What is HD?

HD or HD TV stands for high definition, and it's a new development in digital TV.

HD gives very clear, crisp pictures with vivid colours and up to five times more detail than ordinary standard definition TV. Some programmes are made with cinema-style 'surround sound'. HD broadcasts are particularly suited to flat TV screens (LCD and plasma).

For more information, visit BBC HD.

• Freesat: the new subscription-free digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV includes BBC HD. To get Freesat, you make a one-off payment for the HD digital box and installation. For more information, visit Freesat or call 0845 313 0051.

• Sky: as BBC HD is a free-to-air channel you do not pay a subscription for BBC HD on Sky's HD service. To get Sky's HD service you need a Sky HD box and a satellite dish. Sky's HD service offers 15 other HD channels and a choice of on-demand HD programmes. For more information visit Sky or call 08442 41 16 14.

• Virgin Media: An HD subscription package which includes BBC HD is available on cable. HD on-demand programmes are also available. To get Virgin Media HD, you need a V+ HD digital box. For more information, visit Virgin Media.