Free-to-View Beginers Guide

YourHomeBill.com has put together a quick guide to your options for free-to-view digital TV.

Digital Switchover
Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, TV services in the UK will go completely digital. This process is known as the "digital switchover" and is the switch from the UK 's old television broadcast signal (analogue) to its replacement - the “digital” signal. If you don't convert your TV to the digital signal then you will no longer be able to receive TV programmes.

Digital TV can carry many more channels than analogue TV and increases the spectrum availability so that it can be used for other TV services, such as high definition TV (HDTV), mobile TV and wireless broadband.

So what is the alternative to analogue TV.....?

Freeview
Freeview is a free-to-view service and requires a digital decoder, a playback digital TV recorder or a Freeview ready TV. Launched in October 2002, the Freeview service provides free-to-view digital TV channels, radio stations and interactive services through an aerial.

What TV channels will I get?
BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4, Five, ITV2, BBC Three, BBC Four, ITV3, Sky Three, UKTV History, Channel 4+1, More 4, QVC, The Hits, Dave, Virgin 1, TMF, Ideal World, bid tv, Price-drop tv, ITV 4, E4, E4 +1, ITV2+1, Film 4, Five US, Five Life, Smile TV, Gems TV, Nuts TV, The Jewellery Channel, CBBC, CBeebies, CITV, BBC News 24, BBC Parliament, Sky News, Sky Sports News, Community Channel, Teachers' TV, Teletext on Freeview, Teletext Holidays, Teletext on 4, BBCi, Sky text, NHS Direct.

What radio stations will I get?
BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra BBC, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Five Live Sports Extra, BBC 6 Music, BBC 7, BBC Asian Network, BBC World Service, The Hits Radio, Smash Hits!, Kiss, Heat, Magic, Q, Smooth FM, Mojo, Kerrang!, talkSPORT, Clyde1, Premier Christian Radio, U105, Virgin Radio, Heart FM.

Is it worth buying a new aerial for Freeview?
Great TV deserves a good reception so you may need a new aerial if your existing one is old or damaged. In some cases your aerial will need to be upgraded to ensure that you can receive all the channels that are available. Should you need a new rooftop aerial, or simply want to repair or upgrade to something a little better than you will need to pay an aerial installer to visit your house to install it. Typically you will be charged around £30 for an initial site survey and then £80 for the installation itself.

The geographic location of your house, the age and condition of your TV aerial and the quality of the existing aerial installation will determine whether you may require a new roof top or loft aerial to receive Freeview.

Should I buy a new TV?
All existing TV's are compatible with the Freeview service by adding a set top box (decoder). These are typically connected via a SCART lead but if you have an older television then you must ensure that the set top box comes with an RF Modulator which allows you to use your aerial socket to connect to the TV.

I have an HD TV so is it compatible with Digital TV?
An HD-ready TV is not always an integrated digital TV. Those that are will carry the digital ‘tick’ logo - the certification mark that appears on digital TV products and services. If your HDTV doesn't have a built-in digital decoder then it is worth investing in a digital set-top box.

Will the licence fee pay for digital switchover?
Around 20% of the increase in the licence fee will be used to support the associated costs of the digital switchover. The switchover is happening region-by-region to minimise any potential interference from neighbouring signals.

What kind of digital TV is available in my area?
Our digital TV comparison service will help you get your best deal on equipment and services. We recommend you use the YourHomeBills.com digital TV calculator to get the best deal for you.