Television is changing. It is going completely digital, bringing us all more choice, better services and better quality.
You may already have digital - from Sky, Freeview, ntl: or Telewest Broadband. But in the future every TV set and video recorder in your house will need to cope with digital signals. So, if you are buying a new TV or video recorder today, you need to think about your digital choices.
There are many ways to get digital television and you will need to decide the best option for you.
If you are buying a new TV today this is what you need to know:
Any analogue TV can be used with a set top box to receive digital TV signals. For Freeview and digital cable, you will need to check you are in a coverage area. For Freeview, you may also need a new aerial. The TV should ideally have a "scart" socket to plug the box into.
An integrated digital TV (iDTV) already has a digital receiver inside it, giving access to Freeview's free digital terrestrial TV services - if you are in the coverage area. To receive any other digital channels you will need to use a set top box (for digital cable or digital satellite) or a viewing card (for Top Up TV). Some iDTVs also need a separate "CAM" adaptor to use Top Up TV.
If you require more help before you buy, talk to us or contact one of the following service providers:
For digital cable
ntl: 0800 052 4000 www.ntl.com
Telewest Broadband: 0800 953 0467 www.telewest.co.uk
For digital terrestrial
Freeview: 08708 809980 www.freeview.co.uk
Top Up TV: 08712 712712 www.topuptv.co.uk
For DSL / broadband (coverage is limited to certain areas)
HomeChoice: 0800 092 4444 www.homechoice.co.uk
Kingston Communications "KIT": 01482 222666 www.kcom.com
For digital satellite
Sky: 08702 403482 www.sky.com
Postcode checks to check digital coverage in you area are available at
www.dtg.org.uk . Some service providers also offer postcode checks on their websites (see above).
When shopping for a new TV, look for the Digital Tick logo.
Fri, 18 Feb 2005 21:00:00 GMT