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Want to know all about this new fangled High Definition thingy? Ever wondered what on earth 1080i actually means? Well this may just be the info based interweb page you’re looking for. Yes E4’s going all high def on yo ass (in yer face). But what pray tell is this High Definition malarkey all about you may ask?

Well it’s the future, the big bright, crisp, crystal clear future and we think you need to know all a ruddy bout it. So take a seat, relax and unleash your inner nerd for what follows is some dull but really rather useful information about our supery-dupery new HD Service!

The launch of E4HD means you can view the complete Channel E4 schedule and enjoy a high definition experience. The channel is a simulcast of the core E4 channel with a proportion of programmes produced and transmitted in the HD format. E4HD is currently available to subscribers of Sky HD. Want to know more about E4HD?

Your Questions on High Definition Answered

What is High Definition?

High definition (HD or HDTV) is a different standard of digital television broadcasting which offers sharper, more detailed pictures and surround sound. Only viewers with an "HD Ready" television set, a special HD set top box receiver and reception of a high definition service will experience true HD programming. High definition programmes must also be specially shot.

I want to know more about the High Definition technology.

It requires an entirely separate broadcast stream from current standard definition (SD) broadcasting It has a 16:9 aspect ratio, which is the same as a movie theatre screen, and transmits in either 720 or 1080 formats.
The two HD formats currently in use, 720p and 1080i, the number referring to the vertical line resolution of the picture.

1080 has a larger number of displayed lines, and is interlaced as with standard definition TV, whilst 720 is progressively scanned, similar to a PC display.

Most channels in the UK are based on 1080i, and Channel 4 will be using only this format.

E4HD will be show a proportion of its acquired programmes with 5.1 surround sound. 5.1 surround sound consists of 6 channels – a front left, center (for dialogue), front right, rear left, rear right and a subwoofer channel for low frequency effects. This is similar to the large number of DVD titles in standard definition which are now available.

Does owning a HDTV mean that I am watching in high definition?

No. As well as an HDTV, you need to have a decoder (set top box) that can receive the HD signals and a TV service offering high-definition programmes, some of which are free and some which you need to subscribe to. The tuner is available as an external set-top box.

What will I need to view the Channel 4 HD service?

The E4 HD service will be available on channel 215 via Sky HD only, so you will need to have a Sky HD box and viewing card, be a subscriber to Sky’s HD pack and have a HD ready TV.

What format will the programmes on Channel 4 HD transmit in?

Channel 4 will only transmit using 1080i on channel 215 on Sky HD.

Will all your programmes be in HD?

E4 HD is a direct simulcast of the core E4 schedule. A proportion of the programmes will have been originally made in the HD format, these will include some of our well know US series and films as well as some Channel 4 commissioned programmes. The Channel 4 Group is committed to increasing its investment in HD production and acquiring programmes in the HD format. We fully intend to increase the proportion of our schedule which is made in high definition over time. The remaining non-HD programmes will be up-converted from the SD source material.

Will E4HD have subtitles, signing or audio description?

We hope to get these services on the channel as soon as we can – but probably they won’t be available at inception.

Will all HD programmes be available with Surround Sound 5.1?

Initially only some acquired programmes will have 5.1 surround sound (Ugly Betty for example). As more programmes are commissioned in HD, that number will increase.

Why are black bars sometimes still visible on a 16×9 HDTV?

Original HDTV programming is made in the 16×9 (1.78) aspect ratio, which fits the dimensions of HDTVs which are Widescreen. However, many theatrically released films are made in either the 1.85 or 2.35 aspect ratio, which is even wider than the 16×9 (1.78) aspect ratios of HDTVs. Therefore, when viewing these films on an HDTV (if presented in their original theatrical aspect ratio) – you will see black bars on your 16×9 screen. However, the bars will be less pronounced than if the same movie is viewed letterboxed on a standard 4×3 set. For upconverted 4×3 programmes , these will be seen with black bars on the left and right.