25 August 2006
High definition television (HDTV) and Britons' exacting standards could see the country's most-loved television shows fall in popularity.
With a picture four-times sharper than standard, HDTV exposes even the most minute flaw on a set, while research commissioned by ntl Telewest suggests that poor set design is one of the biggest turn-offs for a TV audience.
Almost a quarter of respondents claimed they would change channel if a programme or film is not convincing. Inauthentic sets infuriate a third of Britons, while 28% dislike shaking walls.
Poor attention to period detail annoys one in ten, while 8% are irked by obvious gaps and joins.
Set designer Eve Stewart described the advent of high definition as the biggest challenge for set designers since the switch to colour.
She said: "As the ntl Telewest research illustrates, viewers are much more sophisticated now and demand ultra-realism in both TV programmes and films.
"We have had to rethink the quality of our scenic work, rather than relying on old camera softening effects. HDTV offers a deep field of focus and sharp detail, so it's like staring at a set through a microscope. It involves a lot more time, preparation and money to ensure the audience buys into what they're watching."
Ernie Cormier, chief commercial officer of ntl Telewest added: "TV viewers are more demanding than ever, in terms of both choice and quality. Now our customers can watch films in stunning high definition whenever they want, which will please even the most critical eye."
The survey also discovered the nations' favourite TV set, which was the Trotters' sitting room in Only Fools and Horses. Edi's kitchen in Absolutely Fabulous was also popular, followed by the Queen Vic pub in EastEnders.