An HD ready TV is a television with the ability of receive high-definition pictures and television. "HD Ready" refers to any display that is capable of accepting and displaying a high-definition signal at either 720p, 1080i or 1080p using a component video or digital input, and does not have a built-in HD-capable tuner.
Buy your HD ready television from the very best online UK TV shops and stores.
High Definition Televisions (HD) use the latest in technology to bring clearer and sharper television pictures to your home. HD services are already on-air through Sky HD in the UK.
To view HD you will need a high definition display (TV) and there is an industry 'kite mark' to show whether a particular display is ready for high definition broadcasts 'HD ready'.
HDTV Formats:
- 720p
- 1080i (Interlaced Scanning)
- 1080p (Progressive Scanning)
HD Products:
- HD Players
- Blu-Ray DVD Players
- Sky HD
- Windows Media Center
- HD DVRs
- XBox 360
- PS 3
At first glance, plasma TVs and LCD TVs look the same. Both are thin and stylish. They have totally flat screens and both offer amazing clear pictures. Most have cutting edge widescreen technology. However, there are some key differences between LCD and plasma TVs that might influence your decision about which type to buy.
| Plasma | LCD | |
| Size and weight | Plasma screens are normally larger than LCDs, with screens of up to 103 inches. Plasma TVs are also usually around 10% heavier than LCD screens (meaning great care should be taken when mounting on a wall). | Usually no larger than 46 inches, though larger LCD TVs are in development. LCDs are usually thinner than plasma TVs. |
| Quality of Picture | Plasma screens in general have a better contrast. Both have excellent quality and sharpness. | LCD TVs usually have a slightly clearer picture in smaller models and a higher resolution. |
| Viewing angle | Plasma televisions tends to have slightly better viewing angles than LCD. | Some models have a restricted viewing angle, but many allow up to 160-degree viewing. |
| Image Burn | Nowhere near as much of a problem now as a few years ago, there is still a slight concern that images left still for a long time could be etched into the screen. | This is not a problem with LCD screens. |
| Brightness and glare | In a fully dark room, plasma TVs have better contrast and brightness than LCD screens. | LCD TVs generally reflect less light and glare, so fare better in normal light conditions |
| Lifespan | Usually, plasma screens last for up to 60,000 hours before they dim by half. | LCD TVs usually last 60,000 hours or more before they dim by a half. |
| Energy usage | Plasma uses slightly more power than LCD screens. | LCD TVs often use less power than plasma screens. They can consume 60% less power than a CRT television |
To make sure that you can receive and watch HDTV, you will need to check to make sure you have the following:
A screen that is 'HD TV-ready'
It needs to have an HDMI or a DVI connection built in.
An HD TV set-top-box or inbuilt receiver
You can find these through your cable or satellite company. You have to pay a small subscription for Telewest and Sky HD, but you can receive the BBC HD services after making a one-off payment.
A device that has a minimum resolution of 720 physical lines
Here's the technical bit: Most HD resolutions are either 720 (progressive) or 1080 (interlaced), if you want rue HD you will need 1080p (progressive).
A surround sound system
This is not essential, but to get the most from HD TV's enhanced surround sound (on certain programmes), you will need to have a Dolby or similar home cinema system installed.
Home Cinema Systems