, I own a plasma. Yes I know burn in is very rare, and only happens in the craziest circumstances. No, LCDs are not better for this reason - they still look like crap :) No, I don't usually watch CNBC.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 10:58PM]

Yes, but they at least won't be stretching everything. WHich is an interesting question. How about doing a "Clueless SD Upconvert Stretch " roundup later in the week.

[The Fuzz 53 Posted Sep 17th 2007 4:41PM]

That's not bad since Maria Bartaromo has kind hit the wall in the last few years.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 5:34PM]

Yeah, but Becky and Erin would look great in HD.

[simbadogg Posted Sep 17th 2007 5:09PM]

i think she's still a looker

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 5:17PM]

That is lame. You need to have at least Studio shots in HD or you should not be able to call yourself an HD station. There needs to be some standards.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 5:28PM]

She might be a looker, but Patty melts for me when I touch her.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 17th 2007 6:44PM]

Don't forget Rebecca Jarvis - sweet!

CNBC is my favorite channel, so I don't care how well they'll do their HD broadcast. At least the graphics will be organized well around the 1:78.1 image.

[samrum Posted Sep 17th 2007 9:58PM]

Great...graphics taking up even more of the screen...
*facepalm*

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 18th 2007 12:39AM]

They're just taking up an area that would otherwise be filled with black bars. I don't know about you, but I'd rather see graphics than black bars. Dumbass.

[samrum Posted Sep 18th 2007 12:56AM]

I'm saying that they should be taking away the graphics and tickers they already have, not adding more. I could care less where they are going to be. I'd rather have two black bars than have two more large graphics showing useless/irrelevant information to whatever I'm trying to watch.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 18th 2007 8:14PM]

I guess it should be said that the Fox Business Network will be launching in real HD.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 18th 2007 8:36PM]

Is it just me or is that picture horribly off...she looks sunburned

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 21st 2007 5:51PM]

Tv is going to end up being just like in Idiocracy, and if you don't know what I mean. Go and rent this genius movie from the guy who brought you "officespace"

This adding on of tickers and useless crap to the borders of the TV image is only going to get worse.

TimT