The Penalty for adopting new technology early is that there is almost something else just around the corner. Yet, the counter argument to waiting would be that you would never buy something new and you would be depriving yourself of the latest technology available and enjoying it.

And so it is for those who bought the first HD Televisions. They may have contained a Freeview tuner, but sadly, it will not be up to the spec required to receive Freeview HD which was only finalised a few months ago. Now many manufacturers are starting to incorporate Freeview HD Tuners and Freesat (HD) tuners in sets such as the Panasonic G20 50 inch TV.

Owners of more elderly HD sets have the option of adding external tuners. Whilst it might be east to assume that Sky Digital is first choice, and that may be true if you wish the latest Hollywood movies ... there are non subscription alternatives.

Cheap Freesat HD Systems - The one particularly notable offering just now is the Labgear Freesat HD Complete System including 60cm dish, wall mount with fitting, HD satellite receiver, LNB with weather boot, 10m RG6 cable, 2 x F connectors, 10 x cable clips, 1.5m HDMI cable. This system normally retails at £159.99 but is on special offer with Screwfix Direct presently for only £79.99. The tuner alone appears worth that price and existing Sky dish cabling will plug right into the back for a simple DIY install.

Cheap Freeview HD Receivers - Hmmm... it isn't easy to find a cheap Freeview HD Receiver presently and we don't think that they are cheap enough yet. Remember that Freeview HD hasn't rolled out nationally yet and you may not yet be in a position to receive Terrestrial HD signals. 

It is only recently that these moved into major production, but early adopters can pick up a Humax T2 HD Freeview Receiver for around £150 just now. Expect prices to fall considerably in the next year as Freeview rolls out nationally and the boxes become more mainstream.

Our recommendation?

Given the limited availability of Freeview HD Broadcasts at this time and potentially limited space on the Terrestrial Platform to add many HD Channels, we would recommend a satellite based HD receiver. The complete satellite system from Labgear offers exceptional value at this time and will immediately deliver more HD channels than Freeview has presently indicated that they will offer.