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High Definition Television, HD or HDTV is a revolutionary technology that displays sharper, higher resolution pictures with up to five times more detail than traditional (standard definition) television systems. HDTV content contains vivid colours and crystal clear surround sound is also included in some HD programmes.
Currently Sky, Virgin, and Freesat all provide HD services through either satellite or cable. In April 2008, UK regulator Ofcom announced plans for up to four high-definition digital TV channels to be delivered via a TV aerial on Freeview.
A new high capacity delivery standard: DVB-T2 has been introduced to deliver the Freeview HD service. DVB-T2 is an extension of the existing standard DVB-T that is used to transmit current Freeview broadcasts. A new video compression standard: MPEG-4 AVC has also been introduced to create sharper and more detailed high definition pictures.
The technical launch of the Freeview HD service took place on 2 December 2009.
On this date the Winter Hill transmitter, serving Manchester, was the first to start transmitting DVB-T2 signals, with transmissions from the Crystal Palace transmitter serving London launching on the same day.
The service will roll out on a region by region basis across the UK. The majority of viewers will be able to receive HD after their region switches to digital.
An initial three channels will be available on the Freeview HD service. These are: BBC HD, ITV1 HD and C4HD (and S4C in Wales). A fourth HD channel from Five will launch in 2010.
To view content on Freeview HD, consumers will need to purchase new integrated Freeview HD TVs or Freeview HD set-top boxes and recorders to work with their existing HD Ready TV's. Freeview HD receivers and recorders will be in stores from early 2010, with Freeview HD TVs becoming available in spring 2010.
When you're buying a Freeview product, look out for the Freeview HD logo. This ensures you're buying a Freeview approved product which means you'll be able to access all the Freeview HD channels as well as the standard 50 Freeview channels.
By the time of the World Cup in June 2010 HD DVB-T2 services will be available to 40-50% of the UK population with coverage rising to 60% later that year and to 98.5% when digital switchover is completed in 2012.
Source: Digital TV Group
Currently Sky, Virgin, and Freesat all provide HD services through either satellite or cable. In April 2008, UK regulator Ofcom announced plans for up to four high-definition digital TV channels to be delivered via a TV aerial on Freeview.
A new high capacity delivery standard: DVB-T2 has been introduced to deliver the Freeview HD service. DVB-T2 is an extension of the existing standard DVB-T that is used to transmit current Freeview broadcasts. A new video compression standard: MPEG-4 AVC has also been introduced to create sharper and more detailed high definition pictures.
The technical launch of the Freeview HD service took place on 2 December 2009.
On this date the Winter Hill transmitter, serving Manchester, was the first to start transmitting DVB-T2 signals, with transmissions from the Crystal Palace transmitter serving London launching on the same day.
The service will roll out on a region by region basis across the UK. The majority of viewers will be able to receive HD after their region switches to digital.
An initial three channels will be available on the Freeview HD service. These are: BBC HD, ITV1 HD and C4HD (and S4C in Wales). A fourth HD channel from Five will launch in 2010.
To view content on Freeview HD, consumers will need to purchase new integrated Freeview HD TVs or Freeview HD set-top boxes and recorders to work with their existing HD Ready TV's. Freeview HD receivers and recorders will be in stores from early 2010, with Freeview HD TVs becoming available in spring 2010.
When you're buying a Freeview product, look out for the Freeview HD logo. This ensures you're buying a Freeview approved product which means you'll be able to access all the Freeview HD channels as well as the standard 50 Freeview channels.
By the time of the World Cup in June 2010 HD DVB-T2 services will be available to 40-50% of the UK population with coverage rising to 60% later that year and to 98.5% when digital switchover is completed in 2012.
Source: Digital TV Group