Access key 0 - Accessibility, Access key 2 - Jump to content, Access key 7 - Jump to navigation
Skip To Content | Skip To Navigation
 

Home > Begin > TV > High Definition Television (HDTV) > What do I need to receive HDTV broadcasts?


Ofcom's advice on your next step

TV -
High Definition Television (HDTV)

To watch HDTV you need:

  1. An HD compatible set-top box receiver. You can get these from Virgin Media (cable TV) and Sky (satellite TV) and they provide access to Pay TV HD services as well as the BBC’s free-to-air HD channel. You can also buy stand alone free-to-air HD satellite receivers for the BBC’s HD services. HD set top box receivers usually carry the ‘HDTV’ logo shown below:

  2. HDTV Icon
  3. A TV that can show HD pictures. Television sets with the ‘HD Ready’ logo have a screen that can display sharper pictures. These TVs will accept signals in either of the two HDTV standards known as 720p or 1080i. These standards are currently used for cable and satellite HDTV broadcasts, and they refer to the resolution of the picture. The displays can also show HD pictures from high-definition DVD players and games consoles.
  4. A special HDTV cable connection between the HD set top box and the HD Ready TV. The cables used with HD are known as HDMI, DVI, and analogue component. HDTV equipment usually comes with standard SCART cables and you can use these to connect to traditional standard definition equipment, but these connections won’t support the HD signal

External links:

BBC HDTV buyers' guide http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/5063066.stm

DTG HD Ready website http://www.hdready.org.uk/

Back to previous page


 

Back to top Back to top