How Do I Upgrade to Digital?

The digital switchover is a way to be fair to all television viewers in the UK.  It allows the transmission strength that analogue broadcasting currently uses, to be used to boost the strength of the digital broadcast; this boosting means that people previously not able to receive digital (and probably also have fairly bad picture quality with terrestrial) now can.

In order to receive digital programming, television viewers have a variety of options at their disposal to ensure that they receive the digital signal.  Freeview television utilises the existing aerial - the very same one that you use to get the analogue signal - and passes the digital signal into a freeview decoder (set-top box or digitally enabled television).  Satellite television, which uses a dish to receive the digital signal and cable television, which receives the signal through a network of cables, are options that have been around  for many years on a subscription only basis.  Satellite and cable will remain subscription only, but users should be aware that they can receive all the new digital channels through these media.

Freeview television

The first and probably cheapest method of receiving digital television during and after the digital switchover is Freeview.  Freeview offers around 60 channels of digital television; radio can also be received through almost any standard television aerial.  More likely than not, you already have almost all of the necessities that you need in order to receive Freeview broadcasting.  Freeview, as the name implies, is free to watch and there are no subscription costs and no installation fees to pay in order to tune in - your TV license extends to digital TV. 

There may be a small capital outlay for additional equipment (such as a set-top box) required as some television sets are not capable of decoding the digital signal.

In order to receive Freeview, you have two options:

1. Purchase a new television that has a built-in Freeview receiver.  This may be more of an added expense than you had previously hoped for, but if you were planning to replace your television anyway, this is probably the best route to go.
2. Purchase a special set-top box that allows your existing television to receive digital television signals.  If you do not wish to purchase an entirely new television then this option will probably appeal to you and it will work just as effectively.  Digital set-top boxes are currently available for purchase and will allow your existing television to receive the digital new programmes now and after the switchover.

Freeview pros

Free (after initial equipment upgrade costs).  Easy to install.

Freeview cons

The most limited number of channels.  Lack of premium options to increase flexibility that are available with satellite television and cable television.

Satellite Television - e.g. Sky Digital

Some companies offer digital satellite television programming at a subscription cost.  Satellite television offers the greatest number of programming options of any of the digital television offerings in the UK and depending on the package you go for, there may be thousands of channels and radio stations to choose from - including sports, movies, news, childrens' programmes, premium services and much more.  Naturally the more you pay the better the selection of channels.  Some programmes and channels are exclusive to certain satellite providers, so some research before purchase would not go amiss.

Satellite television subscribers must have their satellite dishes professionally installed and must also have a digital box that plugs into their television that allows them access to all of the channels.  Sometimes subscribers must have an active phone line to plug into the digital box in order to subscribe to the service as per a condition of subscription; the requirement of a telephone line is for the use of the interactive and pay-per-view programming.

Satellite pros

More channels than any other option, interactive programming.

Satellite cons

Additional, professionally installed hardware is required (though this may be included as part of the subscription fee).  Subscription fees apply.

Cable Television - e.g. Virgin Media

Not all areas of the UK are accessible by cable television, but for the ones that are, subscription can be an attractive alternative to both Freeview and satellite television broadcasting.  Cable television, like satellite television, must be professionally installed in the home and requires a set-top box that plugs into your television.  Cable television broadcasts will feature all of the Freeview broadcast channels as well as many other channel options such as childrens' programming, specialty channels and premium movie channels.  Unlike Freeview and satellite programming, cable television broadcasts are delivered via a cable that runs directly into the home so there is a much less likely event of foul weather interrupting transmission.  Cable television, as with satellite, is a premium option so subscription charges do apply.

Cable pros

Premium service.  More channels available than Freeview.  Less likely to have issues due to inclement weather.

Cable cons

Additional, professionally installed hardware is required. Subscription fees apply.