How can I get Digital TV?
The guide below explains the different ways in which digital TV can be delivered and how this may affect the options available to you.
Digital TV Services
Through an aerial
The digital signal is received by your TV aerial but needs a set top box to decode the signal so you can view the programmes. This service is provided by Freeview.
Pros:
- All channels are free to watch. Freeview has around 40 digital TV channels, including BBC3, ITV2, E4 and Film4 among others
- There is no monthly fee to pay; you only need to pay for the set top box
Cons:
- The channels offered are limited compared to paid for services
- No high definition service available yet
- You may need to get a new aerial
How can I get Freeview?
You can buy a set top box and install it yourself, as it’s very easy to do. Prices start from around £25. If you want the added flexibility of pausing live TV and recording your favorite shows to watch when it suits you, you should consider buying a digital TV recorder.
Through a satellite dish
The main provider in the UK for this is Sky. You will still need a set top box and will also have to get a satellite dish installed outside your house to receive the signal, but don’t worry as this equipment will be provided and installed as part of your package.
Pros:
- Many more channels than the Freeview service
- You can customise your package to include as many or as few channel mixes you require, with the option to add Sky Sports and Sky Movies.
- You can get your broadband and a call plan packaged with your TV service, which could save you money.
Cons:
- This service requires putting a dish on your property, which you may not be able to do if you live in a flat or if there are planning restrictions in your area.
How can I get Sky?
Sky have a great easy to use site, all you have to do is customise the package to suit your needs and follow the order through. Visit Sky’s site and build your own package online, it’s easy.
Through a cable
This means the digital signal is delivered through a cable to your home to your TV through a special set top box, which is provided as part of your package. The largest cable provider in the UK is Virgin Media.
Pros
- You can bundle the TV service with Virgin Media’s broadband and phone packages, which will save you money
- Access to on-demand TV
- Option to add on premium channels like Sky Sports and Sky Movies
Cons
- At the moment, Virgin Media is available to around 45% of the UK
How can I get this service?
The Virgin Media website will let you know if you can get this service or not. If you cannot get this service, they do offer what they call an ‘off-net’ solution, which is similar to Freeview. Visit Virgin Media’s website to order online and build a customised package that suits your needs.
Through broadband
The digital signal is sent through your telephone line using the high speed broadband network. This is quite a new technology, and Tiscali is the major provider of this.
Pros
- You will get digital TV, broadband and home phone from the same provider, which could save you money and be more convenient
- Access to on-demand TV
Cons
- The coverage is still limited, but Tiscali is rolling out its service across the UK
How can I get Tiscali TV?
The Tiscali website will let you know if you are in their coverage area. If you are, you can then continue with your order.
Through a phone line and aerial
This combines two of the above technologies, using the aerial to receive the standard freeview channels and the broadband connection to give you access to on-demand content. BT offer this service as BT Vision.
Pros
- Access to on-demand TV
- choose to either pay per view or pay a subscription
Cons
- You either need to be a BT broadband customer, or sign up to BT broadband
How can I get BT Vision?
If you already have BT broadband, click here to get more information on BT Vision
If you have not got BT broadband, but would like to sign up, you can do this on BT’s website and then sign up for BT Vision.