There are only currently 2 ways to receive HD in the UK, Sky on satellite and Telewest on cable.
Sky have 8 HD channels, Telewest have ppv movies and whatever the BBC and ITV put out in HD, which isnīt much. Neither are free to air and need their receiver boxes and monthly subscriptions.
A
trial of HD terrestrial transmission in London has been declared a success, and Freeview HD may be expected in a few years. But I wouldnīt expect it to be any time soon.