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High Definition TV
Just as we’ve started getting used to digital television on demand and Freeview, we’re now being encouraged to watch our favourite programmes in High Definition. Well, that’s if they’re available, writes Sian McLachlan
What is HDTV?
Using significantly higher resolution specifications than your standard television signal, HDTV produces pictures five or six times clearer, with more vibrant colours, much greater detail and Dolby digital surround sound as standard.
HDTV sets
To receive HDTV you will need a flat-screen LCD or Plasma set and look out for the ‘HD Ready’ logo. They are available in 720p or 1080i, which refer to the number of lines making up the image. Although some HD enthusiasts would argue 1080i is much better for fast moving images, the difference is minimal, so if you’re considering investing in a HD set, simply try before you buy.
However, just purchasing an ‘HD Ready’ television set will not improve the quality of your standard television channels. You will need a decoder to receive a HD signal as well.
HDTV suppliers and costs
Current companies offering this service are Sky Digital and Virgin Media. Existing Sky Digital subscribers can upgrade to HD for a one-off cost of £299 for a Sky HD box, a £60 installation fee, plus an extra £10 a month Sky HD subscription on top of your monthly Sky TV package.
In their bid to compete with Sky Digital, Virgin Media offer a cheaper service at a one-off cost of £150 for their V+ box which includes HD, then a monthly fee of £0 - £5 a month depending on the size of your television set, on top of their standard monthly payment.
Video game systems, including the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 also output an HD signal, while HD movies can be watched in two optical disc formats, HD DVD or a Blue-ray, on their corresponding players.
What can you watch?
The only broadcast channel available on Virgin Media in HD at the moment is BBC HD, which itself only includes a handful of shows in HD. Sky Digital, on the other hand, offer a broader range, including selected programmes on Sky Sports HD, Sky Movies HD, Sky One HD, plus a number of lifestyle channels.
What are the problems?
Basically, no one wants to jump in first. The HD companies are reluctant to spend money on new services until the public want it, but the public don’t want HD until it’s widely available at a lower cost.
There is also a war currently taking place between supporters of the rival Blue-ray and HD DVD formats. Until a clear winner is established, the price is unlikely to come down as consumers hold back on investing.
Finally, there is a major problem with aesthetics. Making things clearer and more detailed doesn’t always make for a better image. Blemishes are appearing on even the most beautiful of actresses’ faces, bodged plastic surgery is even harder to conceal and cheap special effects are becoming more noticeable.
Our advice? Sit on the fence for now and wait and see.
* At the time of writing, prices were sourced from www.sky.com and www.virginmedia.com
This article was created: 14 August 2007.
This article was last edited: 21 August 2007.
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