Free Articles Directory

It is common to find that broadband, digital TV and telephone services all offered by one supplier, either separately or in value bundles. But, if you want to watch the latest TV programmes in HD you will currently have to opt for either satellite or cable.

That is because Freeview HD will not be widely available throughout the UK until 2012 – just in time for the London Olympics – but even when that happens only four channels are planned to be available. However, subscribers to satellite and cable services such as offered by Sky, Freesat or Virgin fibre optic broadband offer immediate delivery of a number of HD channels, including live sport and recently released movies. There are currently three channels available without subscription via a Sky HD box (including BBC HD) and a further 31 HD channels are available on subscription. Virgin Media offers seven HD channels but a subscription is payable and Freesat offers access to two non-subscription HD channels.

High definition TV is definitely the way forward. The vast majority, if not all of brand new TVs being offered for sale in the UK are capable of supporting high definition viewing; offering up to five times better clarity than standard viewing. Check any chat forums about whether fibre optic cable or satellite offers the best HD picture and you will come across a heated debate. Broadband speeds through optical fibre of up to 50MB are being offered by Virgin Media, but unless you are a prolific web downloader widely available speeds of 20MB will easily be enough to satisfy most people’s demands for online services and HD viewing.

However, Sky TV offers different packages designed to appeal to as many people as possible. There are viewing packs to entice sports fanatics, film buffs, soap addicts, fans of American sitcoms, and a massive choice of channels offering history, geography, 24 hour news and current affairs programmes. You do have to pay a subscription that varies in cost according to which package you choose, and an additional charge to receive HD viewing, but if you are a fan of HD, then there will probably be a package that suits your taste.

Similarly, for a fee you could buy a Virgin HD box and subscribe to their services or one from Freesat and watch a limited number of HD channels free.

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.