FAQ: HD Ready TV's and if "this" TV is suitable for HD signals

mclaren_2 · 26 May 2006 at 7:51PM

There's a lot of questions asking whether a certain model of TV is suitable for Sky HD/ Telewest TV Drive. Hopefully this should clear things up. If you're unsure of any of the ansers a look in your user manual or try a Google search for the model number will likely find the answer:

1) Is the TV marked as being HD Ready?
- If Yes it is suitable for Sky HD
- If No, continue to 2

2) Does the TV have HDMI, DVI and/or component inputs?
- If Yes, continue to 3
- If No, it is not suitable for Sky HD

3) Can the TV accept 720p and/or 1080i at 50Hz?
- If yes, then continue to 4
- If neither, it is not suitable for Sky HD

4) Are the HDMI/DVI inputs HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) enabled (HDCP)?
- If yes, then continue to 6
- If no, but component inputs present then continue to 5
- If no, and no component inputs present then you will need an adaptor to convert your HDMI/DVI input to component. Continue to 5.

5) Is the screen resolution at least 1280x720?
- If yes then you will be able to take advantage of Sky HD using a first generation box. There is a chance that some future broadcasts could be blocked to you, due to not have HDCP available.
- If no, then you can use Sky HD with a first generation box, however the picture quality will be downgraded to match your screen's, giving less of an improvement. Expect the picture quality on Sky HD to be at least as good as watching a DVD is now. There is a chance that some future broadcasts could be blocked to you, due to not have HDCP available.

6) Is the screen resolution at least 1280x720?
- If yes then you are fully compatible for Sky HD
- If no then you will be able to use a Sky HD box with your display. However the quality will be reduced to be able to be displayed on your screen, meaning you will not get the full advantage of HD. The result should look at least as good as DVDs do now.

If the TV does NOT have HDMI connections but only DVI then you might find some channels blocked to you, if you do not have HDCP aswell.

What is HD?
HD is High Definition. It means you can receive crystal sharp images through your tv.

What do i need to get HD?
You will need the following

HD Ready TV - cost £500+
HD Box (from sky / telewest ntl) £299/£free
HD Subscription £10 per month
Digital TV Subscription £15 - £42.50 per month

Can this TV handle HD?
If the res of the TV is more than ??? x 720 then yes. the 1st part will not matter as much as the second part, but the second part MUST contain more than 720.

Will normal SD channels be switched off?
No, HD channels run along side SD channels, but it gives a clearer image for you.

Which is better for HD content, Sky or telewest NTL?
Sky have got 8 HD Channels at the moment inc 2 box office

Sky HD Carry - Sky Movies 9 HD, Sky Movies 10 HD, Sky Sports HD, BBC HD, National Geographic HD, Sky One HD, Artsworld HD and Discovery HD, also 2 box office channels.

Telewest NTL carry - BBC HD and ITV HD.

Is that all telewest have to offer?
No, Telewest NTL have a good content on VOD (Video on Demand) in HD content but only have those 2 "live" channels.

Will Telewest NTL get more channels like sky movies and sports in HD?
I do not know, but i will say that i do not think it will be in the very near future.

What other channels will be in HD soon?
Sky Sports 2 and The History Channel. Sky have said they are working with more broadcasters to get more HD channels soon.

jamesybravo · 26 May 2006 at 9:00PM

Worth adding that DVI does not carry audio so you'll need a couple of audio leads from sky hd box to tv if, like me that's the only connection option you have.should be identical in quality to HDMI as long as you got HDCP as mentioned before.