Analog cable stations broadcast at 10 bit-depth which is a very low grade picture

[basil lambri]

I had read about that recommendation by the SMPTE on a reputable page on the Internet but I didn't copy it then so I do not know the specific details.

I think that they use 10 bits per channel when they produce HDTV programs in ATSC but when they broadcast the programs the use 8 bits per channel (or 24 bits total).

I know also that they also use 8 bits per channel when they broadcast programs in DVB-T and DVB-T2 where you live in England. Actually, they do the same thing there on Freeview, that they broadcast the standard definition PAL programs at a much lower bit depth than the HD programs.