JJ Lighting & Electrical - Home Electrical Centre

Well, once again the Government has managed to completely confuse people with regards High Definition Freeview.

For years manufacturers were told their sets has to be labelled “HD Ready” if they could show a HD source (i.e. plug in Sky HD or a Blu-ray into them)  and higher Spec sets were labelled as “Full HD” meaning they could provide an even sharper image resolution from HD sources.

But the key was always EXTERNAL HD Sources.  Meaning the TV,  on it’s own,  could not produce a High definition image.

However because this wasn’t explained properly,  a large proportion of people believe their “HD Ready” Television is “ready” for the switchover in 2012,  “When they turn the HD on“…

…which is of course,  completely incorrect.  Nothing has changed.  Your HD Ready Television STILL needs an external source to show a HD image.

However,  to muddy the waters further,  this year, in the London area,  sees the launch of “Freeview HD”  A free to air High definition service,  starting with BBC1 and ITV1,  but extending to BBC2, CH4 and Channel 5,  all to be broadcast in HD.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE FREEVIEW WEBSITE

But,  you’ll need either a new set-top box,  or a new TV to recieve it.  Bloody stupid if you ask me.

In our shop,  we have always been clear with customers regarding the ramifications of “HD Ready” and what it actually means to Joe Public.  But I wonder what under trained staff in the multiples have been telling customers,  and how many angry faces I will see over the coming months.

Fact is, Freeview HD is a totally new service,  needing a special reciever.  A large number of 2010 Televisions will have this reciever built in,  such as the S and G series from Panasonic and the High end Sony Sets.  But most new “HD Ready” sets STILL won’t be able to recieve the Freeview HD signal.  So, you need to think very carefully about what you want when purchasing a new TV.

There are going to be set-top boxes available.  Standalone ones for about £170 (which is crazy imho) and recorders from £299.  The former a pointless idea in my opinion because you are going backwards in terms of set-top boxes,  2 remotes etc etc.

My best suggestion for those that are still confused.  Pop into the Shop,  and I’ll show you a Freeview HD Television.. and you make up your mind if its worth all the bother.  I’m fairly sure,  like me,  you’ll think that its just too much hassle to worry about,  unless you need a new TV

Mook