high definition

[Connemmara]

We are all confused. I bought 40" Samsung - my friend bought 40" Sony - per natural Freeview is inbuilt in the TVs - now my friend says that because the TVs are HD ready we can buy a "server" or something like that to give us HD. Can anybody enlighten us about this.

[baitress]

I think that to receive freeview HD you will
need to buy a freeview HD set top box.

[ChuckFickens]

HD ready means the TV is capable of displaying HD if it's connected to a suitable HD source.

Suitable sources are..

Freeview HD box
Feesat HD box
Sky HD box
Virgin HD box
Bluray player
HD capable games console (PS3 or Xbox360)

(I'm sure I've missed at least one :))

[Connemmara]

thanks for your answers can you advise which one would be a good one ie for Samsung

[ChuckFickens]

Not really as it's dependent on your situation.

If you don't live in a virgin cabled area then the virgin box isn't an option.
If you don't want to pay a subscription then sky and virgin aren't really an option.
if you can not get a decent freeview reception you could count out the freeview box.
If you don't want to play games then the games consoles are out.
if you want to watch proper TV rather than just movies on a disk then the bluray player is no good
If you are unable to put a sat dish on your house then freesat is not an option...

[whiskeryron]

as ChuckFickens says
Freeview HD box
Feesat HD box
Sky HD box
Virgin HD box
Bluray player
HD capable games console (PS3 or Xbox360)
All or any of 'em. Ron.

[Connemmara]

I do get a brilliant Freeview reception.

[Connemmara]

sorry I should have mentioned if I get Freeview HD set top box - would it be a one off payment for the box or would I have to pay every month etc.

[ChuckFickens]

one off payment for the box.

If you get a freeview+ box you can record as well.

[Connemmara]

chuckfickens - in the freeview+ box would that be a separate box to the Freeview HD or is it all in one.

[ChuckFickens]

It's an all in one box that combines a freeview HD receiver (or two) and a hard drive recorder. Humax are generally considered to make the best freeview + boxes.

Sprinter, you need the same thing.

[ChuckFickens]

Oh, and any HD source you get needs to be connected to the TV using a HDMI cable otherwise you will not get HD.

Do not get ripped of with the HDMI cable, places like currys etc will try and tell you that you require a £40+ cable for best results.... this is total crap and a £1.50 cable from amazon, or a £5 cable from Tesco will give you identical picture quality.

[Milvus]

Two things worth checking
1. Does your Sony have a built in Freeview HD receiver, many Sony's do have these. In which case you won't need any further HD equipment.
2. Check when your Freeview transmitter will start HD transmissions. We've just started the changeover in my region today. HD will not be transmitted until a second update next month. You can check you region's HD change on the Digital TV website www.digitaluk.co.uk Enter your postcode to check your transmitter change over schedule

[ChuckFickens]

The OP has a Samsung.....

[Connemmara]

Milvus I have a Samsung - now I am getting really confused - are yous all saying that even if I buy Freeview HD box today - I have checked that by post code I wont be fully switched over to digital until 2012 - anyway if I buy the box ie today will it not work (repeating myself here)

[ChuckFickens]

Can you post the model number of your TV, and if you are willing to post just the first part of your postcode (not the second part, that would narrow down where you live too much for a public website)

[Connemmara]

Looked up model number is LE40C530 - Post code is BT11

[Milvus]

Sorry I misread who had the Sony,
However the Belfast postcode area BT11 has three possible transmitters. None of them are scheduled to transmit Freeview HD until 2012

[Connemmara]

thanks Milvus

[Milvus]

Connemmara I've just seen your other post about Sky. As you have a Sky dish it would be better for you to get Freesat not Freeview. Freesat is already transmitting HD channels. Works much the same as Freeview, much the same channels but uses your Sky dish not an aerial. Check here for details www.freesat.co.uk/