What is HD?
HD (high definition) is the latest in a long line of major improvements in television technology, which has moved from black-and-white analogue to widescreen colour digital over the last 50 years. HD gives you exceptionally clear, crisp pictures with vivid colours and up to five times more detail than standard definition.

How does high definition TV work?
A high definition picture is clearer and sharper than current television because it contains more information in digital form. High definition TV has up to five times as many pixels in each picture as standard definition TV.

How will HD improve my viewing experience?
High definition broadcasts offer a sharper, more detailed picture than standard definition broadcasts. The improvement over a standard definition picture is particularly noticeable on flat-panel displays (LCD and plasma).

What does the 'HD Ready' logo on a television mean?
Televisions can carry the 'HD Ready' logo when the display screen has enough pixels to be able to display a high definition picture properly. To qualify they must also be capable of displaying pictures with either 720 or 1080 horizontal lines. The logo also means they can be connected to an HD digital box through an HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) cable. Visit HD Ready to view a database of 'HD Ready' televisions.

I have an 'HD Ready' television. Does that mean I will automatically receive HD services when they start?
No. 'HD Ready' just means that the screen has sufficient resolution to display high definition pictures. You will still need an HD capable digital terrestrial receiver, a UHF aerial and appropriate cabling.

Will all TVNZ channels show high definition programming?
No. Only selected programs on TV ONE and TV2 broadcast on Freeview HD will be shown in HD.

Which programmes will be available in HD on TV ONE and TV2?
The first programme available in HD will be the Olympics Games in August 2008 on TV ONE.

Will TVNZ HD broadcasting affect my viewing if I don't buy HD equipment and an HD service?
Existing services will continue unchanged.

Do high definition programmes look better on an ordinary standard definition television?
Programmes made in HD can provide the best possible quality pictures on current equipment. Only a high definition television, high definition digital receiver and high definition broadcast used together provide high definition viewing.

Will Surround Sound be available on TVNZ?
For now, only the Beijing Olympic Games will have surround sound.

Does TVNZ broadcast HD programmes in 1080i or 720p? 
720p

Can I use an HD digital set top box other than one from Freeview HD?
We can make no guarantees that particular boxes will work with the TVNZ transmissions.