Do you need to convert all the TVs in your house?
Do you need to convert all the TVs in your house? Find Out More
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 tuner 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. There are also now (late 2008) iDTVs with a built in satellite tuner. These bring you freesat from BBC and ITV digital TV via a satellite signal and must be connected to a satellite dish.
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 £200 upwards. A top of the range model
could cost thousands.
On iDTVs with a common interface slot or module, you can also subscribe
to additional services such as Top up TV. 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 Digital UK contact details.
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
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
- Most provide a full 7-day TV Guide (EPG) [Read an explaination of "Electronic Programme Guide" on the jargon buster] that means your TV screen will list a week’s worth of TV and radio programmes
Against
- Expensive way of going digital – but you do get a new TV
- Digital terrestrial TV gives you less choice of channels and programmes than other ways of going digital
- Might need to buy a new aerial
- Some are easier to use than others – you need to choose carefully if this is important to you
- Digital terrestrial TV not available everywhere
- Very few models include a digital TV recorder for easy recording of digital channels
