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For the most part, the move to HD TVs has been a positive one, but in this video I make the case that maybe it wasn't the best for EVERY type of show. In this video I go over live-action sitcoms and how they were hurt by the move.

I intend to watch the video, but I'd argue HDTV has generally made a mess of TV.

From black bars on the sides, black bars on the top and bottom, black bars on all four sides, it's a mess.

I intend to watch the video, but I'd argue HDTV has generally made a mess of TV.

From black bars on the sides, black bars on the top and bottom, black bars on all four sides, it's a mess.

Well for pre HD presented TV (4x3 format) you're probably right. Besides image size the images were filmed or videotaped in a lesser quality production. Think Kinescope and early video tape (like All in the Family).

Yet for programing intended for HD the images are often stunning. Sports and nature shows especially benefit from the format.

I probably should say HD has made a mess of SD programming. Older programs shot on 35 mm films scan quite well into HD. But the aspect ratio is a quandary. Leave the program in 4:3 aspect ratio, and you end up with side black bars. Convert it to widescreen 16:9, and you end up with a chopped off horizontal picture, losing some of the original top and bottom.

So I suppose I should say 16:9 aspect ratio is the culprit.

I probably should say HD has made a mess of SD programming. Older programs shot on 35 mm films scan quite well into HD. But the aspect ratio is a quandary. Leave the program in 4:3 aspect ratio, and you end up with side black bars. Convert it to widescreen 16:9, and you end up with a chopped off horizontal picture, losing some of the original top and bottom.

So I suppose I should say 16:9 aspect ratio is the culprit.

I agree. It is a little like if they invented a radio that only played newer songs well but the sound quality on older songs was worse.