What is HDready?
“HD ready” is like a kite mark. When a television carries a HD ready logo, it means that it is ready to accept other HD products, for example, a HD set-top box, or a HD DVD player. HD ready does not mean that you will automatically receive HD programmes.
What is HD TV?
HD TV stands for High Definition Television, the latest technology which brings clearer, sharper television pictures to you, in your home. HD is a digital television broadcasting system, introduced to the USA in 1998. With the advent of the digital switchover currently taking place throughout the UK, HDTV is becoming the standard choice for UK television viewers. The picture received through a HD TV can contain up to five times more digitally enhanced detail than a normal TV picture.
Is my TV set compatible for HD programmes?
If it does not say HD ready on your TV set, you will not be able to watch HD programmes. To watch HD shows, you will need a HD Ready TV and an HD set-top box, like Sky HD.
Will all programmes become HD?
The BBC, Sky and Telewest (Cable) have all started to broadcast HD programmes, as well as ordinary programmes, these HD programmes can only be viewed via a HDTV, a HDready TV and HD set-top box.
Can I receive HD programmes through my analogue aerial?
I am afraid not, as HD is a digital broadcasting system. Over the next few years every household throughout the UK will have to receive digital television transmissions via satellite, cable or a special digital aerial.
When does my area go digital?
The digital switchover throughout the UK will happen between 2008 and 2012, one TV region at a time. There will be plenty of advanced warnings, so don’t worry that you may miss it.
STV North 2010
STV Central 2010/11
Ulster 2012
Border 2008/09
Tyne Tees 2012
Granada 2009
Yorkshire 2011
Wales 2009/10
Central 2011
Anglia 2011
West Country 2009
West 2010/11
Meridian 2011/12
London 2012
Anglia 2011
Digital TV can be accessed via satellite, cable or broadband. The best known satellite TV provider by far is Sky, which have over 200 TV channels. To receive Sky, one has to have a satellite dish, a set-top box and a viewing card, all available from Sky.
What programmes can I watch on digital TV?
You can receive a limited amount of free digital TV channels through a Freeview desktop set. Channels such as BBC 1, 2, 3 and BBC 4, ITV 1, 2, 3 and 4, Channel 4 and E4, sky three and virgin are amongst the free view channels which are freely available. There are also news channels, children’s channels and lifestyle channels to choose from. If you want to watch anything else, then you have to pay a subscription fee to the provider. Bear in mind that Sky also offer a HD subscription, which can only be viewed through a HD TV.
Is my TV compatible for digital programmes?
When the time comes for you to switch over, your television needs to be digital compatible, this is where it becomes a little confusing. Many older television sets will work when connected to a set-top box, but unfortunately some won’t. If you have scart sockets, then you should be OK, if you don’t, then it is time to upgrade!
What’s the difference between digital TV programmes and HD programmes?
Many television programmes are now produced in High Definition, giving the viewer the chance to experience a more life-like experience, incorporating sharper images, intense vibrant colours, more details, and in some cases, a more realistic sound, especially when combined with HD cinema surround sound technology.
My new TV says “HDready” on it, but I cannot see any difference in the picture, why?
“HDready” is like a kite mark, it means that the television set has the correct components to handle HD equipment. To watch HD TV programmes you will need the following:
A “HDready” Tv - with HDMI connections
A HDMI cable - to connect the TV to other HD hardware
A HD set-top box - to be able to receive HD programmes
A HD subscription - to view the programmes in HD. ie, SKY HD
Extra’s
A HD DVD player - to watch High Definition dvd’s!
A Playstation 3 - to play HD games in High Definition
How many HDMI sockets will I need?
Please remember to be future-proof when purchasing a new HD TV. New hardware is being manufactured every day, so the TV may need more than one HDMI connection socket. Games consoles will be HD, as well as DVD players, Blue Ray Players and Digital cameras. It is worth spending that little extra to obtain more functionality from your new TV set.
Are there any differences between HDready TV sets?
HD ready television sets carry the numbers 1080i, or 1080p in their descriptions. The number 1080 represents 1080 lines of vertical resolution. The ‘i’ means that that it is ‘interlaced’, which means that the TV can only really display 720 lines at a time, but those lines change 50 times a second. It is a vast improvement on normal television sets.
The ‘1080p’ however, stands for “progressive scan”, meaning that the full image is displayed over all of the 1080 lines, making a much better picture. HD television which carry the 1080p description are often described as “Full High Definition” television sets.
Do I need a HDready TV when my area goes digital?
If you can afford it, go for it! If you can’t afford a new set, then most, if not all sets can be adapted to receive digital television.
