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Am I HDTV ready?

Having bought a shiny new HDTV Ready TV, all of the old programmes I’ve been watching on my new TV will now be High Definition, right? Well, unfortunately not. HDTV providers have dedicated HD channels which provide a limited, but growing choice of programmes in the new format.

To watch programmes in High Definition you will need to take out a HD subscription with a satellite (Sky) or cable broadcaster (Virgin Media). Alternately, as of May 6th 2008 a free-to-air satellite service (Freesat) has launched with some HD programming.

Trials have just begun to broadcast High Definition programmes through the Freeview platform. Freeview is similar to Freesat but is available through your aerial and is built in to the vast majority of HD Ready TV's. HD channels from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 will be rolled out to Granada and London regions early 2010 with the rest of the UK gaining access by 2012. Although you will need an HD Freeview box to receive the new HD channels, there is no subscription charge.

We cannot stress strongly enough here on HDTV org that taking out a High Definition subscription with Sky or Virgin Media does not make all of your tv programmes available in this format. The number of channels is growing, but limited, and as of writing Sky has the widest choice. See below for more details ...

Sky HD

Sky currently offer 26 dedicated HD channels. Two new channels, Crime & Investigation Network HD (CI HD) and The Biography Channel HD (BIO HD) are scheduled to launch on November 5th.

 >> Sky's HD offering

Premiership football is a big attraction for those thinking of a HD subscription, and at the moment Sky has taken a big lead here broadcasting regular premiership games on its HD sports channels.

Many dramas are already shot in HD such as the Sopranos and Desperate Housewives in the US. The BBC, which already has a large catalogue of HD material is committed to recording everything in HD by 2010.

Note: Sky's High Definition channel, Channel 4 HD, is a 'simulcast' of the Standard Definition channel 4, with HD programmes being shown where possible.

Sky currently charge £75 (reduced recently from £150) for their HD box and £10 per month subscription for the HD broadcasting service (check with Sky for current prices / offers).

Virgin Media

To view High Definition through Virgin Media, subscribers will need to get a V+ box (formerly the TVDrive).

Virgin Media offer a small but growing selection of HD channels. FX HD offers a mixture of popular American programming, while MTVN HD, is focused predominantly on music. National Geographic HD shows documentaries and the BBC's HD channel shows a selection of the corporation's most popular programmes. Virgin media will soon add LIVING, ESPN and Channel 4. There is also a range of HD on-demand movies available. An interesting development could materialize if the BBC add HD content to their iPlayer. Virgin Media are currently the only provider to integrate the BBC's on demand player into their cable services.

Freesat

Not to be confused with 'Freeview', 'Freesat' is a free (i.e. No subscription required) satellite based service that requires users to install a dish and set-top box. Sky satellite subscribers wishing to use the service may be able to use their existing kit and unlike Freeview, Freesat has the advantage of being free from bandwidth restrictions and can reach more than 98% of the UK population.

Being free from bandwidth restrictions, Freesat will offer HD programming from the outset. Although the BBC's trial channel will be the only HD fare available initially, it will be joined within weeks by ITV's HD service.

* Find out more about Freesat with our Freesat guide

Satellite Providers

 

Sky HD

Unlike cable, satellite is available in most areas of the country, and at the moment Sky has taken a slight lead with its HD offering. View their website to get full details.

http://www.sky.com/hd/

 

Cable Providers

 

Virgin Media

Virgin Media offer a range of cable services which include HD subscription services. These services may not be available in some rural areas. Also, if you are planning to sign-up for broad band check that this is available in your area. View their website to get full details.

http://www.virginmedia.com/

Freesat

 

Freesat

Offers over 80 digital TV and radio channels, with some HD programming. The service is subscription free, but consumers will need to buy a set-top box and satellite dish.

http://www.freesat.co.uk/

 

 

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