Get equipped to watch HD programming

There is little doubt that high definition TV far eclipses the experience of standard viewing. Not only is the quality so much better – up to five times crisper - but the option to add digital 5.1 surround sound, means that the audio is also invariably top quality.

However, owning a high-definition enabled TV doesn’t mean that you will automatically receive HD pictures. You must first connect your TV to an HD source, such as a stand-alone Blu ray player or an HD digital box that receives signals via satellite or cable. You must also connect the devices using appropriate cabling, preferably HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) leads, which carry audio as well as pictures.

In addition to providing high definition pictures and sound HD digital boxes normally come complete with enough storage to save hours of programming, dispensing with the need to own a separate recorder as any desired programmes can be saved directly on the device. Some HD boxes even allow users to record two programmes at the same time, and the majority present viewing in a widescreen format.

You can obtain all you need to view HD programming by buying an HD digital box and satellite dish, paying a one-off payment, with no subscription required via Freesat. Alternatively you can subscribe to satellite provider Sky or cable providers. There is always a cable or Sky HD offer on the go, so if you are interested in receiving HD programming find out whether you can be tempted.

Although Freesat is free to watch, the choice of HD channels is currently extremely limited. The only other free viewing option for HD programming is several years from being available to the majority of the UK population. Although viewers in some regions will be able to access HD Freeview by the end of 2009, the whole country will not be able to access the service until 2012. However, some more populated regions are being fast-tracked in order to receive the service prior to the start of the FIFA World Cup Finals in South Africa this summer.

If you want to take advantage of HD viewing now you will inevitably have to shell out some cash. As previously mentioned the options are pay just once to cover equipment and installation with Freesat, or go for the cable or satellite options which offers a greater choice of channels, but will necessitate taking out a monthly subscription to pay for the service.