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What is HDTV?

HD or HDTV stands for high definition, and is a new development in digital television that produces very clear, crisp pictures in up to five times more detail than standard definition television.

Standard definition digital television displays a picture consisting of 720 by 576 pixels so the screen is made up of just less than half a million points of light.

High definition digital television is capable of displaying a picture of 1920 by 1080 pixels which is more than two million points of light, much more than the old analogue system or standard definition digital television.

Television programmes are now made in high definition with some having cinema-style 'surround sound' that brings whatever you are watching to life even more. High definition broadcasts are particularly suited to flat screen televisions such as LCD and plasma.

If television programmes are now broadcast in high definition then how do you go about getting HDTV? High definition has different production methods, a specific means of being transmitted and specialised receivers which means you cannot watch high definition programmes on an old television.

To enjoy the best of HDTV you need to have the correct programming, compatible connections and the right equipment which includes an HD ready television as well as an HD receiver.

If you want to integrate HDTV into your home then you need to make sure your television set is HD compatible. The HD Ready logo appears on all television screens and projectors that are compatible with HDTV signals. HD Ready screens must also have a minimum of 720 vertical lines so look out for the latter figure when the resolution is written out, for example 1280 x 720.

Your high definition television set will need a different type of connector for connecting to an HD set-top box. This will be either a DVI (Digital Video Interface) or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection.

If you are planning on making the move from analogue to digital, it is worthwhile doing this over the next few months. Although it is still currently possible to receive television through an analogue receiver, after 2012 the analogue service will be switched off in the United Kingdom and you will need a digital television receiver in order to continue receiving programming.

It is worth noting that high definition is nothing to do with the digital switchover as you don't need an HD television to receive digital programming. However if you are looking for high definition digital television you will need a HD ready digital television. Setting up your HDTV is relatively simple. The receiver simply connects to your television, generally using an HDMI cable.

Sky Digital is currently leading the field in HDTV in Great Britain so it might be worth investigating if there is a Sky HD Offer that you can take advantage of.

Once you have signed up to a digital service all you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your favourite programmes in the best ever picture and sound.