Satellite TV, Terrestial Freeview or Cable?

Satellite, Terrestial Freeview or Cable - that's it, they are your 3 choices for receiving digital TV in the UK.  Oh, and we should include broadband over the telephone.  Not many people can receive broadband at speeds that make digital TV realistic yet.  Just watch this space.  Broadband speeds are increasing all the time.

And for satellite read Sky.

As the digital switchover gathers pace you are going to have to make a decision on which of these choices you will make to recieve digital television.  On this page we will explore which of these alternatives might be right for you.

Satellite Television

In the UK satellite television means Sky.  Like it or loath it, Sky has done more to introduce satellite television into the UK than any one else - including the Government.

Last time I checked there were well over 200 stations available on Sky.  More are being added all the time.  Many are free to watch.

All the main terrestial televison channels are available free of charge on Sky including BBC 3, BBC 4, ITV 2 and ITV 3.

Of course, if you want to pay for it you can get a whole lot more.  As of writing, Sky packages start at £7.50 per month.

Freeview

In principle Freeview is the cheapest and simplest way to convert any television or video recorder is to buy Freeview set top boxes.  You need to have a separate freeview box for each television or video recorder that you want to continue using once the digital switchover is complete.  At £40 to £100 each depending on features, and most households having 4 or more TVs (not even comtemplating video recorders) - it can still get expensive.

Before dashing out to buy a set of freeview set top boxes you need to check if you need new aerials.  Several million people will need new aerials even once the digital signal strength is increased.  Make sure you will be able to get terrestial freeview in advance.

Cable

For some reason cable TV has failed to capitalise on it's lead in providing digital TV into our homes.  Most city dwellers and inhabitants of large towns can get cable.  Prices can be competitive - especially when you take a package of telephone, TV and broadband services.

In the end though, Cable simply cannot currently provide the breadth of channels and services offered by Sky.

The digital revolution could be just what the cable companies need.  Being forced to invest in digital receivers may just be the trigger that opens the door to video on demand and other interactive services.  Sure, Sky is also in this market.  But genuine interaction with Sky is frustrating at best - upstream speeds through your telephone standing service are pretty slow.

Broadband/DSL

Broadband and Internet Service providers are not currently strong players in the digital TV revolution.  It is available in parts of London and Hull though.  

Broadband speeds are increasing rapidly.  One mega bit speeds are already the norm for most people.  Many city dwellers already enjoy four mega bit speeds and trials are already underway with 8 mega bit.

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At these speeds video on demand is a real possibility.  And unlike current satellite offerings, broadband can offer genuine interactive television.

2008 may not be far away.  The speed of broadband development is such that I would not write-off broadband as the major player in the television digital revolution.

• Options at a glance
  Options for recieving digital television after the digital switchover are currently limited. Satellite, Cable, freeview and boradband. Compare your digital television options at a glance.