High definition TV has up to five times the number of pixels of normal TV, producing greater detail and more vibrant colour.
The 'HD ready' logo was created to help consumers quickly and easily identify that a television is capable of processing and displaying high definition signals, and are based on a set of minimum European functionality standards. Sky+HD is designed to work with compatible HD ready TVs. There are other logos that you can find on some HD televisions, however only the official 'HD ready' logos are based on clear, well defined criteria.
Look for the 'HD ready' logo on your television, or check your TV's instructions for the HD ready logo in its specifications. HD ready televisions that are capable of displaying the full detail of a high definition signal carry the 'HD ready 1080p' logo.
No. In order to watch programmes in high definition on your HD ready TV, you will also need an HD receiver, like the Sky+HD box and be watching an HD channel.
HD signals come in three main formats: 720p, 1080i and 1080p. The number refers to the number of horizontal lines displayed on the TV screen and the letter to how these lines are broadcast and decoded on to your TV. Remember, the larger the screen you purchase, the more you'll notice the difference in quality - a 1080p is the optimum choice for widescreen.
With Sky+HD you can experience television like never before with up to five times more picture detail, incredibly vibrant colours and superb quality sound. Plus you get all the Sky+ features such as record, pause, rewind and series link, and twice the storage capacity of a Sky+ box.
With Sky+HD you can enjoy the widest range of high definition channels in the UK, with access to an amazing 35 HD channels - that's more than any other provider. Want to know more? Take a look at some of the HD programme highlights now showing on Sky.
The highest high definition broadcast format in the UK is 1080i, with Sky+HD supporting both this and the 720p HD format.
Many HD programmes are broadcast in stunning Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, delivering top quality audio to accompany your HD picture. In order to immerse yourself in surround sound, you'll need a compatible home cinema system. Don't worry if you don't have one - you'll still experience the same amazing picture quality of high definition together with great stereo sound.
Watch up to 35 exhilarating HD channels - more than any other provider in the UK, and experience everything from sports and movies, to arts, drama and documentaries, all in stunning high definition. That's 24/7 HD entertainment, all for less than the cost of a single Blu-ray Disc.
Three HD channels - BBC HD, Channel 4 HD and Luxe TV HD - are free-to-air and available without any subscriptions. To watch these HD channels you will need a Sky+HD box and an HD ready TV (Channel 4 HD requires a valid viewing card).
To access up to an additional 32 channels and a choice of on demand high definition programmes, you will need to subscribe to Sky TV with the HD Pack. The channels you receive with the HD Pack depend on your Sky TV package. If you already have the Movies Pack or Sports Pack as part of your package, for example, you will receive the high definition version of that channel, if available, in the HD Pack.
Some channels, such as Sky Movies 1 HD, show all films in high definition. Other HD channels offer many, though not all, programmes in high definition. You can check if a particular programme is available in HD by checking the programme information using your on-screen 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 Sky TV guide to see all the HD channels together.
Yes. Once you have Sky+HD, you can watch a hand-picked collection of the week's unmissable TV with Sky Anytime, at no extra cost. Discover the latest movies, exclusive new shows and more, ready to watch when you are. The programmes you can watch will depend on your Sky TV package.
The Sky+HD box is a digital video recorder and receiver in one. Once connected to your HD ready TV it will allow you to watch standard definition and high definition programmes. Without an HD receiver, like the Sky+HD box, you will not be able to watch high definition programmes on your HD ready TV.
To watch programmes in high definition 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 Sky Multiroom subscription.
Yes, you can record up to 30 hours of high definition shows, or up to 80 hours of standard definition programmes. The Sky+HD box has all the Sky+ features built in, like recording selected series at the touch of a button, recording two programmes at once and even setting your Sky+HD box to record from your mobile or via sky.com
You'll need a Sky+ subscription, which is free for all Sky TV subscribers (otherwise £10 a month).
Your Sky+HD box comes with an HDMI cable, which delivers the best possible picture quality by maintaining a digital connection. Most new HD ready TVs come with HDMI connectors.
The Sky+HD box has one HDMI connector.
When you order Sky TV, you'll be asked to choose a date for a professional Sky engineer to come and install your Sky+HD box. On your chosen installation day, the Sky engineer will discuss where to put a minidish on the outside of your home, connect your equipment and show you how to use Sky TV and your Sky+HD box.
Replacing your old box with a Sky+HD box couldn't be easier. We'll arrange for a Sky engineer to set-up your new Sky+HD box. If you have a standard Sky box, you'll also need to have some extra cabling installed, which we'll take care of for you.
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. Existing customers upgrading to Sky+HD can continue using their current minidish. If you live in a flat with a communal dish, you'll need to check you have dual satellite feeds to support the Sky+ functionality.
