bloggarriv

The BBC has announced that high definition broadcasts on digital terrestrial television will commence in December. Meanwhile here in Ireland we still havent even got standard definition digital terrestrial tv – what a joke!

The plan to launch HD services on a reconfigured version of what is presently known as multiplex B will see Freeview HD – initially comprised of high definition services from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 – will roll out across the UK in tandem with digital switchover starting with the Winter Hill transmitter, which serves Manchester and Liverpool. Regions that have already switched to digital will be reconfigured retroactively.

via Digital Spy

After months of trying to decide whether or not to invest in a Sky HD box, I finally took the plunge and I ordered one last Saturday. And it arrived yesterday.

The installers couldn’t get the HD channels working, but they said they rang sky and the signal would be sent in the usual time frame, could be 2 mins could be a couple of hours. I want that bothered then as I had to rush back to work. When I got home it was still the same, but also the Sky+ functionality wasnt working. (Oh no, Neighbours hasn’t recorded)

So I rang sky myself. On hold for about 9 mins. The girl I was talking to was extremely helpful and had everything sorted within 90 seconds, including the usual security questions etc. While on hold I had to listen to the repeating drivel about how rain and wind can affect your signal reception and basically that sky cannot help you if this is your problem

Anyway, Sky+ working, HD channels coming in loud and clear, very clear actually. Picture is amazing. Its currently running on the 1080i setting. I dont know which is better, 1080i or 720p, and I dont think I would be able to tell the difference anyway.

I have tuned in the BBC HD channel and I have watched a few minutes of this and a quick clip from 24 also. I am well impressed with the HD stuff and I think even the SD stuff is improved by using the HDMI connection too.

But is it worth the €15 or whatever it is a month, only time will tell!

Sky+ HD customers whose boxes received yesterday’s programme guide upgrade are able to manually add ITV HD to their lineups. According to reports on Digital Spy’s Sky+ HD forum, ITV HD may be accessed by going to the Add Channels menu and using the following settings: 11.427H, 2/3, 27500, channel 10510.

ITV’s high definition service launched as a service exclusive to Freesat last year, using a non-standard stream to obfuscate its availability on non-Freesat satellite receivers.

The new version of Sky’s electronic programme guide was rolled out to 38,000 boxes yesterday and will be rolled out to all high definition boxes over the coming weeks.

Is ITV involved in HD?

ITV has committed to launch an HD channel in 2008. ITV1 HD will feature the best of ITV sport and drama in stunning high definition quality. It will begin as a two-to three-hour peak time service that will extend its hours as HD audiences build.

HD is already capturing public imagination and industry forecasts suggest that the number of HD ready sets could reach 30 million by the end of switchover.

The launch of ITV1 HD will ensure that ITV is at the forefront of the HD revolution for our viewers and advertisers.

Freesat

A new digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV. Scheduled for launch in 2008, freesat has no monthly subscription, just a one-off payment for the digital box, satellite dish and installation. ITV HD content will be available via freesat.