Digital TV

TV as we know it is changing. The digital revolution is here.

Switching over to digital from the old analogue broadcast signal means that viewers benefit from better reception, clearer sound and image quality, and will be able to enjoy and make use of whole range of new channels and interactive features; pause, rewind and record live TV, plan ahead with interactive programme guides and never miss your favourite shows again with catch-up services and on-demand features.

The switchover process involves the switch-off of the analogue terrestrial transmissions network that has been in place since the 1930s and its replacement with all-digital terrestrial network - the Government aims to have achieved this transition by 2012, when the old signal will be shut down.

Post-shutdown, even more programmes and features will be made available, with many of your favourite channels being re-broadcast in an enhanced high-definition (HD) format. As broadband uptake increases along with download speeds, more and more on-demand content should be made available for when-you-want viewing.

Switching over needn't be a hassle; here at Digital-TV, you can get all the information you need about the upcoming switchover, find out when the analogue signal is due for shutdown in your broadcast region, and how you can get set up with digital TV in your home.

Sky Digital

Cable

Freeview

BT Vision

Since 1998, Sky has provided the UK with digital satellite TV. Sky
Digital subscribers have access to over a hundred digital TV channels
plus over two hundred free digital radio and TV channels.

Sky Digital subscribers receive digital TV through a satellite dish
and one of three digital receiver set-top boxes, and can customise
their subscription with a range of additional content packages.

Virgin Media supply customers with interactive digital TV, and free-to-air
TV and radio through its growing cable network which currently covers
over 80% of the UK. A monthly subscription provides access to over
a hundred channels, interactive TV and on-demand content.

Virgin Media offer a choice between different packages to suit your
viewing needs, as well as the ability to combine TV subscriptions with
a range of other services such as broadband internet and cheap
landline and mobile calls.

Freeview offers a straightforward non-subscription digital TV service,
which provides access to 40 digital channels and over 20 radio stations
through a digital signal receiver connected to a TV aerial.

Freeview can be received through a variety of set-top boxes and
integrated TV sets. After the initial payment for the box, there
are no extra monthly charges - a one-off fee provides access
to the world of digital TV.

BT Vision provides a mixture of free-to-air digital TV and radio
received via a TV aerial and on-demand content received
over a broadband internet connection. An exclusive set-top box
receives both the digital signal from the aerial and the signal
from the internet connection.

There is a one-off fee for the installation and connection of
the receiver, and all the on-demand features are charged
on a pay-per-view basis.

Find out more about Sky Digital

Find out more about Cable TV

Find out more about Freeview

Find out more about BT Vision