We've had a great response to our latest prices so, to help us manage this demand, we've introduced an easy registration process for existing customers. By registering, you can reserve your place and we'll then work through each registration in turn and let you know when we expect you'll be able to complete your order and choose an installation date.
Yes - registering doesn't oblige you to buy. If you change your mind, just call Sky Customer Services and we'll cancel your registration. You will need to re-register if you later decide that you would like to upgrade.
Wait times will vary by customer because they depend on factors such as the date you registered and the availability of installation engineers in your area.
To treat everyone fairly we've split our install dates equally between those joining Sky and those who are already Sky customers. As we've had a great response from Sky customers it is going to take us a bit longer to get everyone installed.
Our registration process has been set up to work through each registration in turn so that we can set you up as soon as possible. The waiting time will depend on factors such as the date you registered and the availability of installation engineers in your area so may vary between customers.
When we get in touch to confirm we're able to complete your order, we'll give you details of how to purchase your box(es) and arrange your installation. The quickest way to place your order is online and when you do we'll give you a whole month's subscription to the HD Pack for free!
There's no need to call us as we'll keep you updated on the progress of your registration either by email or letter and will send text message updates too, if you have given us your mobile phone number. You can see the up-to-date status of your registration by logging into Sky.com/ordertracking then selecting Track Your Order or, if an existing customer, via Sky Active by pressing the interactive button on your Sky remote control and selecting Sky Active.
Please note:
Free/£49 box price for your first Sky+HD box only.
Sky+HD box offer: Sky+HD offer ends 28 December 2009. Free Sky+HD box for new Sky TV customers taking Sky TV, Sky Movies Pack 1 or 2 and the HD Pack for 12 months. Offer also available to existing Sky TV customers joining Sky+HD with the HD Pack and taking a Sky TV package with Sky Movies Pack 1 or 2 for 12 months. Existing customers must also recommit to Sky TV for 12 months. Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Sky TV subscription and VAT changes: Monthly TV prices shown apply from 1 January 2010 (packages from £18 a month). Our current prices, which are shown in your basket on ordering, will apply to any period before 1 January 2010 in which your Sky TV account is active.
Sky TV Subscription: Packages from £18-£48.50 per month (pm). Sky Box Office costs extra.
Sky+HD: £10 pm for the HD Pack. HD channels received depend on your Sky TV package. If you do not take up this Sky+HD offer Sky+HD box costs £49 when you take the HD Pack and Sky TV and existing customers sign up to another 12 month minimum term for Sky TV. One £49 box per household and not available if you already have SkyHD/Sky+HD box or if you take a Sky+ box at the same time. Sky+HD box up to £199 if you are not eligible for discounted price (Sky TV and HD Pack subscriptions required). Sky+ functionality requires a Sky+ subscription (free for Sky TV customers, or £10pm) and two satellite feeds. Sky+HD can store an average of 30 hours of high definition and 80 hours of standard definition programmes. HD ready TV required. Luxe TV HD, Channel 4 HD and BBC HD are available without subscription. Channel 4 HD requires a viewing card.
Set up: Current standard set up lead times for new Sky TV customers for UK mainland currently average 7-10 days and are likely to increase before Christmas. Existing customers may be longer. Standard set-up for free Sky+HD box is £30 for new and existing Sky TV customers (£15 if you take a new Multiroom subscription). Standard set-up for £49 Sky+HD box is £30 for new customers (£15 if you take a new Multiroom subscription) and £60 for existing Sky TV customers (£30 if you take a new Multiroom subscription. Standard set-up for Sky+ box is £30 for new customers (£15 if you take Multiroom) or £60 for existing Sky TV customers. Non-standard set-up may cost extra. Standard set-up for a standard Sky box is £60 for new and existing customers. Standard set-up £117.45 without Sky TV. Non-standard set-up may cost extra. Sky Broadband set-up fees for existing Sky TV customers - £60 for Base, £30 for Everyday & Connect or free for Unlimited.
General: Prices shown apply to customers paying by Direct Debit. An additional 50p per month is payable by customers paying by continuous credit card. Pre-registration required for existing customers due to exceptional demand. Once registered you will receive an indication of when you can complete your order. Your Sky box(es) must be connected to a fixed telephone line for 12 months. Sky+/Sky+HD box prices may vary if you live in a flat. You must get any consents required (e.g. landlord's). Minimum Sky TV/Sky+/HD Pack/Multiroom subscriptions 12 months. You must be 18 years or over. Prices subject to change. Information only applies to residential customers in UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man. Further terms apply. Calls cost 5p per minute (plus up to 8p connection fee) for BT customers. Calls from other providers may vary.
Information correct at 20 November 2009.
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