Satellelite, Terrestrial or Cable
It is true many many people have already switched themselves over to digital with the likes of Sky and Freeview, and indeed many of the latest TFT televisions have Freeview built in. But what options are there? is there a choice? What will it cost?.Your Options - There are four main options open to you in your jump to digital tv, Satellite, Terrestrial (Freeview), Cable and also BT Vision a hybrid Freeview / Television on demand service.
Get ready for the digital switchover.
When deciding which equipment to purchase, do not forget to look for the digital switchover certification mark (shown left).
When deciding which equipment to purchase, do not forget to look for the digital switchover certification mark (shown left).
The benefits of digital television outweigh any hassle there may be to switchover, in most cases there is a huge increase in quality of both pictures and sound as well as a greater channel choice including extra channels fromt he BBC and ITV and also digital radio and interactive TV. For extensive impartial information on the digital swirtchover and to find further answers to your questions you can visit the Digital UK website Click Here, There is also a guide to the digital switchover you can download.
Click to download 'Your guige to the digital switchover' (Requires Adobe Reader)
You may be able to get help switching over to digital if you are aged 75 or over, or have lived in a care home for six months or more, or get (or could get) certain disability benefits, or are registered blind / partially sighted. For more information on help that is available and to see if you qualify - Click here
Terrestrial - Freeview
Freeview is the easiest way to switch to digital television, and will be the direct replacement for current analogue broadcasts.
A simple set top box is required and using your existing television and aerial you could receive up to 48 digital tv channels with no subscription and no monthly costs. There are many Freeview boxes available starting at under £20.00 and self installation is a breeze. Freeview boxes are available allowing the recording of live tv. Many tv's now have freeview built in as standard and with freeview+ you can record, pause and rewind live tv. There are many. Reception depends on location and an aerial upgrade may be required.
To purchase Freeview equipment click here, to check the coverage of Freeview click here.
Satellite
- Sky
There is no doubt the main player in satellite television in Sky although this is not the only option open to you. Sky offer an excellent and comprehensive package of services. As well as the standard Sky package, there is Sky+ which allows you to record and store up to 40 hours of tv, you can pause and rewind live tv, there are no fiddly tapes no timers just easy one touch recording of your favourite programmes. You can even set it to record remotely using your mobile.
Sky also offer an extensive HD (High Definition) service with Sky+ HD, with the UK largest selection of HD channels, twice the recording time of Sky+ and Dolby 5.1 available on many HD programes.
Of course there is still the standard sky package with a vast array of channels available, with high quality digital pictures and sound and Sky's interactive service Sky Active. The current offer for Sky+HD makes for a fantastic opportunity to experience television as it should be.
For more information on the services available from Sky click here
There is no doubt the main player in satellite television in Sky although this is not the only option open to you. Sky offer an excellent and comprehensive package of services. As well as the standard Sky package, there is Sky+ which allows you to record and store up to 40 hours of tv, you can pause and rewind live tv, there are no fiddly tapes no timers just easy one touch recording of your favourite programmes. You can even set it to record remotely using your mobile.
For more information on the services available from Sky click here
Satellite - freesat
There is also another satellite service called 'freesat'. and like Freeview is Free digital televsion (well freeish). Brought to you from the BBC and ITV freesat offers over 140 digital tv and radio stations and free HD too. freesat is subscription free with NO monthly bills to pay. You pay a one off payment for your equipment which is available at under £100,
freesat receivers are available in SD, HD and also freesat+ allowing you to record, pause and rewind live tv. There are also televisions available with freesat decoders built in. freesat require an installled satellite dish although you may be able to use your existing dish if you have one installed.
To purchase freesat equipment, click here. , To learn more about freesat, click here
There is also another satellite service called 'freesat'. and like Freeview is Free digital televsion (well freeish). Brought to you from the BBC and ITV freesat offers over 140 digital tv and radio stations and free HD too. freesat is subscription free with NO monthly bills to pay. You pay a one off payment for your equipment which is available at under £100,
freesat receivers are available in SD, HD and also freesat+ allowing you to record, pause and rewind live tv. There are also televisions available with freesat decoders built in. freesat require an installled satellite dish although you may be able to use your existing dish if you have one installed.
To purchase freesat equipment, click here. , To learn more about freesat, click here
Cable TV
Cable TV has been around for a number of years now. Television is delivered by cable to you home with a set top box to decode the signal. many different packages are available to suit your needs with an good selection of channels and high speed broadband.
Cable TV has been around for a number of years now. Television is delivered by cable to you home with a set top box to decode the signal. many different packages are available to suit your needs with an good selection of channels and high speed broadband.