HD Ready vs HD TV question

[ed_pete]

I'm planning to buy a new HD TV. I haven't decided which one yet but have a question that I'm sure someone can help with. When HD is eventually transmitted over Freeview (not currently possible due to bandwith issues) will HD TV's with an integrated digital Freeview tuner be capable of processing this or will a separate box be required ? It seems that the requirements for an "HD Ready" logo only apply to the display and not the TV's tuner. If the tuner is capable of processing the HD signal then the TV may have the "HDTV" logo as well. I can't find any TV's that have HDTV Freeview tuners - presumably because until HD is transmitted over Freeview there is no demand. I am aware that Panasonic have released HDTV's with intregrated FreeSat tuners which enables one to receive HD with no subscription, if you have, or want, a dish.

[capt_birdseye]

I believe you would need a separate Tuner.

[david_carnell]

Or sky plus HD

[pablogrande]

From what I have read HD on freeview will require a different type of freeview tuner, whether it's built in to the TV or not. if your HD ready TV has built in tuner you still have the option to plug in a new tuner box (providing you can cable between the two.

[ed_pete]

Managed to answer my own question. A new STB or TV will be required with a new tuner as the HD over Freeview will use a different standard. I wonder how many people buy "HD Ready" TV's realise this...

[will dex]

Hi E-P,

i was a TV buyer until recently, when HD is transmitted over freeview from 2012 it will require 4 freeview channels to be taken off the air for every 1 HD. There are currently just 4 Freeview HD channels planned. 2 BBC, 1 ITV and 1 other for open market pitch 9highest bidder).

Freeview HD will never be able to carry anything like the amount of HD channels Freesat HD/ sky hd due to frequency width restrictions.

as you say you will also need a new tuner as it will be transmitted in a different formet (mpeg4 i think).

Some Tv s currently offer integrated freesat tuners (eg panasonic) but it is much cheaper to buy the version without integrated tuner and buy the tuner box separately.

HD ready tvs with tv tuners in (freeview) cannot show the hd freeview (2012...) but im sure there will be some available soon as the government only decided to do freview HD last month.

HD TVs also upscale standard definition pictures, which does improve standard definition pictures.

HD is not a noticable improvement on SD screens unless the screen is above 32"

technology always changes so i dont think the customer has the right to feel aggrieved that new better standards are adopted when they a become available..

have funn!B) (&excuse all the type-o's)

[PeckhamRose]

I can understand why you stopped buying TVs! Way too much complication.

Very grateful for all your explanation though.

Freeeview and TopUpTV drives me nuts, and Sky is out the question, Virgin Media MAYBE, but not heard anyone talk about BT Vision 'cept that nice man off the telly wot used to be in MyFamily.

Sooooooooo BT Vision anybody?

[ct]

I'd also recommend a trip to avforums.com, where if you ask questions that havent been asked before and arent something you could very easily find on google, are extremely helpful (and knowledgable)

Sometimes HD can really improve the quality of the program. 2 examples for me recently have been the lost land of the jaguar on the BBC which looks amazing, the other is "in the valley of elah" where there's one shot about half way through with Tommy Lee Jones and you get a side on shot of him at the wheel and the detail you can see in his face of all his lines really enhances how the world is against him at that moment