freeview hd

Maggiewill

A couple of years ago I bought a new hd ready TV with built in freeview, however as much as I would like to have hd I don't want to subscribe monthly, I don't mind a one off payment, now if I understand correctly the built in freeview tv's are going to be useless when freeview hd is available in 2010, you will only be able to get freeview hd with a new yet to be available freeview hd tv or with an older tv with a separate freeview box.
Can anyone tell me if I have got this right or have I completely miss- understood?
Thanks, Maggie, (a not very technically minded pensioner)

macman

You won't be able to receive Freeview HD with your existing TV, but it won't be 'useless', as it will continue to receive Freeview SD (standard definition).
To get Freeview HD you will as you say require either a Freeview HD digibox, or a new TV with built in Freeview.
The first box is I believe being launched today (Humax). TV's with built in Freeview HD will become available early next year. the HD transmissions have now started in the S. East and Granada regions.
If you want HD sooner on a non-subscription basis, then your best option is Freesat, this will cost about £70 for the dish and LNB install, plus a Freesat HD box starting at about £80.