HD Set Top Box
Most HD programming is received through a separate box from the HD television and for most people that means a Sky+HD box or possibly a cable box. HD content is also available through the Blu-ray HD DVD system and DVDs can be purchased or rented for viewing.
Compare HD service providers side-by-side on the HD comparison page
Sky+HD box
- Dimensions: 380 x 245 x 80 mm
- Storage: 300GB (160GB personal space storage, allowing you to store 30 hours of high definition or 80 hours of standard definition)
- Video outputs: HDMI socket, 2 x SCART (Composite, RGB), S-Video.
- Audio outputs: Optical digital audio, left and right channel audio phono connectors
- Other connectors: Telephone line socket, 2 x USB sockets, Ethernet (RJ45), SATA (external HDD)
Freesat set top box
There is a wide range of HD set top box models available for Freesat from different manufacturers, with prices starting from around £98. Check the different specifications to ensure you have the right output options for your needs.
Virgin Media set top box
- Dimensions: 400(w) x 285(d) x 83(h)mm
- Video outputs: 1x HDMI, 2x SCART, 1x component, 1x RF aerial
- Audio outputs: 1x digital optical, 2x analogue stereo phono
- Other connections: 1x USB, 1x Ethernet (RJ45), 1x SATA
- Storage: 160GB (20 hours of high definition or 80 hours of standard definition)
Set top box connectors
To connect the box to the HD ready TV the most simple and convenient method is through an HDMI cable that also delivers the sound to your HD ready TV. There are other methods, such as component connection, although these are being phased out in some products. Many HD sources still offer this facility in addition to HDMI, however multiple cables are needed just for the picture and separate connections are required for the sound.
See the input/output connections guide for further information on these plugs and sockets