Top 5 HD boxes

• Top 5 HD boxes
• Buyer's guide to HD TV
• HD TV checklist

Choosing a HD TV package can be a challenge, with so many packages and prices. But we've done the maths so you don't have to.

Sky HD packages

Sky (www.sky.co.uk) is the UK’s largest satellite TV provider and a frontrunner when it comes to high-definition (HD) programming. It offers the largest selection of HD channels, including both ITV1 HD and BBC HD, alongside other premium HD sports channels and a wide range of film and documentary channels in HD.

To watch these channels on Sky in high definition, you'll need a Sky+HD set-top box. The HD set-top box has all the same features of the Sky+ box, letting users pause, rewind and record live TV. Visit www.sky.co.uk to find out more.

Channels on Sky are separated into different viewing packs. As standard, everyone gets the Sky Entertainment Pack, which has more than 40 channels, including Sky One, Sky Atlantic, Sky Living, and Sky Arts. Alternatively, you can pay a bit more and get the Sky Entertainment Extra pack, which contains all the channels of the Entertainment Pack, and adds an extra 50 on top.

To watch the HD channels, you must then also get the HD Pack, for an additional charge each month.

If your Sky+ HD box is connected to the internet via a broadband connection, you can also access a wide range of catch-up and on-demand TV through the provider’s Sky Anytime+ service.

Virgin V HD Box

The Virgin Media V HD Box lets you watch up to 19 channels in stunning high definition (HD). That means a sharper image, vibrant colour and incredible detail - provided you’ve got an HD ready TV set of course.

Just some of the channels available include BBC HD, Channel 4 HD and ITV1 HD.

On top of this, if you have a Virgin Media V HD box, you can tap into an extensive selection of on-demand content, and catch-up TV services, including BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and 4oD.

If you’re looking for HD content on-demand TV, Virgin Media also offers access to HD movies, from brand new releases to audience favourites, with the touch of a button.

TiVo

TiVo is a set-top box that lets you record, pause and rewind live television. It’s more flexible than the Sky+ HD box, allowing you to record two channels at once, while watching a third.

Virgin Media offers two TiVo boxes - a 500GB model capable of recording 250 hours of standard TV, and 50 hours HD TV, and a 1TB box that can store a staggering 500 hours of standard definition TV and 100 hours of HD TV. Naturally, to get the larger 1TB box, you’ll need to spend a little more.

Subscription-free TV options

Alternatively, you could turn to a subscription-free provider such as Freeview or Freesat. Freeview HD boxes can be picked up relatively cheaply now, and many new TVs include a Freeview tuner built in. However, Freeview HD is only available in certain parts of the UK at the moment, so you'll need to check coverage before you buy.

Freesat is a satellite TV service that gives virtually any UK household the opportunity to watch digital channels, including HD channels, without signing contracts or paying a monthly subscription. It offers more channels than Freeview, but you’ll need to have a satellite dish installed to use it.