Digital TV switchover has started

Digital TV Test Reports – are you ready?

The UK switchover to Digital TV has started. But many of us are still a bit vague about what this means and how it will affect us. From the different types of kit on offer to how to connect and use them, this article gives you the tools you need to make your switchover as painless as possible.

Sound independent advice
For help finding the kit that’s right for you, a great starting point is the free, independent Ricability digital TV website http://www.ricability-digitaltv.org.uk.

Ricability is an independent research charity which has been commissioned by the Government to test and provide impartial reports on the full range of digital TV equipment for switchover. This includes test reports on digital TVs, set top boxes, digital TV recorders and indoor aerials.

As well as viewing recommended products, you can search for those that meet your specific needs – by price, ease of use and energy use.

Where to start?
The first thing you need to do is decide which of these three platforms to go digital with:

• Through an aerial. This way you get free terrestrial digital channels provided by Freeview.
• By satellite dish. There are two national providers, Sky and freesat from BBC/ITV.
• Via cable or phone line. Virgin Media are the main cable TV provider. Tiscali operates in a similar way but provides digital TV over existing phone lines, and is not yet national (TBC). BT Vision delivers digital TV channels through an aerial and, for a subscription, ‘view on demand’ channels via a broadband connection on your BT phone line.

The kit at a glance
If you choose a satellite or cable/phone line platform, you don’t get much choice of digital box from the service provider. If you choose the terrestrial (aerial) route, you have three more choices as to the type of kit to buy. Here’s an overview of each one.

Set top boxes
The cheapest way to go digital, a set top box is an electronic box that connects to your TV and lets you receive digital television. There’s no need to buy a new TV, you get extra channels without having to pay a subscription.  

Digital TV recorders
These are an alternative to a set top box – doing the same job but with also recording programmes. There are two types – PVRs and DVD digital recorders. PVRs – record onto a hard disc, whereas DVD digital recorders record on to a DVD disc.

Digital TVs
Also known as iDTVs (integrated digital TVs), these are TV sets that come with everything built in. A big plus is simplicity – they just replace your existing TV. It’s also an opportunity to get one of the new flat panel widescreen TVs.  For easy recording of digital channels, you’d also need a digital TV recorder – very few iDTVs have a built-in recorder.

Connecting up
To help you connect your equipment, Ricability offer a free Connection Wizard on their website. You simply put in details of your kit and it gives you a connection diagram with wiring notes.