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HDTV Getting Started

  

Also in this section: Introduction | Getting started | Providers | Buying your HDTV | Jargon buster

HD Ready or not?

 

HD Ready

The HD Ready logo appears on all TV screens and projectors that are compatible with HDTV signals. HD Ready screens must meet the following specification:

Minimum 720 vertical lines (the latter figure when a resolution is written out, e.g. 1280 x 720)

Analogue component video and either DVI or HDMI inputs

Support for HDCP content protection

Able to display 720p (1280 x 720 at 50Hz and 60Hz progressive)

Able to display 1080i (1920 x 1080 at 50Hz and 60Hz interlaced)

A word of caution

So you’ve decided to take the plunge, and dive into the exciting new world of HDTV. You’re anxious to get out there and buy your HDTV kit, but before you do, a word of caution ...

The stunning 42in plasma screen displays that greet you at the entrance of most major retailers are certainly impressive, but what they display is not necessarily available to you just at the moment. A little bit of ground work is required to find out exactly what is currently available, but don’t worry, here at HDTV org we’ve made it easy for you.

Remember that HDTV in the UK is in its infancy, and although programmes broadcast in HDTV are available, the current range of programme choice is a fraction of that available in the conventional format.

Your new HDTV will show all the programmes that you have been used to watching, but you will need to find out more about the providers who are currently broadcasting HDTV to determine exactly what you can watch in the new format, what equipment you will need, and how much its all going to cost.

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