HDTV

What is HDTV?

High Definition Television is an entirely new way to transmit, receive and display TV, producing better pictures that are more lifelike than ever seen before in European homes. HDTV is the biggest change to broadcast TV since the switch from black and white to colour 40 years ago.

How is HDTV better than current TV?

HDTV pictures are broadcast and displayed at a resolution of up to 1920x1080 pixels (compared to 720x576 for today's 'standard definition' pictures) giving a widescreen image and five-times more visible detail in the picture. The extra detail is breathtaking.

Why would I want HDTV?

Watching an HDTV transmission is closer to 'being there'. HDTV brings a dramatic new realism to TV and provides a truly engrossing experience.

Don't I already have digital TV?

Current digital TV broadcasts (by Sky, Premiere, Canal Plus, etc) produce excellent pictures but HDTV is a major quality leap forward. HDTV is also broadcast digitally, but in a different format to producesuperior pictures.

Is HDTV a new invention?

The technology behind HDTV has been developed over many years and, although HDTV is new to Europe, high definition channels are already well established in several other countries around the world.

When will we get HDTV?

Premiere (Germany) will start transmissions in November 2005. BSkyB (UK) will commence HDTV services in  early 2006. TPS (France) has promised its first HDTV channel for the Autumn 2005. Broadcasterselsewhere in Europe are also planning HDTV services for 2006 onwards.

Is HDTV only available by satellite?

HDTV requires more broadcasting 'bandwidth' than conventional TV and satellite can best provide this capacity. HDTV will become available via cable and terrestrially (through the aerial) and even down a phone line in due course.

Is TV sound improved too?

HDTV transmissions have the capacity for multi-channel digital sound, like a DVD.

What equipment will I need to watch HDTV?

HDTV reception requires a satellite dish, a special 'set-top box' to decode the HDTV transmissions, and an 'HD ready' TV screen.

Can I use my existing Digibox or TV set?

Existing set-top boxes for current digital satellite TV services will not be able to receive HDTV.You will need to use a special HDTV set-top box, which will be made available by the broadcaster when theHDTV services start.

Will my current TV set display HDTV?

If you have recently bought a flat-screen digital television, it may be suitable for displaying HDTV pictures. You should consult your dealer for advice. Unless your TV is 'HD-ready', you will need to buy a new TV screen to see the HDTV programmes in high definition.

What is an 'HD-Ready' TV screen?

European trade body, EICTA and ASTRA have introduced the 'HD-ready' logo for screens that meet (or exceed) a particular technical specification and will work correctly with HDTV transmissions and set-top boxes.The standard requires a widescreen display of at least 720 lines, compatible with 1080i and 720p (both 50 and 60 Hz) signals, and with HDMI connection (including HDCP content encryption).

Will I have to change over to HDTV?

Current standard definition TV broadcasts will continue for many years to come. Eventually, all TV will probably be broadcast in high definition and it will become the norm, just as colour TV succeeded blackand white.

What is an HDTV set-top box?

The set-top box for reception of HDTV programmes operates in a similar way to current digital satellite TV set-top boxes. It connects to the dish to receive the signals broadcast from the satellite, tunes to the wanted signal and displays the high definition picture on your HD-ready screen.

Will I need a viewing card for HDTV?

Initially, HDTV services are being provided by pay-TV operators and the signals will be encrypted, requiring a viewing card to watch them. Unencrypted, free-to-air channels will be available in the future and public service broadcasters such as the BBC are already producing their programmes in HD.

Will I have to pay for HDTV?

Because of the high cost of establishing the new technology, the development of HDTV is being driven by pay-TV operators such as Premiere and BSkyB and there will be a subscription charge for HDTV content.

How do I use my VCR or DVD recorder with HDTV?

HDTV set-top boxes will connect to a VCR or DVD recorder. However, programmes will be recorded in standard definition only.

Can I record programmes on tape or DVD in high definition?

Devices to record programmes in high definition are now emerging, and HD recorders will become widely available.

Can I pause live HDTV as I can now with my PVR?

HDTV version of personal video recorders will allow viewers to pause, rewind and record programmes for later viewing.

Can I see HDTV now?

HD1 and HD2 are pan-European HDTV channels broadcast via the ASTRA satellites and the equipment to receive these channels is available now. Additionally, ASTRA is running HDTV demonstration channels that may be seen in specialist TV stores.