Freeview HD Box - Available Next Week!

Freeview HD receivers will be available for purchase next week, namely from Humax (who were the initial manufacturers of the Freesat SD, HD & PVR receivers) and Bush.

The new Freeview HD set top boxes will decode the new DVB T2 signal broadcasted from your local digital ready transmitter. Although currently, only viewers receiving Freeview from Winter Hill and Crystal Palace transmitters can receive the new Freeview HD signal, others will soon follow and the service will be rolled throughout the United Kingdom, with the entire country able to receive HD broadcasts by the end of 2012.

If you have already purchased a Freeview TV which is HD ready, you will also unfortunately need to purchase the new DVB-T2 compliant Freeview HD set top box to decode HD broadcast.

The Worlds First 3D Live TV Sporting Event

Sky have announced they will be showcasing their new Sky 3DTV channel throughout 9 public houses in the United Kingdom for the Manchester United vs Arsenal premier league game this sunday.

Those who have entry, will be able to watch their team in superb definition and clarity, with a greater feeling of depth throughout the live broadcast. Each pub has been specifically fitted with some of the first new 3D televisions to enter the market.

Sky have anticipated to have their new 3D TV service rolled out to the majority of public houses in the United Kingdom by April, and homeviewers by the end of 2010.

It is believed that customers who currently have a Sky+HD satellite receiver will be able to view the new Sky 3D channel providing they currently subscribe to one of Sky's top TV packages and HD pack.

Record 10m Television Sets Sold in 2009

2009 was a bumper year for purchases of new LCD or Plasma TV sets. Despite the recession, new television purchases set a record high in 2009 of over 10m sold.

Over 32m flat screen televisions have been sold over the five past years in the United Kingdom, and this is largely down to a number of factors, namely the enhancement of better digital viewing services, such as Freeview and High Definition, and now the stiff competition between manufacturers to produce quality televisions at prices customers can afford. Some 32" flat screen models can currently be purchased in the region of £300!

2010 looks to be equally as exciting as flat screen manufacturers are now keen to push 3D TV technology in their future models, to take full advantage of the new 3D service being offered from Sky TV. Although there is not a mainstream 3D model currently for purchase, it is expected that a variety of television sets will be available this year.

Freeview HD - When, How, What, Where?

Freeview have recently announced the next phase of their free viewing platform, by introducing HD (High Definition) content via it's free television service. However, there is alot of confusion among consumers on how and when they will be able to watch these HD broadcasts.

Freeview HD was initially be introduced to the Granada region, with the Crystal Palace transmitter being upgraded soon after, however, despite these regions now transmitting the High Definition signals, no-one can actually watch/decode these transmissions (except those with the right computer equipment).

Any Freeview receiver or TV will require a decoder with the new DVB-T2 Tuner that will process the newer signal - however there is no television or receiver that currently retails to do this. Furthermore, any television that has been purchased which has an integrated Freeview tuner, and HD capabilities, will still require a separate DVB-T2 Freeview receiver when available to watch the HD channels!

However, once available, consumers will have a choice of Free HD broadcasts from channels such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and eventually Five.

Although there are only currently 2 regions already transmitting Freeview HD, many regions will have to wait until the complete digital switchover has commenced in their area to receive the new higher definition broadcasts.