Steve asked

28th July 2010

I have a Sony dvd recorder RDR-GXD360 connected to a PANASONIC TX-L37G10 LCD TV.

The problem is that when in dvd mode the screen is black and white not colour. Any recordings are also black and white with no colour. How do I get the colour back?

Until a few days ago the picture and recordings were in colour. I have rerun seup, but this makes no difference.

It sounds as though your DVD recorder may be outputting video using the North-American NTSC standard rather than the PAL system used in Europe so I'd have a hunt around its menus and see if the setting has been changed accidentally/somehow. Also if there's a 'progressive scan' button on the remote try toggling that, and if it's not that double check the connections are all correct and secure.

Andy asked

1st January 1970

I live in Crediton, Mid-Devon, and have BT Vision HD box. When/how can we see HD broadcasts?

Thanks for your question. You can find how to change the settings for your BT Vision box so you can watch on-demand HD content here if you haven't already done so:

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/12260/related/1/c/348

The question as to when you will be able to watch high-definition Freeview is a little more tricky because as I understand both types of BT Vision box in use at present only support standard-definition Freeview programming. As I understand a new HD capable box is due sometime this year but I don't have any information on when exactly or if upgrades will be offered to existing customers.

Ravi asked

24th July 2010

I would be grateful if you can let me know how to connect the new Virgin V HD box to my LG RZ 32 LZ55 model TV - HD Ready (year 2006) to get High Definition.

The V HD box has a HDMI port and a Scart socket. It also has a optical audio port and a test port (I am not sure if it works!) The TV has a DVI input apart from the scart sockets. There are several HDMI to DVI connection cables I am not sure which one to choose. Also how can we get audio from the V HD to the TV.

As best I can tell, and as you indicate yourself your TV appears to be HD Ready so should sufficiently compatible to connect to the HDMI output on your Virgin box. All you should need is just about any HDMI cable (no need for an expensive one as the signal is digital!) and a male DVI to female HDMI adapter. If you happen to already have a DVI cable you can use that and get an reversed adapter, but if you're buying new you'll likely be able to reuse and HDMI cable over a DVI in the future.

HDMI carries audio but DVI cannot so you'll need another adapter for the sound, I believe you should have a pair of RCA phono inputs on your TV so you'll just need a SCART to phono adapter and a cable to connect up your audio.

Ken asked

18th July 2010

Can you tell meif I require a different TV ariel to receive HD programmes. I am in the process of having a new ariel fitted, and my TV is able to receive HD ie. it's HD Ready?

If you're current aerial is able to receive standard definition Freeview programming the same aerial should also be suitable for Freeview HD.

In order to watch in high-definition in addition to having a high-definition capable television you also need a high-definition tuner as standard definition tuners are not compatible with the high-definition signals. You may well find if you have purchased your television relatively recently that it contains a built-in Freeview HD tuner whereby it's simply a matter of connecting to your aerial. If your HDTV only contains a standard definition Freeview tuner you will need to purchase a separate HD decoder/set-top box and connect that between your aerial and television.

The final prerequisite is that you live in an area of the country where digital switcher has taken place and high-definition transmissions have begun. You can check this at:

http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch

Adriaan asked

10th July 2010

What do I need to change channels on my HD Decoder from my bedroom to my siiting room?

Thanks for you're question. Your first option is an infra red sender/transmitter at which you aim your remote, it then converts the signal in to radio waves which can pass from room to room, whereupon the signal is converted back to infra red by another transmitter aimed at your device. This method either requires you to take your original remote with you when you move rooms or to purchase a second one for your additional room.

The other similar alternative is an RF remote that learns the infra red control signals from your device and using radio waves instructs a remote infra red transmitter which of the learned signals to send out to control your device. This type of remote will likely be a little more expensive but you do end up with a dedicated remote control for each room.

Ray asked

7th July 2010

When can we expect other TV companies to follow the bbc with their iPlayer Freesat broadcasting?

Thanks for your question. The commercial nature of the other broadcasters in the UK limits my knowledge of their plans. If Freesat continues to grow successfully other interactive services could be bought to the platform in time, but these broadcasters don't all have the same public service mandate as the BBC so may choose to prioritise other areas such as web delivery first of all.

In the longer term the Canvas project:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Canvas

looks like it will become the common delivery platform/technology for on demand programming across different broadcast technologies, bit it still at an early stage.

Ron asked

30th June 2010

I have a Sony KDL40W4500 full HD 1080 TV purchased about 18 months ago. Do I need an HD set top box to receive Freeview HD which I understand is now available in my area.

Sadly you are correct in that if you want to watch the channels currently available in high-definition on Freeview you will need a new high-definition capable decoder/set-top box. I'm not 100% sure of the timings but the standards for high-definition Freeview would only recently have been decided upon if at all 18 months ago so along with the service roll-out only just beginning then, you are only now starting to see HDTVs with built in Freeview HD tuners. You may well find this isn't the end of the world if perhaps you're in the market for a high-definition recorder at the same time, but if not you can purchase a separate decoder box for less that £100 at that cost will only fall over time.

Donald asked

25th June 2010

My postcode is DE22 1GB, I have a HD Readt TV. Please advise any action to receive the proposed programmes.

In order to watch in high-definition you'll need access to some kind of high-definition service via satellite, cable or your aerial. You have two options at present, one being to pay either Sky or Virgin Media for their respective satellite and cable subscription services, or alternatively you can get HDTV without subscription via Freesat or Freeview HD.

Baring any physical obstructions you should be able to get Freeview HD now although this is likely to involve a moderate set-up cost for the dish and decoder. If you are prepared to wait until next year you should then be able to receive Freeview HD via your aerial when digital switchover happens in your area.

Keep an eye on this page:

http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/when_do_i_switch/central

to see when your local transmitter is switching, I believe it will be the Waltham one for which a specific date isn't yet published.

If your HDTV contains is quite new it may well already contain an in built Freeview HD tuner so all you have to do is wait for digital switchover to happen. If your TV only has a standard-definition Freeview tuner built-in at some point before swithover you will need to buy a separate Freeview HD set-top box/decoder.