High Definition Television
High Definition Television is being proclaimed as the biggest revolution in TV for years. It promises to bring you a cinema-like experience in your own home with sharper, clearer, more vibrant pictures and amazing sound quality on a selection of HD programmes.
But at what price?
To make sure that you can make an informed decision on whether you wish to take the first steps towards upgrading into the world of High Definition Television, we list below the latest facts:
• A High Definition television broadcast signal contains around 5 times more information than a standard signal.
• You will not notice much difference in picture quality until you view the high definition pictures on a screen that is larger than 28”.
• Some programmes will broadcast in high quality surround sound (requires a surround sound speaker system to hear it).
• Programmes can be transmitted in either of 2 main HD formats (1080i and 720p). However HD digital receivers are designed to switch automatically from one format to the other (as required) so that you will always get the very best picture experience.
• Televisions use the “HD Ready” logo when their display screens have enough pixels to enable them to display a high definition picture properly. They also have the right connectors to receive a HD signal from a set top box or HD media player device (such as the next generation of DVD players or gaming consoles).
• “HD Ready” televisions do not have HD receivers.
• “HD TV” is the logo that appears on televisions or set top boxes that already have built-in HD receivers.
• To see a HD television programme, you will need a stand alone “HD TV” or a “HD Ready” TV connected to a digital set top box or a digital television cable provider.
• BBC HD television programme broadcasts are free, but are not available through Freeview.
• Sky have announced their HD television broadcasting services as a Premium Service (currently as an additional payment of circa £10 / month above the normal monthly subscription package).
• The Sky HD Television service requires the user to upgrade to Sky’s latest set-top box (currently at a cost of circa £299).
• Telewest are offering HD television broadcasting services as part of their ongoing TVDrive and Teleport services. Please visit their web site for further information.
• Gaming Technology is also poised to make the jump to high definition. The next generation of consoles will require a high definition display to make the most of the gaming experience with consoles and software optimised for high definition gaming.
If you require any further information on this important subject then please use the official links below:
BBC ................... http://www.bbc.co.uk/digital/tv/hdtv.shtml
Sky .................... http://www.sky.com/hd
Telewest ............ http://www.telewest.co.uk/html/tv_drive/hdtv.html
HD Ready Org..... ... http://www.hdready.org.uk
Sky have offered the following coverage of HD Television programmes since May 2006:
Sky Sports HD - Barclays Premiership football, Guinness Premiership Rugby Union, England home Test matches and domestic cricket will be available in HD in 2006.
Sky Movies HD - At launch there will be 2 Sky Movies HD screens showing movies broadcast in HD, most with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.
Sky One HD - featuring a range of Sky One shows and popular dramas in HD.
Artsworld HD - A diverse selection of Arts programming in HD including ballet and operas.
National Geographic HD - Stunning programs spanning national history, wildlife, real-life investigation, science and world exploration in HD.
Discovery HD - Programs on culture, engineering, science, technology, nature, travel and lifestyle in HD.
Sky Box Office HD - First run movies in HD give a cinema-like experience in your home.
Further Useful Information
HD Ready TV
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