Digital Changeover

Digital TV The Aerial option

Using your existing (analogue) TV all you need is a Freeview Digital Box - again available from most electrical retailers. One thing to note is that there are different types, with some having additional features. They are as follows:

• Standard Freeview box
• With built in recorder
• Top-up (so you can add additional channels)
• Freeview HD - for some areas!

Prices range from the standard set-top box at £10 to the new HD Box at £50, HD Box with Recorder (HDD)from £100. As of February 2010 both HD TVs and HD Digital Boxes are available. If you are in the market for a new TV, with Freeview HD built in or a set-top Box - why not check out Digital Direct. Now available with the DVB-T2 tuner for HD reception.

• Affected by the digital changeover

Digital TV Dish alternative

Obviously you need a satellite dish, although many of the packages include installation of the dish - so please check beforehand. Alternatively you could install the dish yourself, if you do, you may require a device called a 'satellite finder' (gauge showing strongest signal) or you could get a local installer to do it for you. The types of digital boxes for the digital changeover are:

• Standard digital box
• Digital box with HDD (Hard Disk) for recording
• HD (High definition) versions of the above

In the UK a standard Freesat is about £50 and up to £300 for the HD Recorder. Sky boxes are Free for the standard and Sky+ boxes and £49 for the HD Recorder, but remember you have a monthly rental fee that varies according to package you choose, whereas the Freesat is a one off charge only.

• Not affected by the digital changeover