HD Ready refers to 'High Definition' ready, and is a relatively new visual technology for televisions. The life like accuracy of a television's picture is dependent upon the number of resolution lines that a TV can use. More lines results in more pixels (the smallest controllable unit of a television screen), which in turn means more detail and a more realistic picture.

Therefore, the resolution of a television screen is the gage by which the quality and detail can usually be defined. The more lines and pixels a screen can support, the higher the resolution level can be. Currently there are three standard high definition settings.

1. 720p - 1280x720 - progressive scan - 720 lines

2. 1080i - 1920x1080 - interlaced - 1080 lines

3. 1080p - 1920x1080 - progressive scan - 1080 lines

As of 2009, 1080i and 1080p are the highest-resolution formats available. In total, they provide 2, 073, 600 pixels, and it's the current setting that BSkyB broadcast their HD programming in. A standard television transmission is at 480i, and an enhanced transmission is at 480p. Therefore, via simple arithmetic, you can conclude that HD provides image clarity which is twice that of a 'normal' television.

• 720 resolution lines
• YPbPr analogue component connection
• DVI or HDMI interface
• Support for HDCP copy protection

For a television to display a 1080i or 1080p HD logo, it must meet a higher technical standard than outlined above. Which means that HD Ready televisions do vary in their technical proficiency.

BSkyB were the first UK broadcaster to offer programming in high definition. In 2007 they launched two movies channels, Sky One and Sky Sports in HD. The BBC and other UK broadcasters have begun to offer selected programming in HD. But, as of 2010, the majority of UK television transmissions are still not broadcast in HD.

DVI was developed by the "Digital Display Working Group", and produces a high speed connection between digital appliances. This means you can hook up a personal computer to a television set. It's alot faster than the red blue green YPbPr analogue signal. DVI was the first cable interface used by digital televisions.

HDMI came along later and has superseded DVI. The term stands for "High-Definition Multimedia Interface", and basically does the exact same job as DVI. The difference is that it sends both a video and audio signal, whereas DVI can only send a video signal. HDMI requires less cables, can still connect to a PC, and is rated as the best video quality yet seen.

HDMI has the support of the MPAA, and if you have the choice you should pick a HDMI connection over a DVI. Ideally pick a TV which supports both.