Digital, Satellite and Cable
So you've got your TV. But how do you get your programmes? Here's a brief lowdown to the different systems on offer.
Terrestrial TV
This is the original form of TV broadcasting - TV signals sent through the air and picked up by an aerial. It was given the name 'terrestrial' when satellite (and cable) came along, to differentiate it - but it is not really 'terrestrial' (or earth-bound) at all. It is also called 'analogue' television, in contrast to digital TV. The EU has agreed to terminate all analogue transmissions by 2012, so thereafter you will have to have satellite, cable or digital TV.
Digital TV
The relatively recent introduction of digital TV has provided not only better images and sound, but also a far more efficient way of delivering services - i.e. more channels. Satellite and cable providers use digital TV, but you don't need to be signed up to them to get it. Freeview set-top boxes permit you to get access to more than 30 TV channels (and numerous radio stations) for the single one-off payment of the cost of the box. Most relatively modern TVs can be hooked up to a Freeview box, especially if they have a Scart connector socket. Some TVs are now sold with a digital receiver already installed: they are known as IDTVs (Integrated Digital TVs) - but you don't need one if you have satellite or cable TV. Digital TV is expected to become the norm in Britain, to the extent that broadcasting in the traditional analogue signals is destined to cease, region by region, between 2008 and 2012. Some hard-disk 'personal video recorders' (PVRs) come with a built-in Freeview receiver; these obviate the need for a separate video recorder, and permit you to pause while viewing a live programme, and so on. PVRs with twin tuners allow you to watch one channel while recording another, or to record two channels simultaneously.
Satellite and cable
Satellite TV and cable TV offer a hugely increased number of channels in return for monthly payment. Satellite TV requires the installation of a 'mini-dish' (not so small in fact: about the size of a dustbin lid) on the outside of your house. You can only get cable TV if there is a cable network running through your street. The various packages offered by the service providers carry a range of options (including telephone services, broadband computer links and so on), which you have to sort through. Some also offer advanced hard-disk PVR recording and viewing facilities (such as Sky+).
