(13 February 2009 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Watching high definition (HD) television programmes can help improve the psychological well being of the viewer, says a recent research conducted by UK pay TV platform BSlyB's service Sky+HD and psychologist Donna Dawson.

With the current economic climate resulting in recession, job losses and falling house prices, many people across the UK have little to be happy about. However, Sky+HD study shows that watching television programmes in high definition can combat the effects of this 'downturn depression'. Donna Dawson has created a Sky+HD 'Happier Days TV Guide', a guide to the optimum HD viewing to help raise the UK's spirits throughout February.

Dawson has identified the key visual factors that stimulate the brain, increase endorphin levels and release serotonin in order to brighten up one's mood. Each of the programmes has been assigned an emotion-rating icon, such as 'colour', 'laughter', 'music', 'bonding', 'escapism' and 'inspirational' to highlight how each programme can help boost a viewer’s mental well-being.

She explains, "Colour research reveals that bright colours lift your mood and help the viewer to feel more positive, excited, happy or relaxed. Laughter has also been shown to release endorphins from the brain, the body’s natural 'feel good' chemicals. By watching an uplifting film or intense sport event in high definition, fed up viewers can enjoy the invigorating roar of a stadium crowd in their living room, or a bit of escapism by transporting to the setting of a far away exotic nature documentary."

The 'Sky+HD Happier Days Guide' has been designed to pinpoint the programmes that will lift the mood of the viewer, with an emotion-rating icon for each programme. To stimulate the brain’s limbic area - the emotional reward centre - with a healthy dose of laughter, 'Mamma Mia', 'Enchanted' and 'Mr Bean’s Holiday' have been singled out by the guide.

The new guide from Sky+HD also suggests the watching of programmes featuring vibrant colours, such as 'Wildlife Photographers Widescreen', which captures the landscape of the African Savannah. Based on Dawson’s criteria, the brighter colours and more intricate detail will help to boost serotonin levels in viewers.

Sky+HD launched in May 2006.