Video podcast picture quality

[Javit]

I'm just getting into video podcasts on both my mbp and the new ATV so forgive me if this has been discussed, but has the video quality always been sort of sub-par on these? The videos I've seen so far just look like poorer youtube videos. I'm not complaining because I usually just have them on as background noise, but I just want to make sure it's not my system.

 

[fpnc]

It depends upon the podcast. I have a DSL connection that runs at about 2.5Mbps and the "Large" or "HD" podcasts look pretty good and begin streaming almost immediately, their quality is better than standard definition analog TV. Take a look at something from CNET (in HD) or if you have a fast internet connection try one of the Hubblecast HD episodes.

The podcasts from the major TV networks are generally of pretty low quality, I suspect that they don't want to compete against their cable and over-the-air broadcasts and of course the bandwidth to support higher quality is more expensive.

 

[Javit]

Cool I'll definitely check that out. The videos I have been watching are all from MSNBC so I suspect your thought on the cable networks downplaying their quality may be correct. Will look at other HD podcasts tonight.