Through an aerial

This can be the cheapest way to get digital TV. Assuming you live in an area where it’s an option, all you need to do is buy is a set top box [Read an explaination of "set top box" on the jargon buster] (from £25) to plug into an existing TV, and maybe pay for a new aerial. You will then receive free terrestrial digital TV, provided by Freeview. Also avalable is the subscription BT Vision service. This includes digital TV channels through your aerial, with 'view on demand' channels via a broadband connection on your BT telephone line. For Freeview and BT see our list of digital providers.

You might be able to use your existing rooftop or loft aerial – or even your indoor one. If you have an analogue TV that works well, and you get a good picture, you may well get good digital TV reception from the same aerial.

If you are a tenant, your landlord should take responsibility for upgrading an existing rooftop aerial so you can get digital reception.

For rooftop and loft aerials, a local aerial installer should be able to advise but make sure you go for a licensed one. The RDI-LB (Registered Digital Installers Licensing Body) is the UK's official body for registering licensed digital aerial and TV systems installers. Use their website to find a local licensed installer www.rdi-lb.tv.To be registered installers must be professionally trained, fully insured and have a clear criminal record. Look out for the following registration cards

Otherwise try the CAI (Confederation of Aerial Industries).

For indoor aerials, see Indoor aerials for how models have performed in our tests.