HDTV

= high - definition Having enhanced picture quality on a TV or any other display.

"HD (high definition) is the latest in a long line of major improvements in television technology, which has moved from black-and-white analogue to widescreen colour over the last 50 years. HD gives you exceptionally clear, crisp pictures with vivid colours and up to five times more detail than standard definition.

More and more programmes are being made in HD and most new flat-screen televisions (LCD and plasma) are able to show them: look for the 'HD Ready' logo on the box. The BBC is helping to lead HD development in the UK so that residents will be able to enjoy the benefits of this new technology.

1080p is the shorthand name for a category of HDTV video modes

"As a general guideline, if you are getting a HDTV set which is less than 42 inch, you won't be able to notice the resolution difference between a Ready set vs a Full HD set. Thus, you will be able to get almost the same visual enjoyment at a lower budget if you buy a HD Ready HDTV (720p) instead."

What Do I Need to Get HDTV?

HD Installation

To watch programmes in HD, you will need the following:

  • An 'HD Ready' TV
  • An HD Receiver (a digital box that is designed to receive HD)
  • An HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) cable
  • A satellite dish or cable connection (from an HD service provider)

  • HD Ready TV

    When buying a TV, make sure it's marked 'HD Ready'. Note that an 'HD Ready' TV won't turn a standard definition programme into an HD one; you will only get the full detail of an HD picture if the programme is broadcast in HD and you have an HD service installed.

  • HD Receiver

    An HD receiver is a digital box that is designed to receive HD broadcasts. You might already have an integrated TV with an HD receiver built in. If not, you can buy a separate HD receiver from a satellite company (Sky or freesat), from a cable company (Virgin Media), or from an electrical retailer.

  • HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) Cable

    Because HD transmits in greatly increased detail, if you have a standalone HD receiver, you'll need an HDMI cable to connect it to your HD Ready TV - just look for the marked output/input points on the back of your equipment and plug it in. If you have an HD integrated TV, you won't need an HDMI cable, as the HD receiver will already be built-in.

  • HD Satellite or Cable Connection

    If you do not already have a satellite dish or cable connection, one can be installed by an HD service provider*.

*It is also possible to buy an HD receiver and satellite dish from a retailer and arrange installation through an independent satellite installer. Once you have bought, installed and set up this receiver and dish to receive all available free-to-air channels you should be able to watch the BBC HD channel (provided you have followed steps one, two and three, above)." http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbchd/what_is_hd.shtml