Integrated digital TV - pros and cons

If you decide the time has come to buy a new TV, it’s worth looking at the growing range of integrated digital TVs (iDTV) – that is a TV with a digital terrestrial box built in. This will give you Freeview channels through your aerial - if your area has gone digital - and most still give you analogue services as well.

Nearly all iDTVs are widescreen and you can get flat panel LCD or plasma or traditional CRT models, although the choice choice of CRT models is now very small [see our jargon buster for all these terms]. Remember, with digital TV, all the major channels and new programmes are broadcast in widescreen format.

iDTVs cost from about £300 upwards. A top of the range model could cost thousands.

iDTVs receive terrestrial (Freeview) services. With a common interface slot or module you can also subscribe to additional services such as Setanta Sports. You can also connect an iDTV to set top boxes to receive satellite, cable or phone based services if you want these, just as you can with any TV.

To find out which services are available in your area, see our contacts list for who does postcode checks.

For what to look for in a digital TV recorder, see Features to look for. For all test results, go to iDTVs test reports.

FOR AND AGAINST

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