HD5 is a free channel already broadcasting alongside Channel
5.
Generally most of the programs are NOT HD except for a selected
few. Currently about less than 20% of primetime shows simulcast on
HD5 is HD, the rest is SD (Standard Def) and some movies are HD as
well but MediaCorpse has claimed that they are working to increase
the amount of HD programs on HD5 to 50% of primetime shows.
HD5 signals are FREE and ALREADY BROADCASTING. However, to receive
the signals, you have to have a HD Set Top Box / Decoder as well as
a HDTV (Preferably FULL HD) and connect them up using
HDMI/DVI-D
You can get a HD Set Top Box in three ways.
1) Sign up for StarHub HD Cable. If you are a current subscriber,
you will have to pay for the replacement HD Set Top Box and they
will take back the Digital/Analog Set Top Box you already have and
install the HD one. You will then receive HD5 (technically free but
you have to pay for the set top box). You can also subscribe to
National Geographic etc. in HD.
2) SingTel Mio TV comes with a HD set top box regardless of whether
you like it or not and thus HD5 is incorporated as one of the free
channels on Mio TV. However, I strongly suggest you do NOT sign up
for Mio TV because it sucks in my opinion but that's a different
thread altogether.
3) During the original HD5 trial, MediaCorp rented out HD set top
boxes for the trial participants to receive the HD5 signal. This
box/tuner/decoder doesn't do anything else I think. No idea how to
get this box.
