What is HD TV

HD or HD TV stands for high-definition television, and it's a new development in digital TV. HD gives very clear, crisp pictures with vivid colours and much more detail than ordinary standard-definition TV. Some programmes are made with cinema-style "surround sound". HD broadcasts are particularly suited to the larger flat TV screens (LCD and plasma).

What programmes can I watch in HD?

The BBC is currently running HD trial broadcasts, which began with the football World Cup and Wimbledon. The trial also includes drama, events and documentaries - a few hours are broadcast each day. The programmes are being broadcast via satellite and cable, but not on Freeview as there is currently not enough space (bandwidth). You don't need to pay a subscription to watch programmes on the BBC HD trial.

Sky recently launched an HD service on satellite with a range of sport, films, arts and entertainment channels. Virgin Media has an HD service on cable. Your retailer can tell you about the options.

How can I get HD TV?

To watch HD programmes, you need an HD-ready TV set and a set-top box which is designed for HD. You also need a satellite dish or cable connection.

• TV set: when buying a set, make sure it is marked "HD ready".
• HD set-top box: from a satellite or cable company or your retailer. To receive the BBC's free-to-air HD programmes via satellite, you make a one-off payment for the equipment. For Sky or Virgin Media HD services, you pay a subscription.
• Surround sound: to experience this (for the programmes that are broadcast with it), you need a home cinema surround sound speaker system connected to your TV system.

Programmes have to be specially made in HD, and then broadcast in HD too. An HD-ready TV set won't turn a standard-definition programme into an HD one, and it won't display HD programming without a set-top box.