Hd Tv

Dupre

Anyone got a newbie guide for what to look for in a HD TV, also would it be worth getting a HD TV or would it be a waste of money?

gizmoleeds

If you are a true MSE-er (ie. a money saver) then HDTV is not worth it. Think early video recorders, early DVD players, early DVD recorders - in fact "early" anything.

People who are the first to get a new technology will pay through the nose and most of the time the technology will not be in use anyway (most channels won't be on HDTV for years, if not decades).

It is called "creaming the market" in business terms.

The first DVD players cost thousands , now they are £20 - this will happen with HDTV too. Just wait a few years 'til the prices fall.

matty_c608

HDTV is all over Amerrica..

However, here its not kicked off really.. Sky currently offer 2 or 3 channels (or are about to!) in HDTV!

IMO, just wait a while. Not even DVD's can display HDTV quality!

Totally agree, buy it early, and pay wayyyy more than you will if you wait!

dc

Sky starts HDTV in January, so if you are not with Sky (nor rich) then wait a few years.

The Beeb makes programmes in HD but for export only, as thanks to years of Offcom coke-ups there are no frequencies available for terrestial HDTV until analogue is closed down. The Beeb and ITV are supposed to be getting a satellite to rival Sky and allow HD but still on the wait list.

Poppycat

I just got a hdtv, Samsung, fantastic tv with freeview. As terrestrial board casting, the problem lies with lack of frequences, all are allocating as far as I am aware, until analogue switch off they wont be enough capacity and even then I doubt it will be on, as extra channel will most likely be available. However, BBC and ITV and setting up a satelite service next year forgot the name for now but its the same name Sky use for the freeview satellite service. That may be the way forward as there's more scope to accommodate the extra bandwidth hd requires.

simsun

HDTV will be available by the middle of 2006. The BBC have just announced that they will be broadcasting programmes in HD alongside the regular broadcasts next year.

More information here;
http://media.guardian.co.uk/broadcast/story/0,7493,1636680,00.html

As for whether it is worth buying an HD ready TV - other than the cost issue, which at the moment is very prohibitive in the UK, just look at the quality of film trialers now appearing online. At the Apple site you can now watch HD Trailers for numerous films (providied you have QT7) and the images are so much clearer even in 480i.

On the other side of that argument of the argument is the cost involved for the broadcaster. I seem to remember reading somewhere that when Sky launch their HD channels they might be looking at charging an extra subscription to allow people to receive HD. And of course as the above article points out the BBC have asked for 2.3% rise in the licence fee to help fund the future digital switch over.

My personal opinion is that if you can afford it and need a new TV then future proof yourself and buy HD. If you can't afford it then wait 12-18 months and HD TVs will be much cheaper.

Hope that helps.

cheers
simsun

Sput2001

I'd definitely hang on.

HDTV looks as if it will be pretty widely adopted so I'd make sure anything you buy is compatible, BUT...

The next television development to watch out for is SED. Although it's not due until early next year, if it lives up to the hype (and what I've read so far indicates that it will) it will wipe the floor with both Plasma and LCD technology.

Poppycat

BBC to trial high-definition TV

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4417202.stm

Dupre

Whoa thanks for such great responses, I think im going to hang tight and wait for the prices to drop. Thanks again:D

Mr_Skint_2

So is there really any difference I mean for years now as a TV viewer
I have no problem with my picture at all, I think this is a bit of a ploy
just to sell more TVs If my picture gets too bad I will get my eyes tested
I also think this is a bit of "keeping up with the Jones's".

gizmoleeds

Mr_Skint wrote:

So is there really any difference I mean for years now as a TV viewer
I have no problem with my picture at all, I think this is a bit of a ploy
just to sell more TVs If my picture gets too bad I will get my eyes tested
I also think this is a bit of "keeping up with the Jones's".

They are apparently better, but I know exactly what you mean. My picture is hardly "blurry".

I still remember the appaling resolution of American TV when I was over there. You could literally see the pixelation of on screen graphics and stuff - it was horrendous. Normal UK TV is much better than that.