Terrestrial channels
You can get digital TV and radio free through an aerial. You just pay for a set top box, digital TV recorder or digital TV.
The digital TV service you get through an aerial in the UK is called Freeview. Its full package is over 40 digital TV channels and 20+ digital radio stations.
You can also subscribe to additional sports and entertainment terrestrial channels through Top Up TV and BT Vision, but you will need the right equipment - a BT Vision recorder or for Top up TV a digital box or digital TV with a card slot, or separate card adaptor.
For contact details and websites see our list of digital providers.
For and against
For
- This can be a do-it-yourself option
- Low one-off costs
- Extra channels (compared to analogue) without subscription
- High Definition channels available with the right equipment, depending on your area
Against
- Smaller choice of channels and programmes than other digital options
- You might need to buy a new aerial
- You will need to retune your equipment at switchover and from time to time to pick up any new channels
- Extra cost if you want installation done for you
- Not available everywhere
Interested in digital radio?
Digital radio can sound clearer and offers a lot more radio stations than analogue. You can listen to DAB [Read an explaination of "DAB" on the jargon buster] services on portable and other radios and through your TV when you go digital. The digital TV recorder option is good for recording radio programmes.
Digital radio can sound clearer and offers a lot more radio stations than analogue. You can listen to DAB [Read an explaination of "DAB" on the jargon buster] services on portable and other radios and through your TV when you go digital. The digital TV recorder option is good for recording radio programmes.