IT IS like having a sharper screen with the same old images from the past few decades.
While the prices of high-definition (HD) TV sets continue to plummet - now under $1,500 for a 40-inch HD-ready model - the programmes on screen have taken their time to appear in all their HD glory.
Singapore's three main broadcasters have started offering HD programmes for a while now, but the content pipe is just beginning to fill up.
The latest, for example, is StarHub's screening of the Euro 2008 football championship next month.
Ask any HD fan and he will tell you that HD has a long way to go before it becomes the standard, though it will get there one day. Meanwhile, for those who cannot wait, here is a sample of what you get on the telly right now.
MediaCorp
OFFICIALLY launched in October last year after months of trials, HD5 is MediaCorp's high-def version of its regular free-to-air Channel 5.
Some programmes, mostly movies and drama series from Hollywood, are shot and delivered in HD, so you will see the real sharpness that promises four times the clarity.
But, unfortunately, many programmes are still shot and delivered to MediaCorp in the Standard Definition (SD) format, thus they do not look as sharp even when shown on an HD screen.
>>To tune in: If you have SingTel broadband at home, check out the latest deals for its mio TV set-top box.
The free HD5 channel is available on SingTel's mio TV service, so you can save on an additional set-top box or decoder to tune in.
If you do not have SingTel broadband, the next best thing is to get an HD tuner box and antenna to receive the signals over the air.
Check out the best deals at electronics stores. If you are buying a new TV set, ask for a bundle deal.
Unfortunately, you cannot receive HD5 on StarHub's cable boxes now, because the two broadcasters cannot agree on a fee to do this.
So, if you already have a StarHub set-top box, you'd have to get a second set-top box to receive MediaCorp's free programmes.
StarHub
THE cable TV provider has two regular HD channels - National Geographic and Discovery - which show off the sharpness of the new technology.
The higher resolutions and better sound help bring to life documentaries on African wildlife, for example.
Besides these regular channels, StarHub also provides HD content occasionally, for example, the latest Euro 2008 football matches.
>>To tune in: You'll have to sign up for 12 months of programmes and pay $48 for an HD set-top box ($300 without contract). The HD Plus channels cost $15 a month.
SingTel
ALTHOUGH SingTel boasts of a handful of HD channels, including the free HD5, what's on the menu are no National Geographic or Discovery.
Voom HD, Equator HD and Sling HD show many extreme sports and video game programmes which at best cater to niche audiences.
No harm testing them out, of course, if you have a newfangled TV set and are raring to see what the fuss this HD technology is all about.
>>To tune in: Subscribe to SingTel's mio TV plan, which lets you mix and match on-demand movies and TV channels.
You get to use the set-top box for free as long as you spend about $16 or more on these programmes each month.
But note that you will need a SingTel phone line to hook up to the service. If you already have SingTel's mobile or broadband services, check for bundled deals.
Picking the right screen
IT IS tough finding a new TV set that does not offer HD-quality images in stores any more.
The cheapest - so-called HD-ready models - now come in under-$1,500 deals for 40-inch screens, which make them the best to tune in to HDTV programmes.
The resolution supported here is 1080i, which is the format used by broadcasters to deliver their images.
You do not need a souped-up full HD screen ($2,400 and up for a 40-incher) for watching HDTV shows. This supports the sharper 1080p resolution, which for now is only used in Blu-ray discs and video games.
This article was first published in The Straits Times, Digital Life on 3 June 2008.
