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What is high-definition TV?

Our digital TV expert says...

Dear Trisha, this is a really good question - I’m sure you’re not the only one who is confused by high-definition. Programmes and films in high-definition, or HD as it’s sometimes called, have:

• Better picture quality - Images are brighter and clearer. HD programmes have up to five times more detail than ordinary standard definition (SD) TV.
• Better sound quality - Programmes made with surround-sound are better in HD as sound is clearer and sharper.

HD broadcasts are particularly suited to flat TV screens (LED, LCD and plasma).

Below is more information on how to get HD in your house, what’s available to watch and which digital TV providers offer it…

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The benefits of high-definition

How do I get HD TV?

There are four steps you must take before you can watch programmes in high-definition:

1. Get a HD ready TV - To view programmes in high-definition you need an HD display. Visit www.hdready.org.uk for details on which makes and models are HD ready. If you’re considering buying a new television set, look out for the HD ready logo.
2. Get an HD receiver - You may already have an HD receiver built into your TV, in which case you don’t need to get one (unless you want a different service). If you don’t have an integrated TV you can get a separate HD receiver from a retailer or a digital TV provider. See below for details.
3. Get a HDMI cable - Because of the increased amount of data that will be transferred from your HD receiver to your TV, you’ll need an HDMI cable. Look for the marked sockets on the back of your TV and receiver.
4. Get a digital TV provider - You will need a digital TV service to provide you with HD content. Read more information about what the different providers offer below.

Choosing a digital TV provider with HD

Several of the larger digital TV providers offer HD channels for subscribers, while Freesat and Freeview offer BBC content, ITV programmes and Channel 4 in HD without the need for a subscription. Here are a few of the available options:

Sky - Sky offers the largest number of channels in high-definition, including the Sky Sports channels, the Sky Movies channels and Sky Atlantic HD and Sky1 HD. To get Sky’s HD service you need a Sky+HD box and a satellite dish. For more information, visit www.sky.com.

Virgin Media - Virgin Media offers a range of high-definition channels for its cable TV customers. These include FX HD, MTV HD, National Geographic HD, 4HD, ESPN HD and Sky Living HD. Some HD on-demand programmes are also available. To get Virgin Media’s content in high-definition you need a V+HD set-top box. For more information, visit www.virginmedia.com.

Freesat - Freesat is a subscription-free digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV. It currently offers BBC HD and ITV HD channels. To get Freesat, you can make a one-off payment for the HD digital box and installation. For more information, visit www.freesat.co.uk.

Freeview HD - Anyone who lives in an area that can receive Freeview HD should consider purchasing a Freeview HD set-top box. You’ll have access to BBC HD, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD, and won’t have to pay any monthly subscriptions.

Use our HD coverage postcode checker to find out whether you can receive Freeview HD - and if not, when it will become available.

New HD channels are being added to these packages all the time and costs do vary.

I hope this helps you understand high-definition Trisha - if you think it’s for you, check out the HD offers from the various providers, as they often have deals and discounts for new customers.

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@digitalchoices.co.uk