What is HD broadband?

'High definition', 'High Def' or 'HD' are terms that refer to the quality of audio or video. HD broadband refers to broadband packages that are optimised for delivery of this kind of media. HD TV broadband packages typically team a super-fast broadband connection with an on-demand TV and movies component.

Advantages of HD

With a standard connection, downloading movies in HD can take an incredibly long time, sometimes days. With a specially tailored, super-fast HD broadband service you can expect to get your hands on premium HD content within a matter of minutes, and you’ll be able to watch TV in high-definition too.

In terms of filesizes, HD content tends to be very large and will eat heavily into a monthly download allowance. HD broadband typically features an unlimited amount of downloads every month.

As a result, there's no need to worry about extra charges for exceeding your usage limit, leaving you to enjoy the very best entertainment the internet has to offer.

Check your availability for HD broadband with our uSwitch broadband postcode checker.

Which providers offer HD broadband?

HD broadband is available from a range of UK broadband suppliers. These are:

• Virgin Mobile broadband
• BT Broadband
• Sky broadband

Virgin Media’s fibre-optic broadband is a highly attractive proposition to HD fans. Thanks to the super-fast speeds this can deliver, users can expect to download HD films in a fraction of the time it would take on a regular connection.

BT’s on-demand BTVision service is brimming with feature films in HD, which can be downloaded onto the V-box to view. The on demand HD service provides a fantastic picture quality with Dolby 5.1 Surround sound.

Sky's HD TV and movies offering is second to none, with over 50 HD channels taking in all kinds of programming to watch as and when you want.

Check out deals on Virgin Media's 50Mbps cable broadband at uSwitch now.

Who is HD broadband for?

If you’re a committed film fan and care about picture and sound quality you’d be well advised to choose an HD broadband package - it’s the closest you can get to being at the cinema without leaving your home.

Similarly, if you lead a busy life the flexibility of having a V-box, Sky+HD box or BT Vision box means you can pause, record and watch live TV whenever you like.