Terrestrial channels
You can get digital terrestrial TV (DTTV [Read an explaination of "DTTV" on the jargon buster]) and radio free through an aerial. You just pay for a set top box, digital TV recorder or integrated digital TV.
The digital terrestrial TV in the UK is called Freeview. Its full package is over 40 digital TV channels and 20+ digital radio stations. For Freeview see our list of digital providers.
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 iDTV with a card slot, or separate card adaptor.
Freeview, Top Up TV and BT vision are included in our Broadcaster & Providers contacts.
FOR AND AGAINST
For
- This can be a do-it-yourself option
- Low one-off costs
- Extra channels (compared to analogue) without subscription
- Depending on your set top box , you can get a full 7-day TV Guide (EPG) [Read an explaination of "EPG" on the jargon buster] – that means your TV screen will list a week’s worth of TV and radio programmes
Against
- Smaller choice of channels and programmes than other digital options
- You might need to buy a new aerial
- You need the right connecting cables
- Extra cost if you want installation done for you
- Not yet 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.
