HDTV

What is HDTV?

High-definition television is an entirely new way to transmit, receive and display TV signals. It provides similar picture and sound quality to 35mm cinema film and is the biggest advance in picture quality since the introduction of colour TV in the 1960s.

How is HDTV better than ordinary TV?

High definition is a cinema-style 16:9 widescreen digital TV format providing up to five times more picture information than ordinary, standard-definition TV - a resolution of up to 1920x1080 pixels compared to 720x576. The result is breathtaking detail, and vivid and lifelike colours. Sound is improved with high-quality 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound and multichannel audio for different languages.

Why would I want HDTV?

HDTV brings a dramatic new realism to TV and provides a truly engrossing viewing experience that’s the next best thing to actually ‘being there’. In fact, once you’ve experienced HD it’s difficult to go back to ordinary television.

I already have digital TV? Isn’t that the same as HDTV?

Current digital TV transmissions from such broadcasters as Sky, Premiere and Canal Plus produce excellent quality pictures but these are still only standard-definition pictures. HDTV is a digital format, but it’s a major step forward in picture quality from standard-definition digital TV.

Is HDTV a new invention?

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

Is HDTV only available via satellite?

HDTV requires more broadcasting bandwidth than conventional TV, and although satellite is best placed to provide this capacity, it will also be available terrestrially (through an aerial), via cable, and eventually, down a phoneline.

What equipment will I need to watch HDTV via satellite?

You will need a satellite dish, a special set-top box to decode the HD transmissions, and an HD-ready television.

Can I use my existing set-top box and TV set?

Set-top boxes for current digital satellite TV services are not HDTV ready, so you’ll need a special HD set-top box. You will also need an HD-ready television.

Will my current TV display HDTV?

Unless you have an HD-ready TV, you will need to buy a new TV to watch programmes in high definition. If you have recently bought a flat-panel digital TV, it may be suitable for displaying HD pictures, but should consult your dealer if in doubt.

What is an HD-ready TV?

An HD-ready TV - one with the HD-ready logo - is a TV or display panel that meets or exceeds a specific technical standard and will work correctly with HD transmissions and set-top boxes. This standard requires a minimum widescreen display of 720 lines, compatibility with 1080i and 720p (50 and 60Hz) signals, and an HDMI input that supports HDCP content protection. The European trade body, DIGITALEUROPE, and ASTRA introduced the HD-ready logo so that consumers can identify models that are HD enabled.

Will I have to change to HDTV?

Current standard-definition TV broadcasts will continue for many years, but in time all TV broadcasts will probably be in high definition, and equipment manufacturers will eventually stop making standard-definition TVs. HD will become the norm, just as colour TV took over from black and white.

What is an HDTV set-top box?

An HDTV set-top box operates in a similar way to current digital satellite TV receivers. It connects to the dish, decodes the incoming HD satellite signal, and creates an HD output for the television or display panel.

Will I need a smart card for HDTV?

At the moment, most HDTV services are provided by pay-TV operators. These services are encrypted, so a smart card will be required. However, unencrypted, free-to-air channels are available from broadcasters such as the BBC and ITV.

Why do I have to pay for HDTV?

Because of the high cost of introducing HD technology, the rollout and development of HDTV is being driven by pay-TV companies such as Premiere and BSkyB: these firms need to charge a subscription for premium services such as HDTV content.

Can I use my VCR or DVD recorder with HDTV?

HDTV set-top boxes will connect to a VCR or DVD recorder, but they will only record programmes in standard definition.

How do I record HD programmes in high definition?

The two most popular means of recording HD programmes are likely to be high-definition PVRs and Blu-ray recorders. Blu-ray is the CD/DVD lookalike that won the high-definition DVD format battle.

Will I be able to pause live HDTV as I can with my standard-definition PVR?

High-definition PVRs can do everything your current PVR can do, including pause, rewind and record programmes.