Digital TV Explained

What is digital TV? First, note that it's easy to confuse two terms:

• Digital TV Service - When we talk about the digital switch, we're talking about the switch to a TV service transmitted digitally. Digital TV services include Freeview, Sky , BT Vision and Virgin Media.
• Digital TV Set - This is a TV set that can get Freeview using a built-in Freeview receiver. If you don't have a digital TV-ready telly, this won't stop you getting a Digital TV service (such as Freeview, Virgin or Sky)

Your options for Digital TV include:

• Via a TV aerial - Freeview offers Digital TV via a TV aerial. Set-top boxes cost around £25. Freeview Explained
• Satellite TV - Either from Sky, or a free-to-view satellite service
• Cable TV - If your house is in a Virgin Media area, you can get TV and Internet via cable. Virgin Media Explained
• Broadband - BT Vision offers a digital TV service combining Freeview and extra shows & films over Broadband. BT Vision Overview
• Phone line - In certain parts of the UK, you can get TV down a phone line with a special set-top box from TalkTalk TV

Unless you have a TV with a built-in Freeview receiver, you'll need to get a set-top box for your digital TV service.

Typically, you'll connect a set-top box to your TV set using a SCART lead, then connect your set-top box to a digital service (Freeview via a TV aerial, satellite via a satellite dish, or cable via a fibre optic cable in your street)

Other Links:

• Digital Switchover Checklist - How ready are you?