How to Get HD TV
Digital is a way of transmitting TV pictures and sound as computerised bits of information. This takes up much less space in the airwaves (bandwidth), so there is room for more channels and features than the basic five channels available on analogue TV.
All TV in the UK is being switched over to digital in the coming years, so sooner or later you will need to go digital.
The full range of features depends on the platform you choose (digital terrestrial, satellite, cable or broadband), but the main benefits are:
- More TV channels: over 40 channels
- Better quality pictures and sound: very little interference, no 'ghosting', hiss or crackling
- Interactive features: press the red button for information, extra coverage, etc
- Radio through your TV: at least 20 radio stationsElectronic programme guide (EPG): on-screen information about what's on
- Better accessibility: recordable subtitles on many programmes, audio description on some
To watch HD programmes, you need to have the right equipment and a satellite or cable service from one of the HD service providers listed here.
Once you've signed up you currently need four pieces of equipment:
- An 'HD Ready' TV
- A digital box (digi box) that can receive HD broadcasts
- An HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) cable to connect the digital box to the TV
- A satellite dish or cable connection from an HD service provider