Digital decisions

Now that the UK’s switchover from analogue to digital TV is underway, there’s never been a better time to consider your viewing options. Going digital means more channels, more choice and enhanced interactive services.

Add in pictures that are free from wavy lines, wobbly colour and ghosting, and it’s easy to see why it’s the future of broadcasting. But the picture on availability is far from clear. Some areas can receive all types of service, while others struggle to receive decent transmissions.

Today there are three main ways to get digital TV; over your aerial with Freeview, via a satellite dish through Sky or with a cable connection from Virgin Media. Here we explain everything you need to know to find the best way to tune in.

What service can I get?
The easiest way to find out which services are in your area is to visit the Digital UK website. Type your details into the online postcode checker and the site will present a list of available options. About three-quarters of households can receive digital TV via an aerial, while Sky claims 99 per cent UK coverage. To get Virgin Media you’ll need to live in a cabled area ­ – about half of the country is covered.

If you live in a flat there are more things to consider. Those going for Freeview may need to talk to their superior leaseholder or landlord about an aerial upgrade if the building is in a poor signal area. Meanwhile, Sky requires customers in a block of flats need to get together with three or more like-minded neighbours before it will install a dish and connections, unless the building already has them.

In individual flats, a third-party installer can set up a Sky dish. In either case, permission from the landlord is required. If you live in a cabled area and rent a flat or house, Virgin will seek permission from the landlord to sign up ­ – just give them the details. Digital TV is also available over broadband from Tiscali. To find out more on this go here.

What do I need?
For Freeview all you need is a suitable set-top box from a high-street electronics retailer or supermarket for a one-off cost of about £30. Just hook it up to the aerial and your existing TV. Alternatively, treat yourself to a new set with a built-in Freeview tuner. Look for the Digital Tick logo to ensure compatibility. Those in a poor signal area may need a new rooftop aerial, which start at about £80.

A signal test on page 284 of Ceefax and Teletext can help confirm the likelihood of digital reception. Sky and Virgin supply everything needed and the price depends on the package chosen. For an additional cost of £149, Sky offers the excellent Sky+ digital hard disk recorder, while Virgin’s V+ system is £150 (plus an extra subscription fee in some cases).

What’s on?
Freeview has a line-up of more than 40 TV channels and digital radio stations. These include digital versions of the five analogue channels, plus BBC3 and BBC4, great for new comedy and documentaries respectively, BBC News 24, ITV2,3 and 4, E4, More4, Film4, and CBBC and CBeebies for the kids. For a full listing click here. Freeview users can also subscribe to Setanta Sports for £9.99 a month.

Sky and Virgin have a range of TV packages at various prices. Here you can pick and mix to get exactly the type of programming you want. Freesat from Sky carries a one-off cost of £150 and gives viewers more than 200 free-to-air digital TV and radio channels. The line-up includes six channels dedicated to movies, nine news and documentary stations, and three for sports.

You can check the current list here. A 12-month subscription to Sky Digital adds another six additional channel packages or mixes, such as variety, kids, culture and music. One mix costs £16 a month and others can be added at £1 each. Sky also provides premium movies and sports mixes at £18 each, or both for £25.

So a typical package might have two standard mixes, plus the premium sports pack, for a total cost of £35 per month. You can switch packages at any time by calling Sky’s customer services. Find out more here.
Subscriptions can be paid via direct debit, monthly by credit card or in advance by invoice. Installation costs £30 and the receiver is free, though Sky insists the box is connected to a BT phone line.

At the moment Sky is also offering its See, Speak and Surf deal with TV, phone and broadband for £19 a month. Virgin’s packages come in three sizes ­ – M, L and XL, ­ offering from 35 to 200 channels. Prices start from £11.50 a month if you take Virgin’s cable phone services at the same time, though L and XL packages are available separately.