HD feed on SD channel

[Eric]

I just noticed that Bright House Networks in Daytona Beach is now airing the HD feed on its SD channel (letterboxed), complete with the IS2 being shown instead of the regular Intellistar.

Is this happening for anyone else?

It took me a while to notice.  I have an HD cable box in the bedroom, but just basic cable without a box (though with an HDTV set) in the bedroom.  I was in the bedroom, just turned on the TV to TWC when the "local on the 8s" LDL came on during longform, and it took me a while before I noticed that not only was the aspect ratio different, but I was looking at the IS2's LDL.  Quite strange.

Maybe I'll start having Intellistar 1 withdrawals now? 

[Localonthe8s]

It could be done on purpose. Cablevision in NYC now uses the HD feed for the SD (Ch 61) too. We get the IS 2 on both channels. I don't like it, as I like some variety but hey, no need for HD channels here on Cablevision if you just want to see the IS2...

[Eric]

In general, I think it's a good idea.  If TWC mandated the HD feed on SD channels, they would be able to use more of the screen during weather programming, instead of putting the weather maps inside the SD-safe boxes, which is a terrible waste of widescreen.

The downside, of course, is that not everyone has access to the IS2 yet, which would result in satellite feeds for many more people (which helps no one), or, if it's even technically possible, a bizarre merger of the HD feed with SD Stars.

[TWCCraig]

I've had this for a few years now. Which is why I can't record the SD Intellistar anymore.

[WeatherWitness]

In general, I think it's a good idea.  If TWC mandated the HD feed on SD channels, they would be able to use more of the screen during weather programming, instead of putting the weather maps inside the SD-safe boxes, which is a terrible waste of widescreen.

The downside, of course, is that not everyone has access to the IS2 yet, which would result in satellite feeds for many more people (which helps no one), or, if it's even technically possible, a bizarre merger of the HD feed with SD Stars.

I think this is a good idea too, but all your points are valid, Eric.  Don't a lot of other stations already do this?  The "blank space" on the weather maps on the HD feed is indeed a waste of space.  But, like you said, since not everyone has access to the IS2, I guess a lot more national feeds would show up.  I don't even want to think of the "outrage" that would result from viewers if this happened (assuming that LOT8s is still one of the top things they care about...)

[gt1racerlHDl]

i have a feeling xfinity headends would try this next to save channel bandwidth in the future.

[Localonthe8s]

I've had this for a few years now. Which is why I can't record the SD Intellistar anymore.

Yeah, all the Cablevision headends in the NYC area are like this now. In Newark NJ, the last time I saw the SD Intellistar on the SD feed actually during Sandy. So they must've recently done this.

[IceManNYR]

The Cablevision HD set top boxes map the HD channel to the SD channel location.
On the system in this area If you have an SD box you get the TWC SD feed.

[Eric]

My cable box doesn't do that.  Channels up to 999 are SD, and 1000 and above are HD.