High definition

[BradleyGas]

I've just bought a new TV and am considering upgrading my Sky package to include HD channels.

Is HD worth the extra cost, is the picture noticeably better than normal? Is it better on certain types of programmes?

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.

[The-HouseHusband]

HD is better on all types of program, however you will notice the biggest differance when watching Movies, sport, wildlife or any fast moving show. I would not go back to SD and think that it is well worth the price as the majority of programs are now being done in HD

[Frank97]

I don't have Sky tv but if I did I would definitely pay the extra for the HD services.

[rockyracoon]

Hell yes, I didn't want HD as I thought it was a waste of money, OH got his way and we had it installed last year. A couple of months ago I hd to reboot the sky box so had to watch TV through the other format for a few minutes, what a difference, it was awful, even the kids were moaning. Go for it.

[BradleyGas]

Thanks for your comments.

[Mobius1]

It will of course also depend on how good of a HD TV you have purchased. I assume that since you are unsure of the difference between the two picture types you've yet to see your TV display a HD signal.

As mentioned, some programmes will be more noticeable than others. Also, some channels like BBC and ITV have HD broadcasts that aren't proper HD, they are simply upscaled versions of the standard definition broadcasts - this is especially the case with regional news and weather where they're too cheap to record it in HD.

[ChuckFickens]

What size TV is it (make and model would help)

I'd say HD isn't worth it really on a TV below about 37inch.

[mikey4444]

It does depend on how well off you are. Personally I feel that SKY is far too expensive as it is. I cancelled my subscription 2 years ago and have never looked back. I have saved nearly £700 which is quite a lot of money to me. I still have my dish and box, so all the important channels are still there. But I don't have all the rubbish ones. Life is far too short to spend hours watching old 1970's programs, or endless repeats of Top Gear. !

However, that is not the point of you query, and I have just been letting off steam !

I agree with ChuckFickens. On small screens the difference is neither here nor there. But if you have a huge TV, than you will see an improvement.

Also don't forget most of the proper channels, like the BBC are broadcasting in HD all the time, even if you don't subscribe to SKY HD.

[BradleyGas]

The TV is a Panasonic 37 inch TXL37E5B.

Oddly, I can access the BBC HD channel via Freeview on this TV, whereas my sister who also has Freeview can't. Not sure if this is "Real" HD or as Mobius 1 says, an upscaled version.

Any thoughts?

[ChuckFickens]

That means you've got a freeview HD tuner in your TV whereas your sister only has a normal freeview tuner.

[marden40]

it really depends on what set up you have.....eg scart or HDMI connections.....if your sky is connected through scart, you won't tell the difference

[BradleyGas]

Previously I had Sky through scart leads, but the new TV doesn't have enough scart connections, so it'll be through HDMI leads.

[ChuckFickens]

SCART is not capable having HD pictures transmitted over it, so it's not so much a case of the wouldn't notice a difference, there would be a difference to notice. if you want HD you HAVE to use HDMI.

Also, a £5 HDMI cable will give you exactly the same results as a £50 HDMI cable, don't get fooled by sales staff BS claiming you need expensive HDMI cables to get the best picture, it's a load of rubbish.

[ChuckFickens]

" there would *NOT* be a difference to notice."

[marden40]

sorry, as cf says.....you cant get HD through scart.......I could have worded my answer a bit better.....trying not to get too tech ;)