How do I get HD TV?

High Definition (HD) TV offers better picture quality and more detail. With an HD-Ready TV, you can watch high definition TV broadcasts, or HD films with a Blu-Ray player.

To be able to watch High Definition TV, here’s what you’ll need:

1. An HD-Ready TV set

Go to an electrical retailer such as Currys or a store like  Argos, and pick out an HD-Ready TV set. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Look for one that supports 1080p (this will support the highest quality of HD picture)
• Look for one with two or more HDMI ports. These are the high definition connectors, and if you plan to connect multiple HD boxes (such as a Sky+ HD box and a Blu-Ray disk player), you’ll need more than one socket
• Consider getting Freeview HD or Freesat HD built in, if you want subscription-free HD without having to buy a separate box

2. An HD Receiver

Just because you own an HD-Ready TV set, that doesn’t mean that you can start watching TV straight away… you need an HD receiver. A small number of HD TV sets actually have a Freesat HD or Freeview HD receiver built-in, but most don’t. The clue is in the “Ready” page – this means that the TV is capable of getting HD TV when a suitable HD receiver is plugged in.

If you’re looking for an HD Receiver, here are your options:

• Sky HD – Some great deals on Sky’s top-of-the-range HD receiver box, the Sky+ HD. Sky offers over 65 HD channels – the widest choice in the UK. It’s a subscription service and you’ll need a satellite dish. More on Sky’s HD site.
• Freesat – Just five HD channels, but no subscription. You’ll need a satellite dish and a Freesat HD box
• Freeview HD – BBC One HD, BBC Two HD, ITV 1 HD and Channel 4 HD. See the list of  Freeview HD Receivers.
• Virgin Media – Offering over 20 HD channels via Virgin’s fibre-optic cable network. More details at Virgin Media.

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