Is Sky HD Worth It?

Sky claim to be the kings of TV in high definition - and they've got a good case.

But is HD really any good? And, if so, are Sky really the best provider to go to?

If you're still on the fence, this guide should help you work out whether Sky HD is worth it.

Sky HD TV Prices

The above costs include the base monthly fee of £10.25 for the Sky HD pack.

Is Sky HD Worth it on... Quality?

If you've seen TV in HD, you'll know it - it's around four times sharper than average TV and colours are brighter.

If you love films or sport in high quality or you just fancy seeing exactly how craggy Dot's face is getting then HD is for you.

Remember that you'll need more than a hankering for high definition to actually see in HD: even if you've got a fancy HD TV you're not actually watching high definition without a subscription to either Sky, Virgin Media or Freeview HD.

We say this because a recent BVA study found that 6.5 million people currently think that they're watching HD TV when, in fact, they're just seeing normal quality because they're missing vital equipment.

In Sky's case, though, you'll just need to worry about the TV - Sky's fancy Sky+ HD box comes free with all their deals.

Is Sky HD worth it on... channels?

Sky is way ahead of other providers in terms of channels.

They have the UK's largest selection of high definition TV channels, 50 so far with more planned this year.

In the basic entertainment TV pack that includes all of the terrestrial channels - Channel 4 HD, BBC HD and ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD as well as the Sky HD channels (Sky 1, Atlantic, Living, Arts) and other including Syfy and Universal.

If you sign up for Sky sports 1-4 you'll also get them in HD and there are 14 more HD entertainment channels and 12 HD movie channels available with extra channel packs.

Virgin Media comes in second with just 25 HD channels.

Is Sky HD worth it... for the football?

For the premier league and UEFA in HD Sky Sports is your only option.

If you're a football fan you probably saw the beautiful game in HD over the World Cup so you'll know the difference high definition can make but remember that Sky Sports HD is also available from Virgin Media and BT.

Check out our get sky sports guide for more comparison of those services.

Remember, too, that if it's just national matches you're after they're shown on BBC 1 and 2 and ITV 1 which are available in HD from Virgin Media, BT and Freeview HD as well as Sky.

You might also want to consider this option if you're close to any cameramen - Sky's keeping them in a job.

To cover Premiership matches it has to get 28 HD cameras positioned around the pitch and they've also had to shell out for five new outside broadcast trucks kitted out with £3.5 million worth of HD technology.

Is Sky HD worth it on... price?

Sky HD will add £10.25 onto the monthly price of your Sky deal but the current Sky offer is a free Sky+ HD box, free set up and £100 M&S voucher - so Sky HD is definitely worth it on price considering the non-existent initial outlay.

The number of HD channels that you'll receive depends on the viewing packs you choose, although you'll always get any available HD versions of freeview channels, such as BBC, ITV and Channel 4 and of course any HD channels for the included TV pack of your choice.

For Sky Sports or Sky Movies in HD you'll just have to pay the normal rate for those channels.

In comparison, Virgin Media HD will add just £5 to the monthly price of your deal and you'll have to pay £49 for the V+ HD box. Except in the case of TV XL when both are free. However, bear in mind Virgin Media HD is pretty limited on the channel front - so it's no surprise they're wary of over-charging for it.

But is Sky HD worth it if you just want the basic terrestrial HD channels? Absolutely not - it's only worth getting Sky HD if you also want some cable channels.

Freeview HD is now being rolled out across the country. You can receive it through a normal ariel and although you need a set-top box (for around £100) you won't ever pay a subscription so you'll save money over time.

More widely available is Freesat HD - that requires a bigger upfront cost because you need a satellite dish as well as a set-top box but, again, you won't ever pay a monthly subscription.

Is Sky HD Worth it... in a broadband bundle?

This wouldn't be ChooseISP if we didn't look at what all this will mean for your broadband.

Sky has two strong broadband options and, since they're regarded as an add-on to your TV, they're either free or a small amount extra per month so they're definitely worth it.

Sky HD TV, Broadband + Phone Bundles

Sky Everyday Lite broadband is free with Sky TV and offers up to 20Mb speeds and a 2GB usage allowance.

Sky broadband unlimited is also up to 20Mb, but is truly unlimited (no fair use) from £7.50 a month.

Note that with Sky broadband, phone and TV in HD packages, Sky you must take line rental which is cheaper than BT's.

Note that if you're served by the least competitive telephone exchange you'll only be able to get a Sky Connect - Sky's out of area or non-LLU broadband - which is more expensive.

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