Sky+HD vs Virgin Media TiVo
Is it Sky+HD or Virgin Media TiVo that has the best picture quality? We find out with our exclusive tests
HIGH-SPEED, HIGH-CONTRAST IMAGE COMPARISON
This shot of an angle grinder has plenty of detail and lots of contrast, pushing the boxes to their limits. We’ve just compared the live shots here.
The original Full HD frame
There’s lots of mosquito noise around the sparks on the Virgin Media TiVo box, but they are the brightest and most solid-looking. There’s also plenty of detail and lots of fine texture, although you have to look closely to see it
Sky+HD sacrifices a little detail and punch compared to the Virgin Media TiVo in return for a slightly cleaner-looking image. Texture on the grinder is a little soft, though
FINELY DETAILED FOLIAGE COMPARISON
Foliage can be very difficult to accurately display, with a lot of fine detail required for a realistic and pleasing picture. Again, as we know that Sky’s On-demand service is pixel-perfect, we’re just comparing the live broadcast here.
The original Full HD frame
Virgin’s TiVo box comes out on top here, with its sharpening providing more visible texture to rocks and foliage
A slightly darker appearance from the Sky+HD box and the continuation of the softened appearance, although here it has little positive effect, with no sharp lines needing neatening