HD was launched by Sky Digital in May 2006. Currently, the only way to receive a high definition television broadcast in the South West is via a Sky ‘HD’ Box, or via the BBC HD Service.

HD – What does it mean?

High Definition – referred to as ‘HD’. HD is a digital format which provides an extremely high resolution image on your television screen, along with amazing digitally enhanced sound quality when combined with a 5.1 channel digital amplifier.

Older analogue, and some Freeview integrated (digital) televisions, have a screen resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. This means that the television screen is made up of 640 horizontal lines and 480 vertical lines. A high definition set is made up of a much higher line resolution, resulting in a dramatic improvement in picture quality.

So, the question is, are you HD Ready? Is your television capable of receiving the new HD transmission? Do you have the equipment required to receive the HD transmission? You can check whether your television is HD Ready by looking for the ‘HD Ready’ logo, or contacting us for advice. Our sales team will be happy to advise you on all major brands of television.

What will you need?

To receive a high definition transmission and enjoy the full benefits of HD, you will require certain equipment. A high definition television will not display a HD picture without a suitable receiver, such as a Sky HD box. Similarly, a Sky HD receiver will not display a HD picture on a standard definition television.

To view HD you will require:

• HD Receiver (eg Sky HD Box), HD-DVD Player or Games Console with HD-Output
• HD Ready Display Panel – either an LCD, Plasma, DLP or certain CRT Models. The display must consist of a minimum screen resolution of 720 physical lines. (A typical HD resolution is either 720p (progressive) or 1080i (interlaced). The display panel must also house an HDMI (high definition multi-media interface) Socket or a DVI (digital video interface) Socket. It must also carry the HD Ready logo.

To determine whether your television is HD Ready, it must carry the HD Ready Logo. Any televisions claiming to be ‘High Definition’ without displaying the official logo do not confirm to the industry standard of HD.

Please remember that currently it is only Sky Digital and BBC HD who currently transmits HD TV. In order to receive the full range of channels transmitted in HD TV you must subscribe to Sky’s HD Service. The costs will vary depending on the Sky package you subscribe to.

For up to date prices on Sky subscriptions, our full range of HD Ready televisions, and advice on all current and upcoming technologies, please don’t hesitate to contact your local branch.