Digital TVs - pros and cons
If you decide the time has come to buy a new TV, it’s worth looking at the growing range of digital TVs – that is a TV with a digital tuner box built in. A digital TV will give you Freeview channels through your aerial and most still give you analogue services as well, if your area hasn't yet swiched to a digital only signal. There are also now digital TVs with a built in satellite tuner. These bring you freesat from BBC and ITV via a satellite signal and must be connected to a satellite dish.
All digital TVs are widescreen now and you can get flat panel LCD or plasma screens. All new digital TVs sold are also now 'HD Ready' - meaning they are capable of showing high definition broadcasts when connected to an HD set top box or digital TV recorder. There also TVs now available that have in built HD tuners (whether freesat or Freeview) and deliver HD programmes. See see jargon buster for more information on these terms and Digital TVs.
Digital Tvs cost from about £135 upwards.
On digital TVs with a common interface slot or module, you can also subscribe
to additional services such as Top up TV. You can also connect
an digital TV 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, use the postcode checker on Digital UK's website.
For what to look for in a digital TV recorder, see Features to look for. For all test results, go to digital TVs test reports.
For and against
For
- This can be a do-it-yourself option
- No need for a separate set top box, nor an extra remote control – less clutter
- But you can choose to upgrade later with a digital TV recorder or satellite or cable
- Good choice of larger models
- Once bought, no more to pay
- Opportunity to get a flat panel widescreen TV
- Provide a full 7-day on screen TV Guide (EPG) [Read an explaination of "Electronic Programme Guide" on the jargon buster] th
Against
- More expensive way of going digital – but you do get a new TV
- Might need to buy a new aerial
- Some are easier to use than others – choose carefully if this is important to you
- Digital terrestrial TV not available everywhere
- Will also need a digital TV recorder for easy recording of digital channels