Digital TV tips

Digital TV needn’t be confusing if you use our tips.

• Why should I switch to digital TV?
• Does everyone have to switch to digital TV?
• How can I receive digital TV?
• What are the benefits of digital TV?
• What are interactive services?
• Can I install a satellite dish anywhere?

Why should I switch to digital TV?

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The current analogue TV network is going to be switched off, sometime before 2010. In place of analogue there’ll be digital TV. The switch to digital TV will be done in phases, region by region, and is expected to take up to four years.

Does everyone have to switch to digital TV?

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Yes, all televisions will have to be enabled to receive digital TV. This can be done either by buying a digital TV set top box, or buying an integrated digital television that has a digital tuner built in.

How can I receive digital TV?

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There are four ways:

1. Digital satellite TV

   Sky Digital is available on digital satellite through a satellite minidish and digibox.

2. Digital cable TV

   Digital cable TV can be provided by ntl or Telewest through a set-top box. You can also receive digital TV with their telephone packages.

3. Digital terrestrial TV

   Also known as Free to Air digital TV. You can receive free to air channels through a set-top box or an integrated digital television.

4. Digital TV via broadband (ADSL)

   Internet Digital ADSL TV can be received via high-speed digital Internet connection through a standard telephone line (this is limited to trial areas at present). The type of digital TV you can receive will depend on which digital TV suppliers are available in your area. Find out which suppliers are available locally.

What are the benefits of digital TV?

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Digital TV signals can transmit more information than analogue signals – this means more channels! You can access dozens more channels, either as part of your package or at additional cost. Your channel choice is dependent on which digital TV supplier you sign up to and which package you choose.

What are interactive services?

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There are two kinds of interactive service offered by digital TV:

1. One-way interactive digital TV: These services do not offer you any method of ‘responding’ to what is happening on-screen. They can include:
   • “Red button” extras – i.e. access to further information about a television programme, extra sports coverage etc.
   • Electronic Programme Guide
   • Digital text services such as Teletext Ltd and 4Text from BBCi
2. Two-way interactive digital TV: These services allow you to interact with what is happening on-screen. Your digital TV supplier will usually charge you for access to these services. They can include:
   • Gaming
   • Betting
   • Shopping
   • Banking services

Can I install a satellite dish anywhere?

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Satellite dishes need to face southeast. If trees or buildings are in the way, they may obstruct the signal reception. 30ft is the maximum height any satellite dish can be fitted in a standard installation. Non-standard installation can be arranged. The following may have restrictions on fitting a dish:

• Leaseholds
• Listed buildings
• Houses in conservation areas

Always contact your council for advice before fitting a dish.