According to a survey of 9500 Britons – a representative sample of 48 million consumers – one in ten HDTV owners believe they are watching HD programme content from their provider while nearly 30% believe they are watching HD films on their DVD.

Simon Heller, a spokesman for the BVA says, “You are only getting a high definition experience if you are watching content via a bolt-on high definition set top box, a Blu-ray player, or a PS3 console.” 

This “HD Gap” is in the process of being resolved, with the launch of Freeview HD. Freeview HD means you can watch high definition channels, in high definition, such as the BBC HD, ITV HD and more for free and in most cases through your existing aerial, with the FIFA World Cup being screen through Freeview HD. All you need to access these channels is an HDTV with Freeview HD built in, such as the Samsung UE40C7000.

Additionally, with the major providers Sky and Virgin providing the appropriate set top box as a part of their HDTV provisioning kit. In order to view films in HD, a Blu-Ray player is required. The good news here is that prices for PS3 and other Blu-Ray players have dropped dramatically in recent weeks as the new offerings are being pushed out into the marketplace. Many perfectly adequate Blu-Ray players are available, with some models priced below £100.

Remember, this survey only asked questions regarding conventional HDTV. At the time the survey was conducted – November 2009-January 2010 – the sudden and wholly unexpected 3D phenomena hadn't manifested yet.

Short of staying abreast of the high-speed world of HD technology, you need to check with your service provider or a qualified professional telly technician to ensure you are getting the maximum return on your investment in HDTV content and programming.

You want to be sure you are ready for the FIFA World Cup, as many matches are are being recorded and broadcast by the Sony/Sky consortium. As you may be aware, World Cup footy matches in the UK are not likely this year, as the BBC/ITV rights owners have yet to make a move to either broadcast or release the broadcast rights. However, the Premier League matches – Sky is the rights owner – will be broadcast in 3D this year. Deployment of the technology is in progress and if Sky hasn't upgraded the service to your premises, there are a number of sports pubs which will have access.