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The SwitchHelp Site was designed for the 2012 Switchover. The Switchover is not complete, so this site is no longer maintained. We keep it live as it still may contacin some useful historial information. See SwitchHelp Index for a list of all pages.
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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?
