HD TV uses either 720 lines or 1080 lines. That multiplies the number of pixels used by up to four times, and gives you much more detail than normal TV.
HD-ready TVs come in two main resolutions: 720 and 1080 line resolutions. If you’re buying a large screen (anything over 37 inches) you’ll need a TV displaying 1080 lines to experience the best quality that Sky+ HD can bring you.
Not necessarily, because some types of programme are best suited to 720p, while others look better in 1080i. Sky+ HD will support both 720p and 1080i to allow programme makers to choose the best format for their programmes.
Sky+ HD gives you amazing picture quality - images are sharper, colours more vibrant and, when you hook your HD ready TV up to a home cinema system, sound is rich and resonant. Just imagine how that intensifies the drama and excitement of watching the latest blockbuster movie or live football.
Sky+ HD supports both HD formats: 720p and 1080i. Broadcasters and programme-makers will choose which format is best for their programmes and your Sky+ HD box will display the format that best works with your TV.
You'll need to connect your Sky+ HD box to a six-speaker Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound system. These are simple to install and available at most electrical retailers. Don't worry if you don't have one - you'll still experience the same amazing picture quality, but with normal stereo sound.
Sky offers the biggest HD channel line-up of any broadcaster in Europe, across 18 HD channels: Sky One HD, Sky Sports HD1, Sky Sports HD2, Sky Sports HD3, Sky Movies Premiere HD, Sky Movies Screen 1 HD, Sky Movies Screen 2 HD, Sky Box Office HD (2 screens), Sky Arts HD, National Geographic HD, Discovery HD, The History Channel HD, FXHD, Rush HD, Luxe TV HD, Channel 4 HD and BBC HD. The HD channels you receive depend on the Sky TV channel package taken. (Luxe TV HD, Channel 4 HD and BBC HD are available without any subscriptions. Channel 4 HD requires a valid viewing card.) Access to some channels depends on your Sky TV subscription
You will be able to watch three HD channels without any subscriptions: BBC HD, Channel 4 HD and Luxe TV HD. To watch these HD channels you will need a Sky+ HD box and a HD ready TV (a valid viewing card is required for Channel 4 HD). You need to subscribe to Sky digital and the Sky HD Mix to view the HD mix channels and a choice of on-demand high definition programmes. You can only receive the Sky Sports HD channels if your Sky digital subscription includes the Sky Sports Mix. You can only receive all the Sky Movies HD channels if your Sky digital subscription includes the Sky Movies Mix.
Some channels, such as Sky Movies, will be broadcast entirely in HD. Others will offer a selection of programmes in HD. These will be highlighted on your Sky TV Guide.
All channels broadcasting in high definition have 'HD' at the end of their name. Once you've got your Sky+ HD box you'll be able to press 2 in your on-screen TV guide to see all the HD channels together.
Yes. Once you have Sky+ HD, you can watch selected TV shows when you want via Sky Anytime TV at no extra cost. Discover hidden gems in high and standard definition, from the latest movies, hottest new series and more when it suits you. (Content dependent on your Sky TV subscription.)
To watch HD programmes you will need a Sky+ HD box, which comes with all the familiar Sky+ features and includes high definition capability. If you want to enjoy HD entertainment in one room and your existing Sky TV in another, simply add a Sky+ HD box and a Multiroom subscription.
Yes, you can record up to 30 hours of high-definition, or 80 hours of standard-definition programmes The Sky+ HD box has all the benefits of Sky+, like recording whole series at the press of a button, recording two programmes at a time, and even setting your Sky+ HD box to record from your mobile or through Sky.com.
Our Sky+ HD box comes with all the Sky+ functionality. To use the Personal Video Recorder features of the Sky+ HD box a Sky+ subscription is required, which is free to all Sky digital subscribers.
Only if you're new to Sky. If you're a new customer you'll need to have a minidish fitted, which we'll do for you when you join us. If you currently have a Sky box (but not a Sky+ box), you'll just need to replace this with a Sky+ HD box and have some extra cabling installed, which we'll take care of for you. If you're a Sky+ customer, all we'll need to do is change your Sky+ box to a Sky+ HD box.
Sky+ HD is designed to work with TVs carrying the HD-ready logo. So if you're thinking of buying a new TV, make sure it has this logo.
HD ready is a European standard for HD TVs agreed by the TV industry. In order to use the HD ready label, TVs have to meet stringent standards. Sky+ HD is designed to work with HD ready TVs.
Your Sky+ HD box comes with an HDMI cable, which delivers the best-possible picture quality by maintaining an all-digital connection. Most new HD ready TVs come with HDMI connectors.
The Sky+ HD box has one HDMI connector.
Your Sky+ HD box comes with 160GB of personal storage - meaning you can record and store up to 80 hours of your favourite standard definition programmes or up to 30 hours of high definition programmes, to enjoy whenever it suits you.
Please note:
Standard set-up for new customers: Standard set-up is free for new Sky TV customers buying a Sky+ box online by 25th September 2008 or £30 for new customers taking a Sky+ HD box and HD Mix or Sky Talk and Sky Broadband (otherwise £60). Set up is £120 for non-Sky digital subscribers. Sky Talk is free of set up costs. Non-standard set up may cost extra.
Standard set-up for existing customers: Standard set-up for existing Sky TV customers taking any Sky box and combination of Sky services is £60, or for existing customers taking Sky Broadband without another Sky box: Base - £75; Mid & Connect - £50; Max - £25 or if you already have or take Sky Talk: Base - £50; Mid & Connect - £25; Max - £0. Non-standard set-up may cost extra.
Sky+ HD: To get Sky+ HD, you require a Sky TV subscription, a Sky+ HD box and you need to subscribe to Sky+ HD by taking the HD Mix (£10 extra a month). Only compatible with digital satellite. Sky+ subscription required to use the Personal Video Recorder features of the Sky+ HD box (currently free while you subscribe to any Sky TV package, otherwise £10 per month). Sky+ HD box £150 when you take Sky TV and the HD Mix. Sky+ HD box is £399 plus £120 standard installation for non-Sky TV customers or Sky TV customers not taking the HD Mix. The channels you receive with the HD Mix depend on your Sky digital package. With Sky Sports Mix you get Sky Sports HD1, HD2 and HD3. With Sky Movies Mix you get Sky Movies Screen 1HD, Screen 2HD and Sky Movies Premiere HD. With Sky Movies 1 you get Sky Movies Screen 1HD and with Sky Movies 2 you get Sky Movies Screen 2HD. Luxe TV HD, Channel 4 HD and BBC HD are available without any subscriptions. Channel 4 HD requires a valid viewing card. To experience the full benefits of Sky+ HD you will need a compatible HD Ready TV. Sky selects your equipment.
Sky digital Subscription: Sky digital subscription required for Sky digital programming. Sky TV Packages £17 - £47 a month. Sky Box Office movies/events cost extra.
General: Sky+ HD box must be connected to a fixed telephone line for 12 months. Weekend setup subject to availability. Sky+ HD box prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord’s). Minimum Sky digital/Sky+ HD subscriptions 12 months. You must be 18 years or over. Channels, programmes & prices subject to change. Further terms apply. Information only applies to residential customers in UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Calls cost up to 5 pence per minute (plus a 6p connection fee) for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary. Information correct at 1 September 2008.
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