Once you've got your HDTV you can't just switch it on and view content in High Definition. To get the best out of your HDTV, you need to ensure that your HDTV is connected to a HD source. There are a number of sources of HD content on the market.
Here's a brief overview of the most common sources of HD content for the home:
Over-the-air Broadcasts
Currently you cannot view HD broadcasts via your standard television aerial. However Freeview is scheduled to provide HD broadcasts, starting later this year. When you will be able to receive Freeview HD depends on which region you live in.
Satellite & Cable HD Broadcasts
Sky+HD and Freesat HD are two of the major providers of HD programmes through a satellite dish. Access to HD services from these sources will require a satellite dish and HD set top box. Freesat HD does not require a monthly subscription fee, although Sky+ HD does.
Games Consoles
Modern computer games have graphics that can match the breathtaking images we see in today's Hollywood movies. An increasing number of games can be enjoyed in 1080p, a resolution that really brings the best out of the impressive graphics.
Both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 support HD games and connecting them to an HD screen will deliver the very best gaming experience. Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 also allow users to download HD quality films from their respective online stores.
Blu-Ray Disc
Blu-Ray is the latest video disc technology that lets you watch film and television in High Defintion. It has become the industry standard following the demise of its primary competitor HD DVD and is therefore the only way to enjoy Hollywood blockbusters from a disk in glorious HD.
HD Camcorders
Many of the newer camcorders allow you to film your video in High Definition. It can then be played back on an HDTV at its optimum image quality.
Computers
Many of the HDTV screens can be connected to computers. This way you can view internet streaming video in HD for example.
Digital Cameras
Certain digital cameras allow you to view your photos in HD quality on HD screens.
HD Hard Disk Digital Recorder
Digital video recorders (DVR) also known as personal video recorder (PVR) are set top boxes with built in hard disk drives, similar to which you find in your computer. DVRs can record HD television programmes without any loss of image or sound quality. There are a number of HD PVR's on the market, Sky+HD for example.
HD Broadcasting
The major television broadcasters now offer a wide range of their programming in High Definition.
BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky and other broadcasters each have their own HD channels that air some of their most popular programmes in this superior image quality format.
There are a number of ways to enjoy HDTV broadcasts:
Freesat HD
Freesat is a free-to-air digital satellite service offering up to 140 TV and radio channels including HD programmes from BBC and ITV. Freesat aims to reach around 230 channels by 2009.
To receive Freesat you will need a satellite dish and a TV with Freesat HD tuner built in or a Freesat HD digital set top box connected to a HD Ready TV. The Freesat HD digital set top box needs to be connected to the HD Ready TV with a HDMI cable.
Freesat HD is for you if you want brilliant TV - a wide choice of channels, the very best in HD content from BBC and ITV, no monthly subscription and no contracts!
Sky+ HD
Sky's HD service offers a range of HD channels covering sports, movies, entertainment and factual. To watch Sky's HD service you will require an HD compatible TV, SKY HD set top box and the relevant subscription.
Sky broadcasts HD in two HD formats - 720p/50 and 1080i/25. Sky will choose the best format for their programme and Sky's HD box ensures that your TV receives the correct format. To enjoy Sky's HD picture quality you must ensure your TV is HD Ready or purchase a TV that is HD Ready.
The Sky HD box will need to be connected to your HD Ready TV with a suitable HDMI cable.
Freeview HD
Later this year we can expect up to four high definition channels to be delivered via the TV aerial on Freeview. The four HD channels available on Freeview will be BBC HD, ITV HD, Channel 4 HD and one other to be confirmed in the near future.
Freeview HD is expected to start in late 2009, with the Granada Region being the first to receive the service. The rest of the UK will follow and everyone should be able to enjoy Freeview HD by 2012.
Once Freeview HD is available in your region, you will need a Freeview HD set top box connected to a HD Ready TV.
Cable
HD television is being offered by Virgin Media. Currently there is only one channel available; BBC HD. However you can enjoy HD content whenever you want through the Virgin TV on demand service.
To get Virgin Media HD you will need Virgin Media V+ box connected to your HD Ready TV and a monthly subscription.
It's best to check with Virgin Media what services are available in your area.
Blu-Ray
A few years ago two new disc formats were introduced - Blu-ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD. They were developed to enable recording, rewriting and playback of HD video, in all of the HD resolutions including 1080p, as well as storage of large amounts of data compared to the traditional DVD.
Blu-ray won the 'Blu-ray vs. HD DVD battle' and is now the preferred choice amongst consumer electronics and computer manufacturers. Shops now stock a huge choice of Blu-ray discs from the leading film and television studios. Computer games are also available on Blu-Ray discs, most notably for the Playstation 3.
Blu-ray offers up to 50GB of storage capacity meaning that in addition to greater video and audio quality there is also room for additional content and special features. Blu-ray also supports high definition audio formats like Dolby Digital and DTS Digital Surround.
Blu-Ray Recorders
Blu-ray recorders are eagerly awaited. They will allow you to record on Blu-ray discs, enabling you to archive your HDTV programmes without any loss of image or audio quality, archive your HDTV content from your HD PVR and they will let you archive your HD camcorder recordings.
Blu-ray offers you an unprecedented HD experience and gets you closer to the original cinema experience than ever before.
HD Camcorders
HD camcorders are the latest arrivals in the camcorder market and are rapidly gaining popularity. HD camcorders coupled with your HD Ready TV, offer you the chance to capture and enjoy the best quality image possible in the comfort of your home.
High Definition Home Movies
With a HD camcorder you can create your own HD quality home movies and enjoy stunning picture quality with accurate colour reproduction, fine detail and sharper images. HD camcorders also record in 16:9 widescreen, giving your home recordings that Hollywood feel.
The real benefit of filming in HD is when playing it back on HDTV. Your home videos will look stunning and capture those precious memories in the highest quality possible.
Widescreen HD Presentation
Most TVs sold today are HD Ready, so HD camcorder is the perfect way to bring those precious memories recorded in HD to life.
All HD Camcorders will record in one of two video compression formats, as uncompressed video takes up too much space:
- "HDV (High Definition Video) - HDV Recording format uses 720p or 1080i HD recording formats. HDV format records to MiniDV tape in MPEG2 compression. AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definitions) - Next generation of recording format using MPEG4 compression process.
- AVCHD format can record to HDD, DVD, SD Memory card or Memory Stick.
Whatever way you choose to record your HD footage, hooking it up to your HD television couldn't be simpler. If your camera records straight onto a recordable HD DVD, then you can play it directly through a Blu-ray player. Alternatively, for hard drive based camcorders and all other models, you can connect quickly and easily using a HDMI cable, directly from the camera to the television set.