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HDTV Providers

  

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

Am I HDTV ready?

Having bought your shiny new HDTV, you’re ready to watch high definition programmes right? Well, not quite. 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.

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

You may have heard that the BBC were introducing terrestrial HDTV services earlier this year. It is true that the BBC launched a trial of HD in conjunction with coverage of the football world cup, but for a limited number of people only. The BBC's trial HD channel will continue to be available through Sky, Virgin or Freesat services, but HDTV services over a normal aerial will certainly not be an option until the next decade.

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's HD offering
 > Sky HD Sports 1 and 2
 > Sky HD Movies 1 and 2
 > Sky Box Office 1 and 2
 > Sky One HD
 > Artsworld HD
 > National Geographic HD
 > The Discovery Channel HD
 > BBC HD trial channel
 > Channel 4 HD
Sky currently offer 12 dedicated HD channels as well as the BBC's trial channel.

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 latest 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 £299 for their HD box and £10 per month subscription for the HD broadcasting service (check with Sky for current prices / offers).

Virgin Media

Following the re-branding of Telewest/NTL as Virgin Media, consumers will now need to get V+ box (formerly the TVDrive) which is currently free, and take out a £10 a month subscription to Virgin Media's HD service.

At the time of writing Virgin Media don't have any dedicated HD channels, but offer a growing selection of hi-def programmes on demand. At the moment there are a selection of programmes from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. There is also a range of HD on-demand movies available.

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.

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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