Also in this section: Introduction | Getting started | Freeview HD Equipment

Can I receive the Freeview HD Signal?

Coinciding with the Digital TV conversion process, Freeview HD is being rolled out in the UK over a three year period. Some areas already have it, but you may have to wait until 2012 in your area.

The first Freeview HD transmissions were broadcast for the Granada TV region in December 2009. Freeview HD coverage was limited however to the North West (covering Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester and Liverpool). At around the same time, Freeview HD also began broadcasting from the Crystal Palace transmitter in South London.

The ongoing Freeview HD roll-out will continue throughout 2010 with Glasgow and Edinburgh, Tyneside and Sunderland, and Leeds, Bradford, and mid Yorkshire areas coming online in March 2010.

Check here to see if Freeview HD is available in your area.

Am I HD Ready?

Whether or not you are able to receive the service in your area, you will need an HD Ready TV to display the High Definition (HD) pictures from a Freeview HD signal.

Check on the front of your TV or the manual that came with it for a small sign reading "HD Ready"

If you would like to find out more about HDTV (High Definition TV) you might like to read our HDTV Guide.

Is my current aerial up to the job?

If you are receiving normal Freeview services through your existing aerial then you should also be able to receive a Freeview HD signal.

You may live in a block of flats which share a communal aerial in which case it may be worth checking with your management company before you invest in any Freeview HD kit (or at least buy from a retailer that has a returns policy).

Choosing the right equipment

If you don't have an HD Ready TV you could consider buying a TV with a built-in Freeview HD tuner. The likes of Panasonic and Sony are now producing a wide range of Freeview HD enabled TVs.

If you already have an HD Ready TV you can opt for a Freeview HD set top box. They come in two basic varieties - simple no frills access to the Freeview HD service or with built-in hard drives for recording programmes.

The next section gives you a run down of the Freeview HD kit available to buy now  ...

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