TV, but not as you know it! (Sky HD)

Member Name: luigi0778

Product:	Sky HD
Date:	10/03/09 (243 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: HD Quality is outstanding!

Disadvantages: Limited Channels, HD ready TV required!!

I finally got around to upgrading to Sky HD a few weeks ago. I had owned a "HD Ready" LCD for about 2 years, but only just got tempted to sign up, thanks to the £49 SKY HD box offer currently running.

However, before you rush off to sign up! You will need a HD ready TV and don't forget that (a) your subscription will increase by £10 to recieve HD on a year contract, and (b) you can of course only view the HD channels your current subscription allows, plus for non multi-room customers there is a £30 install charge!

All in all though, it is still good value compared to the previous £200+ charge.

Another factor for singing up now, is the recent increase in HD channels available, currently there are around 30! ALthough be warned some of these channels are things like Bio HD, and Arts HD, and not ALL the channels transmit HD quality all of the time!

The box is primarly the same size and has a similar outward appearance as the Sky+ box, except its now a black/silver finish, and has the green swirl replaced by a more slower rotating blue lights.

However the insides boast a Hard Drive capable of storing approximately 80 hours of television or 30 hours of HD! (160GB I believe) Which is about double the capacity of the regular Sky+ box!. It is acatually capabale of storing more, but it stores by default a choice of movies/programmes which can be watched on the Sky Anytime feature. Which is Sky's version of an "On-Demand" system. Unfortunately though you have no control over these, other than being able to view them! A handy feature it is though nonetheless!

In addition the software is upgraded to include an extra menu to filter the HD channels all into one menu, so they are viewable together, rather than being scattered around the programme list.

Other than that, the menu's are the familiar tried/tested quality format.

Ok so the real reason for getting Sky HD is of course the High Definition capability, and on that front it REALLY will not dissapoint! The difference between standard, and HD is massive, its night and day.
I have a small 26" widescreen TV, and a ceiling mounted HD projecter which we use to watch Sports, Films and the occasional TV show (such as Lost).

The quality of picture on both is truly amazing! Even on the tiny 26" you can actually see individual blades of grass on a football pitch. You can see the tiniest wrinkles on peoples faces. In fact alot of the Movie Stars look different because of it! Well older anyway!

An when HD is fed through the Projector on the 80"+ projector screen its ridiculous! Its so life-like, it literally transforms your viewing experience!

Another point, is the quality of the Dolby Digital 5.1 which is broadcast on most Films. For the first time, true cinema style surround sound was being echoed around our living room!

The one downside, if you do not have a HD Ready tv, you will have to do some research, because some older TV's are connectable, but not all! However of the people I know, the vast majority already own a TV with the "HD Ready" logo on, and so will be able to use this system!

My recommendation, is to definately upgrade, its worth every penny!!

Summary: Fantastic value at the moment!! Sign-up and Enjoy!