<P> High - definition television in the United Kingdom is available via cable, IPTV, satellite and terrestrial television . The first high - definition broadcasts began in 2006 and since then the number of channels available to view has grown to a maximum of 87 that can be viewed on pay - TV service, Sky . </P> <P> The majority of channels in the United Kingdom remain broadcast, and largely viewed, in standard - definition but most major broadcasters have begun or are soon beginning their initial forays into high - definition television . Similarly, the vast majority of viewing still takes place in standard - definition though penetration of high - definition displays and receivers is increasing . </P>

When was hd tv introduced in the uk