HDTV is touted as the biggest jump in television broadcasting technology since the advent of the colour TV. Having proved
itself for years in the USA and Japan, it is due to hit the UK, through BSkyB, sometime in 2006.
Skipping the technical jargon, HDTV will essentially increase the picture detail by approximately 4 times of that currently
seen in current analogue and digital broadcasts, whilst providing full Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound on certain broadcasts,
such as movies.
The detail is so great that even individual strands of hair can be depicted on a person’s head. It has even caused certain stars
some embarrassment, showing skin blemishes that were otherwise unnoticeable through current broadcast technologies.
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The technical stuff
HDTV will be broadcast in two variants in the UK, both in 16:9 widescreen format. They are:
1080i – Using this method, the picture has 1080 rows, a massive 504 lines more over our current 576 rows broadcast using the
current PAL system. The picture is interlaced using this method, meaning the picture is split over 2 frames, one showing even
rows, the other showing odd rows.
720p – This format displays 720 rows of picture detail, still a considerable improvement, and the picture is progressively
scanned, meaning the whole picture is displayed in one frame.
Sky’s equipment will support both methods and will swap between them depending on which format the program was created in.
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What will I need?
There is a lot of confusion over which screens will be compatible with the service when it launches. There are a few basic
requirements:
- Your LCD, Plasma or DLP must have a minimum resolution of 720 lines in wide aspect ratio (e.g. a 1024 x 768 would be fine).
- There must be a DVI (Digital Video Interface) or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) connection and it must be
HDCP compliant. Although a Component Video input can pass a HDTV signal Sky will not be supporting this method as they feel it
is more open to encryption hacks.
- Your screen must support both formats; 1080i and 720p
- Obviously, you will need a new Sky receiver box but they will provide you with this once you subscribe to their HDTV service.
Any TV that displays the HD Ready logo, shown below, should be guaranteed to work with Sky’s service as it must conform to the
above criteria to display this badge.
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Any negatives?
Initially, not all channels will be broadcast via Sky’s HDTV service. However, as the technology increases in popularity, more and
more channels will switch to HDTV broadcasts. Those channels not broadcast in HDTV will still be viewable in normal definition.
Secondly, whilst pricing is not confirmed, customers should expect to pay a bit more than they do now for their equipment and
monthly subscription.
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