Sky High Definition TV (HD TV)
Definition
A television system that has twice the number of scanning lines per frame and therefore produces pictures with greater detail.
What do I need?
To take advantage of everything Sky HD has to offer you are going to need an HD TV, one of Sky's new HD boxes and the relevant subscriptions.
If you are thinking about buying a new TV or have already purchased recently you will have to check it carries the 'HD ready logo'. If you are not sure you will need to check with the retailer or manufacturer that it meets the HD ready criteria.
How much will it cost?
The Sky HD box costs £299 plus a standard installation cost of £60. You will need to add £10 to your normal subscription to receive the HD channels.
» Click here to Order Sky HD online and take advantage of the £10 online credit. «
How will HDTV work?
Sky's HDTV channel line-up will include a combination of sports, movies, entertainment and documentary programming. Full details of content and pricing will be announced in due course.
Sky's HDTV system will support both 720p and 1080i picture formats. Broadcasters will be able to choose the format which is most appropriate to their individual requirements.
Sky will use the advanced compression coding system MPEG-4 for its HDTV broadcasts.
BSkyB's HDTV box will be equipped with an HDMI as its primary means of connecting to an HD display. HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) will also be required to view BSkyB's HD content using an HDMI connection. HDMI can also be connected to DVI equipped displays that support HDCP using a suitable adapter cable.
What Can I watch?
Sports - Live Barclays Premiership Football in HD with Dolby 5.1 sound and Guinness Premiership Rugby in HD with other HD sports to be confirmed.
Movies - Two screen showing all films in HD. Titles available at launch include Spiderman 2, The Day After Tomorrow and the House of Flying Daggers.
Entertainment - A selection of Sky One's must see shows and blockbuster series in HD.
Arts and Documentaries - Discover a wealth of new series, inspiring documentaries and arts programmes. That way you can marvel in the vivid colour and detail. Enjoy everything from premiere events like the Met Opera Season, to Dangerous Encounters and Cities of the Underworld.
Sky Box Office - Movie fans will be able to choose from up to ten HD movies per week.
