Digital 4 Free

The BBC has commenced DVB-T2 test transmissions in preparation for the launch of high definition services on Freeview.

The tests, which are being conducted from the Guildford transmitter, follows the approval by the DVB Project of the DVB-T2 specification, an improved version of the DVB-T standard currently used for digital terrestrial transmissions in the UK designed to increase capacity and thus permit the carriage of high definition services on the platform.

Plans announced in April by broadcasting regulator Ofcom will see multiplex B cleared of its current standard definition services, converted to use the DVB-T2 standard to increase its total capacity, and used for the carriage of BBC HD and other public service broadcasting offerings by the end of 2009.

BBC Research and Innovation is conducting the test transmissions in partnership with National Grid Wireless and Arqiva. It is also developing a modem compliant with the newly-ratified DVB-T2 standard.

Justin Mitchell, who leads the DVB-T2 modem development team for BBC Research and Innovation, said:

“We are delighted that our team in collaboration with our partners has been able to deliver such a key piece of technology in such a short timescale. This is a big step forward in enabling the introduction of full HD terrestrial on Freeview by the end of 2009.”

written by Andrew \\ tags: bbc, digital, DVB-T, Freeview, freeviewHD, HDTV, high definition

After the launch of Freesat, we have had a few emails asking what exactly “HD” is. We’ve compiled a guide for you to help you understand.

What is HDTV?

High definition (HD) offers picture quality with four times more detail than standard definition (SD) TV delivering vibrant colour, stunning detail and incredible depth. It’s the ultimate way to watch your favourite movies, TV programmes and sporting events and it’s going to blow you away!

High definition television, or HD TV, is a new standard that delivers higher picture quality and better sound than traditional TV technology. Put simply, older flat screen TVs support current standard definition TV broadcasts, DVD players and games consoles but they can’t reproduce the higher picture quality of the new generation high definition programming.

How Does It Work?

HD TV or high definition television offers the highest picture quality available today. Instead of using the conventional 625 lines to plot a TV picture, HDTV uses 720 or 1080 lines. In addition, the pixels in each of those lines are closer together. This results in a hugely improved picture quality, clarity and colour definition. HD also uses millions more colours than SD TV, increasing the richness and intensity of everything you watch. Most HD programmes and movies are also created with cinema-style surround sound, that you can experience in full with a compatible surround sound system.

Continue reading »

written by Andrew \\ tags: DVI, guide, hd ready, hd set top box, hd tv, HDMI, HDTV, high definition, Sky HD

Humax and now Goodmans, Grundig and Bush HD digital boxes are available to buy now.

Links to various retailers selling HD (and non-HD boxes):-

Comet

Argos

Currys

There is currently a good bargain on a Goodmans Freesat HD Box available at Currys for £118.69. Click on the following link for more info - http://www.hotukdeals.com/

written by Andrew \\ tags: argos, Comet, currys, free to air satellite, Freesat, hd set top boxes, hd tv, high definition

After the launch of Freesat, HD set-top boxes have been in high demand. The following has been posted on the Freesat website.

Due to very high demand there is a shortage of freesat HD boxes in the shops at the moment. We are working with freesat retailers and manufacturers to increase supplies as soon as possible.

In the meantime some freesat retailers will allow you to reserve HD boxes for collection when stock comes in. The freesat website will continue to give you updates.

We will keep you up-to-date with all the latest information as it comes in.

written by Andrew \\ tags: demand, Freesat, hd set top boxes, hd tv, high definition

Freesat, the UK’s latest package of free-to-air TV channels, transmitted from a satellite, has now gone live, allowing comsumers access to standard-definition and HD (high-definition) broadcasting for a single, one-off payment.

Freesat is brought to us by BBC and ITV and currently features a package of over 80 digital channels, including some HD channels (although we are promised more soon!).

Freesat’s Highlights:-

written by Andrew \\ tags: argos, bbc, currys, digital, digital tv, Freesat, hd tv, high definition, itv, john lewis, launched, radio channels, satellite, tv channels