So is Superbit and Hi-Def the same thing?

[manutd123]

A lot of Superbit i recall had a high bit-rate so i was wondering whether these would be to a similar standard to a high-definition version of the same movie?

if not, would there be much of a difference to the naked eye on say a 42"?

[SithLordSi]

'SuperBit' is just a marketing term for high bit rate PAL or NTSC DVD.

HD is a new format that has a many more pixels than PAL or NTSC DVD.

NTSC DVD = 345,600 pixels
PAL DVD = 414,720 pixels
HD 720p = 921,600 pixels
HD 1080p = 2,073,600 pixels

HD comes in three flavours: 720p 1080p and 1080i. 720p offers over 2x the resolution of PAL DVD. 1080p offers 5x the resolution of PAL DVD. 1080i offers the same resolution as 1080p, but is interlaced so it gives a less 'film-like' picture. 720p and 1080p will be used on HD-DVD and Blu-ray, whereas 1080i will be used for broadcast HD.

You can see a comparison between NTSC DVD and HD 1080i here (http://www.hdbeat.com/2006/02/27/1080i-vs-480p-hdtv-smackdown-on-lord-of-the-rings/). :thumbs:

[camaj]

Like SLS says superbit is just DVD with less compression. With 50GB to play with I doubt there'll be Blu-ray superbits.

[kiran_mk2]

Superbit is a term knocked out by Columbia to either con people into buying a film twice or explain lacklustre releases. If they really offered the est sound and video then they should fill out the 9gigs, but none of them do. It seems that they just include a DTS track (not even full-rate) that should have been on the main release anyway.

[thescrounger]

A lot of Superbit i recall had a high bit-rate so i was wondering whether these would be to a similar standard to a high-definition version of the same movie?

if not, would there be much of a difference to the naked eye on say a 42"?

Superbit rarely had a high bitrate anyway, it just had a DTS track (which takes up more space) and no special features. In resolution at 42 inches HD would certainly be better, but with good equipment, HDMI, scaling and a good display, normal DVD might be acceptable.

"The naked eye" is a subjective point, as I would be able to notice a difference at 6ft distance, even though my gf probably wouldn't.