Do I need a High Definition TV?

Digital TV and High-definition TV are different things.

High Definition TV uses more lines to give you a better, sharper picture when viewing programmes that have been recorded in HD.

You do not need to buy a high definition (HD) TV set to receive digital TV after the switchover, although if you're interested in watching in high definition, you may want to go for an HD TV set.

How do I get High Definition TV?

To get HD, you will need a High Definition "HD Ready" TV set, and a set-top box.

At the moment, Sky offers the widest choice of High Definition programming. Pictured to the right is the Sky+ HD box, available from www.sky.com/skycom.

HD is available from Sky Digital, Virgin Media Cable, Freesat, BT Vision and Freeview.

High Definition on Freeview?

In late 2008, it was announced that four channels of HD will be available on Freeview. Here's what you need to know.

Channels: The HD channels are BBC One HD, ITV 1 HD, Channel 4 HD and BBC HD

When? The service launched in December 2009, but Freeview HD boxes only became available in February 2010, and the service is only available in a few cities.

Receivers: As of early 2011, there are only a handful of Freeview HD receivers on the market. See the list of Freeview HD receivers

 

More information:

• High Definition TV Explained
• Freeview HD

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