Sky Digital is currently offering more high definition TV channels than any other UK broadcaster - including rivals Virgin Media. Sky's HD service launched in May 2006.
Sky's HD service is supplied with a special Sky receiver, the Sky+ HD Box, which is basically the popular Sky+ box with an output for connection to a high definition TV.
Here are some of the benefits of the Sky+ HD service and Sky's HD digibox:
- Amazing HD picture quality - 720p and 1080i formats supported
- Record up to 80 hours of TV, or 30 hours of HD TV onto its built-in disk
- Watch one digital channel while recording another
- Record two different channels at the same time, while watching a recorded show
- Browse through a week's worth of TV with the on-screen programme guide, selecting which shows to record
- Pause and rewind live TV (handy for when the phone rings).
- Use 'Series link' to keep track of your favourite shows
- A collection of "on demand" content with Sky Anytime
- Take remote control of your Sky HD set-top box over the Internet or from your mobile phone.
Sky HD requires a special Sky+ HD digibox. These are available directly from Dowson Digital The Sky dish will need to have a multi-LNB fitted and two cable feeds from the dish to the Sky set-top box. This is so that the Sky+HD box and the Sky+ box can record two channels at the same time.
Like standard Sky boxes, the Sky HD box must also be connected to a UK phone line.
Freesat HD
Freesat: The new subscription-free digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV includes BBC HD. You will need to make a one-off payment for the digital box and installation.
A freesat digital box will allow you to watch standard definition digital TV on your existing analogue TV. Remember, HD gives you up to five times more picture detail than standard TV, so if you want to watch HD programmes, you’ll need an HD Ready TV connected to a freesat HD digital box with an HDMI cable, or TV with freesat HD built in.
HD is the latest in a long line of major improvements in television technology, which has moved from black-and-white analogue to widescreen colour digital 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. HD provides a massive improvement in picture resolution, creating more vibrant images and an immersive viewing experience.
HD - the future of television
More and more programmes are being made in HD and most new flat-screen televisions (LCD and plasma) are equipped to show them. 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.