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The Advantages of Digital TVs and Set-Top Boxes

Digital televisions and set-top boxes have a number of advantages over non-digital television equipment. Here are some of the benefits of buying a digital television or set-top box.

Advantages of Digital TVs and Set-Top Boxes

Freeview Channels

Up to 30 channels are available on digital television or through set-top boxes free of charge with the Freeview service, including the five television channels on the present analogue service.

Reception Quality of Digital TVs and Set-Top Boxes

The quality of reception on digital televisions and set-top boxes is always the same as long as there is a suitable signal – you don't get the ‘snow' or fuzzy reception associated with analogue television.

“Pay-to-View” Services

You can get Sky channels and other ‘pay to view' services including top up TV on your digital television or through your digital set-top box.

Digital TVs use Your Current Aerial

Digital television is received through your existing aerial.

Access to Radio Stations with Digital TVs and Set-Top Boxes

Over 20 radio stations are available through digital television, including BBC stations and many popular commercial stations.

Sound and Picture Quality of Digital Television

Digital television brings better quality pictures and sound into your home.

Additional Services

Other services available through digital televisions and set-top boxes include multi-casting – where you can see more than one programme on the same channel – and a range of home shopping, gaming and entertainment services.

Keep Your Old TV to receive Digital TV

If your existing television can be connected to a set-top box, then you can get the same services as a digital television without having to buy one.

Digital TVs and Set-Top Boxes – The Future

In 2008 the UK Government plans to begin the process of switching the analogue signal off, and replacing it with digital transmissions. A digital television or set-top box guarantees access to the same channels on your existing television, as well as both Freeview and pay-to-view services.

The Disadvantages of Digital Televisions and Set-Top Boxes

Although digital televisions and set-top boxes have many positive features, there are a number of points to bear in mind when considering whether or not to choose one:

Multiple Set-Top Boxes

Although set-top boxes are ideal for enabling your existing television to receive digital broadcasts, you will need to buy more for any other televisions in your house that you want to receive digital broadcasts.

Digital TV Coverage

Digital broadcasts presently cover 75 percent of the UK. Before purchasing a digital television or set-top box ask your retailer, or visit www.digital.co.uk to see if there is digital coverage in your area.

Poor Digital TV Signals

While analogue televisions can still work on a poor reception, albeit with lower quality pictures and sound, with digital television it is usually all or nothing. If the signal is too low the digital television or set-top box will not be able to process the pictures and sound, resulting in ‘freezes.'

Further Information

To be able to access Digital TV and look forward to enjoying HDTV - High Definition TV see the Sky Digital HD TV Website.

You can learn more about the different models and brands of digital televisions and set-top boxes available in our Brands of Television section. You can also find out about some of the most popular models of digital set-top box on our Top Models of Set-Top Box page.

You can find out more about the types of accessory you can buy for your digital television or set-top box in our Accessories section.

If you want to buy a digital television or set-top box, go to our Where to Buy pages to find out about some great deals from online suppliers.

If you aren't sure whether or not a digital television or set-top box is the best option for you, visit our guide to How to Choose and Buy a Television for some hints and tips on what to look for or our Types of Television section for details of what's available.

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