What you need to know to buy HD TV
Sky HD
If there’s one new technology that has captured the imagination of British consumers it is flat screen televisions. No longer do the nation's TV viewers have to put up with bulky CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) based sets that take up a huge amount of space in the living room. The new plasma and LCD flat screen TVs are much thinner, and significantly more attractive, and unlike old style CRT sets users can hang them on a wall and the majority now come with desk stands.
There is however still some confusion among consumers about which flat screen TVs will be able to display the High Definition service that Sky will launch next year.
Which TVs can display HD TV?
Older flatscreen models lack both the internal image processors and the required connectors to take advantage of the upcoming HD transmissions. This isn’t however the case with most new TVs. Consumers should look for branding on the TV that states that the screen is ‘HD Ready’. This means that it can process the HD signals and features a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) or DVI (Digital Video Interface) with HDCP (High bandwidth Digital Content Protection) to connect it to the Sky HD box. Some smaller LCD sets aren't HD compatible, nor are cheaper plasma screens from lesser known brands. If in any doubt consumers should check with their manufacturer or retailer.
Which is better for HD TV – plasma or LCD?
In some respects the jury is still out on this one. LCD screens tend to offer brighter pictures and have better contrast levels, while plasmas deliver slightly more natural images as they are more adept at coping with faster moving images. If you want a really large screen it will probably make sense to go for plasma as large screen LCD sets tend to be more expensive. The biggest HDcompatible LCD screen in the UK is 45 inches. Kulwinder Singh Rai, spokesperson for independent retailer Sevenoaks Sound & Vision, predicts that ‘as LCD technology continues to improve and the screen sizes get larger it will establish itself as the key screen format for the future.’
How much do HD Ready sets cost?
HD ready LCD TVs start from around £700 for a 26 inch model. Retailers expect that the two key sizes for HD ready LCD screens will be 26 and 32 inches. These retail from around £700, although you can pay up to £1,800 for a leading brand. But if you really want to impress your friends, from early in 2006 you'll be able to choose between a 65 inch LCD or a whopping 80 inch plasma - but you'll need deep pockets. One manufacturer has even built a 100 inch plasma - although we probably won't see that on sale in the shops.
What about high definition sound?
To create a truly cinema-like experience in your home HD TVs need to be paired with a high quality audio system. Fortunately most sets already come with stereo speakers as part of a package. Some top-end models feature powerful amplifiers, Dolby Digital surround sound decoders and the six speakers that are required to completely fill a room with sound. Many consumers however are resistant to the idea of extra speakers and cables in their main living spaces, so manufactures have developed products like the Yamaha DSP-A1 (around £750) and Sony DAV-X1DVD player/surround sound system (£900) which they claim deliver a huge cinema style performance complete with effects that appear as if they are emanating from behind the listener.
What features will Sky’s HD box offer?
The receiver, which will be manufactured by Thomson, will be similar in many ways to the existing Sky+ set top box in that it will feature a hard disk that enables consumers with a Sky+ subscription to easily store programmes without having to use tapes, timers or DVDs. Users will also be able to pause and rewind live TV and watch one HD channel while recording another.
How do I sign up for Sky HD ?
Consumers can pre-register for Sky HD at Comet, John Lewis and other leading independent retailers and online at www.sky.com. They will then be kept up to date with the latest developments as the service gears up for launch early next year.
Order Sky HD online and take advantage of the £10 online credit. Only available at Sky.com.
