HD Ready TV

[sprayermick]

For about a year now I have had an HD "Ready" flat screen TV but have never bothered with the HD bit because up till now to receive HD channels has been an extra charge
(I am with Virgin Media Cable) I have now received an email from them saying from now on I can get HD channels by replacing my set top box for a one off charge of £50 but no extra charges for viewing these channels all the time I'm with them, so my question is as I have an HD "READY" TV will I need to do anything to the TV set or will it pick up HD automatically? (the tv is a Samsung by the way)

[ChuckFickens]

Make sure the new box is connected using a HDMI lead instead of the current SCART lead.

[ChuckFickens]

p.s. don't listen to the people that might tell you an expensive HDMI lead is needed for best picture quality, it's a load of rubbish, a £2 lead from somewhere like amazon will give you identical results to a £150 lead (yes they do get that expensive!)

[chas2008]

my daughter has Virgin HD on a 42" screen and to be honest there didnt seem to be a great deal of difference between the HD & normal channel..

[ChuckFickens]

Then, with respect, chas you either have it connected up incorrectly or you need an eye test.

[VHG]

sprayermick

If you have a small TV (32" for example), or if it is only 720 lines and not 1080 lines, you may not notice much difference if you go HD.

[VHG]

chas2008

Is it a 720p TV or a 1080i or 1080p TV.

If it is 720 then you may not notice much difference.

Are they using a HDMI cable because if they are using Scart they are not seeing HD.

[whiskeryron]

I cannot get over the fact that we are receiving fabulous chrystal clear H/D tv pictures for FREE. We were paying Sky for years & have gone for Freesat using the Sky dish.Ron.

[sprayermick]

Thanks everybody for your answers, and Chuck for the advice on HDMI cables,
Not sure if its 720 or 1080 I will look at the manual all I know at the moment is it's a 46 inch screen. but I think I will take up the offer anyway as I can always upgrade the TV once I have got the set top box
and not paying extra for HD channels seems a good deal to me.

[Sooper]

Ah the old HDMI cable issue, this is a hot topic and has been for many years now!
HDMI cables that are slightly more expensive than a couple of a quid from a supermarket or such place can be a worth buying but not always. I wouldnt suggest spending a fortune on the likes of the QED's, Chord or Van Den Hul cables that can cost a lot but there are some decent cables out there for about £20 give or take.
The issues that i have seen with the very cheapest cables are certainly that of build quality, the ends can often come away from the cable if you need to remove the cable often from the device. Cheap cables can also then produce snow or sparkles on the screen due to the poor shielding on the cable.
The length of the cable as well is a factor, if you need to go over 10m (this isnt that common i have to admit) but the cheaper cables can struggle to cope.
As with anything in the AV world it really depends on your kit and the set-up that best suits you.
Hope you enjoy the HD experience!