Cable companies are using compression to squeeze more HD channels into the same bandwidth in order to satisfy increased demand for HD content, according to “HD enthusiasts crying foul over cable TV’s crunched signals“. The result is decreased audio and video quality on certain channels.

It is interesting to see which viewers receive downgraded signals, and which ones are prioritized. A Virginia man analyzed the difference between signals from Comcast and Verizon — he found channels such as Discovery and A&E HD were compressed by Comcast, while major league sports came through at a higher quality. Verizon’s FiOS system does not have the same bandwidth limitations as cable, enabling them to deliver content at a higher bit rate.