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Freeview Explained
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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?

 

Sky HD boxTo 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 first three channels are BBC HD, ITV 1 HD and Channel 4 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. It's estimated that 50% of the UK will be able to get Freeview HD by July 2010.

 

Receivers: As of July 2010, there are only a handful of Freeview HD receivers on the market. See the list of Freeview HD receivers

 

 

 

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