Sky+ HD

The sharpest picture ever seen

Sky launched their Sky+ HD (High Definition) service in May of 2006 and now are approaching half a million subscribers. Customers are able to enjoy a sharper picture quality, which is four times better than that that is received by people without high-definition televisions

It is not just the picture quality which is a vast improvement, but also the deepness of the colours that are used. Vivid reds, green and blues light up sporting events, films and documentaries in equal measure. This is all augmented with Dolby Digital surround sound.

All of the features of Sky+ relate to Sky+ HD, so myriad channels are available and you have the ability to digitally record programs and pause and rewind live television.

Some HD Channels include: BBC HD, Sky One, National Geographic, Sky Sports and Sky Movies

High Definition Compatibility

There are certain prerequisites that you have to consider before you invest in the Sky+ HD system. Firstly, and by far the most important of which is whether or not your television can receive the high quality signal which is emitted.

High Definition compatible televisions have been available in the United Kingdom for many years now, but there is no guarantee that yours is one. You will be easily able to discover whether or not yours is equipped by looking at its original packaging (where it should carry a logo), or by asking a qualified member of staff at a local electronics store.

Upon the launch of Sky+ HD in 2006, it was met with a wave of critical acclaim as it was installed in houses across the United Kingdom. One Internet site claimed that it was a ‘drastic improvement’ and ‘that the colour is vivid and the quality is kept even with the fast moving action of an England rugby international.’

Another commentator at the Register noted how they were impressed with Sky’s HD service, referring to cricket, they argued that, ‘...you could also see the marks the ball had made in the batsman’s crease and the graphics were amazing. I can’t wait to see the Premiership in HD.’

As the informed amongst you will already know, the Premiership is now available in High Definition – which is certainly good news for sports fans everywhere.

Feel the power of film, reborn in your living room

With Sky High Definition television and Dolby surround sound, the realism of a pure cinematic experience can be relived in homes across the country. Sky recently increased their output of high definition movies and documentaries – some of which included Al Gore’s crucially successful enviro-documentary An Inconvenient Truth and Iñárritu’s iconic post modern thriller, Babel.

Part of a trilogy of films, Babel wove three interconnected stories together – featuring families living across different continents. The film was notable for standout performances from Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett and it delved into questions of identity and responsibility. The film garnered many nominations for the 2007 Academy Awards, eventually winning the prize for the Best Original Score.

Babel is an example of one of the films that has recently been featured on the Sky Movie channels in high definition, along with others such as Stomp the Yard, Ghost Rider, Breaking and Entering and Norbit.