What is HD?
HD stands for high definition
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.
HD set-up guide
How do I get BBC HD?
To get BBC HD, you will need to have the right equipment and a satellite or cable service from one of the HD service providers listed below.
In addition to this HD service, you currently need four pieces of equipment:
- An 'HD Ready' TV
- A digital box that is designed to 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
TV
When buying a TV, make sure it's marked 'HD Ready'. Note that an 'HD Ready' TV won't turn a standard definition programme into an HD one; you will only get the full detail of an HD picture if the programme is broadcast in HD.
HD digital box
This can be purchased from a satellite or cable company, or from an electrical retailer.
HDMI cable
This connects the HD digital box to the 'HD Ready' TV. It can be purchased from most electrical retailers.
HD satellite or cable connection
If you do not already have a satellite dish or cable connection, one can be installed by an HD service provider.
HD service providers
BBC HD is a free-to-air channel available via satellite and cable. Below is some information on current HD service providers.
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. For more information, visit http://www.freesat.co.uk.
Sky: As BBC HD is a free-to-air channel, you don't pay a subscription for BBC HD on Sky's HD service. To get Sky's HD service you will need a Sky+HD box and a satellite dish. Sky's subscription HD service offers a further 27 HD channels, two additional free-to-air channels and a choice of on-demand HD programmes. For more information, visit http://www.sky.com/hd.
Virgin Media: An HD subscription package is available on cable which includes BBC HD. HD on-demand programmes are also available. To get Virgin Media HD, you will need to get a V+ HD digital box. For more information, visit http://allyours.virginmedia.com.
The future
BBC HD is not currently available on digital terrestrial (Freeview) because there is not enough bandwidth in the signal. Plans are in development that may make it possible to get HD on Freeview from around 2009, provided you upgrade to an HD Freeview box at that time.
In the future, BBC HD programmes will be available for download from BBC iPlayer.
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