HDTVHigh 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.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 Freeview HD service is currently launching on a region by region basis, in parallel with switchover, across the UK.On 2 December 2009 the Winter Hill transmitter, serving Manchester and Liverpool was the first to start transmitting DVB-T2 signals, with transmissions from the Crystal Palace transmitter serving London launching on the same day.BBC HD, ITV1 HD, C4HD (and S4C in Wales) are currently available on the Freeview HD service. Commercial Public Service Broadcasters will have the opportunity to apply for a fouth HD slot from 2012.To receive 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. 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
HDTV
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.
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 Freeview HD service is currently launching on a region by region basis, in parallel with switchover, across
the UK.
On 2 December 2009 the Winter Hill transmitter, serving Manchester and Liverpool was the first to start
transmitting DVB-T2 signals, with transmissions from the Crystal Palace transmitter serving London launching
on the same day.
BBC HD, ITV1 HD, C4HD (and S4C in Wales) are currently available on the Freeview HD service. Commercial
Public Service Broadcasters will have the opportunity to apply for a fouth HD slot from 2012.
To receive 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. 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
