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YouTube goes full HD
by Ayurdhi Dhar - November 14, 2009 - comments
This high resolution view is what you would be experiencing on YouTube now
Los Angeles, CA, November 14 -- We have come a long way in the course of watching videos on the Internet. From highly pixelated, grainy images to 750p HD videos, we have tolerated it all. YouTube has now offered viewers full high definition videos.
YouTube has allowed its viewers to upload and also view the videos in 1080p (1920×1080), that is, full HD. A test video has already been made available on the website.
Their HD mode will now be providing support for videos to be played in 720p or 1080p depending on the original source's resolution. Keeping up with the latest developments in technology, they aim to enhance viewers’ visual experience to a completely new level.
Better technology, better view
All you need is a good broadband connection and a really responsive, that is, fast computer. Google-owned YouTube had made the experience reach 720p about a year ago. But the developments in television, camcorders, and other HD technology has made them increase their own standards to keep up with HD videos.
Even about a year ago, courtesy fully HD camcorders, many videos uploaded by people were of 1080p, but were not viewable. YouTube plans to change all that.
Even the ones which were earlier uploaded will now be accessible. One can now flash their photography talent with high quality cameras, and share them at the same level of resolution and clarity.
YouTube software engineer Billy Biggs said, “As resolution of consumer cameras increases, we want to make sure YouTube is the best home on the web to showcase your content.”
Competing with Hulu
Rumors about YouTube joining hands with a major movie studio to allow them to stream movies on YouTube on rental basis are doing the rounds.
There are also talks about Blu Ray quality videos being displayed on YouTube as paid content. It has also challenged Hulu by getting friendly in April with BBC, CBS, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sony, and Lions Gate Entertainment.
But don't start running around with your camera for some extensive footage, since according to YouTube conditions, user-generated videos can only be of at the most 10 minutes now. But the size of the file allowed to be uploaded might get increased from 2 GB, considering the mammoth size of 1080p files.
YouTube is not only the first video sharing website to introduce full HD, it is also the most popular one. Created by three former PayPal employees, YouTube was launched in Feb 2005. The website uses Adobe Flash video technology to display anything from home videos to movie trailers.