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SD delivery via cable is allotted just enough bandwidth to provide an identifiable signal. (HD via cable isn't full-bandwidth, either, on most systems.) Gotta save room for all the shopping channels and pay-per-view stuff, because that's what actually makes money for the cable company (apparently).
"Decent" analog sources (signal generators, 1" tape, BetaSP) look OK on some LCD monitors, but there's "least-cost conversion" going on, without a doubt.
SD digital formats, like D2, look pretty good on a low-res CRT, but not so good on a HD monitor, even when monitored digitally with no conversion.
It was engineered for its intended display.
I saw early analog HD at an NAB convention many years ago -- made by Sony on modified 1" machines, and displayed on modified CRT monitors and projectors. Looked quite good, with no digital 'banding', great resolution (of course) and the kicker -- a "2 hour" 1" reel (18 or 20 inches in diameter) would hold 20 to 30 minutes of program. The machines were dishwasher size, plus a similar-size cabinet of extra electronics. Even the guys at Sony weren't thinking analog HD would catch on. "It'll be smaller when it's digital" they said.
Chip
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