BBC HD Bandwidth

Last August (2209) the BBC introduced new encoders for it's HD satellite service. This caused the bitrate for the service to drop from 16 to 9.7Mbps (some say to make it easier for the BBC to simulcast its HD Freeview channel)..The BBC maintains that the new encoders produce at least as good, if not better, picture quality, however many viewers have reported a drop in picture quality and have petitioned the BBC - via the government's website (http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/BBCHDPQ/) for tehr einstatement of pre August 2009 bitrates. Despite the BBC's denial, the BBC Trust is looking into the complaint and the petition is open until 29 July 2010 if you would like to add your name.