BBC Sneaks in Full HD Content

Sneaky Aunty Beeb has started broadcasting some of her content in the 1080p High Definition format (known as “Full HD”)

Normal HD broadcasts are either in 720p (720 lines of progressive encoding) or 1080i (1080 lines interlaced), but it seems that the BBC has soft-launched broadcasting of some TV shows in the top quality 1080p format. The 1080p video from the BBC uses 50 frames per second, as opposed to the 25 frames used on 1080i. Effectively, this gives us TV pictures that use Full HD, previously reserved for images on Blu-Ray discs.

It seems that the BBC started 1080p transmissions in April, and the improved content appears to be mixed with 1080i content. Where content is filmed on location, 1080p is used, but studio material stays in 1080i, offering a good all-round HD picture.

Sony Bravia Bugs?

There does appear to be a problem with this unexpected bonus, and that is that some HD TV sets are struggling to cope with the transition to full HD. TV sets affected include some 2010 and 2011 model Sony Bravia TV sets, and viewers are reporting audio problems when the TV switches from 1080i to 1080p.

The reports into Radio and Telly HQ appear to indicate that  Sony is aware of the problem, and is on the case. We expect that to mean that an over-the-air patch to some Sony Bravia TVs is on the way to address this and solve the Sony sound switching problem.

Apart from the Sony glitch, it’s great news that the BBC is now starting to phase in more 1080p content. No doubt this is partly in preparation for next year’s televised London 2010 Olympics, where the BBC will no doubt be keen to boast Full HD coverage of the event