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Ooh! Shiny!

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So, Formula 1 is finally going to be shown in High Definition. This is clearly very good news.

Considering how many other sports have already adopted the technology though, it does seem a bit like running out into the street and shouting "look at my cassette player! It's portable!". It seems Bernie has always been a little behind the times technology-wise, and slow to exploit opportunities. Still, we mustn't grumble. With the BBC producing their part of the programme in shiny mega-pixel gorgeousness too, every subtle contour, gleaming surface and angular beauty of David Coulthard's cheekbones should be reproduced in jaw-dropping clarity. The cars will look nice too.

Please remember though to have the contrast button highlighted on your controller for when EJ's shirt's come on. The garish colouration in that much detail could have a similar effect to staring at the sun.

One small problem for me though. My TV is so old it:

a) Isn't actually the slightest bit widescreen
b) Viewing programmes "letterbox" style makes the picture very titchy
c) It hasn't even got teletext, let along Hi Def capability
d) As we're now entirely digital in the wilds of Cumbria, I'd need a new digibox to get HD as well

Bugger. So remember - when you're watching the individual droplets of rain cascading off the bottom edge of Lewis Hamilton's crash helmet this season, I'll still be trying to figure out which driver it is.

(Tonight's calming influence is "The Chillout Session" from 2001. Sadly, it's not working.)

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