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This is by no means a definitive article and some options have been omitted for clarity. It is intended only as a guide for those who find all the technical speak, confusing.
At the moment the ordinary TV (analogue terrestrial) service offers to most areas, just five channels, BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel Five. The current terrestrial digital service already offers over 30 channels and this could increase when the analogue service finishes. The switch off of analogue transmissions will start in 2007
The analogue transmissions, each take up a lot of bandwidth (space) whereas digital transmissions take up far less bandwidth and they can squeeze in anything up to ten digital channels in the space occupied by one analogue channel. So you can understand why the changeover is being made.
You don't necessarily have to purchase a new TV, your current set can be converted by adding a 'digi box'. The over 75's will be supplied with one 'digi box' free.
There are several ways of receiving digital broadcasts and you will first have to decide which is best for you:
Terrestrial (Via your TV aerial) This is a mostly free service although there are some paid for channels you can have if you wish. Set top boxes start at around £25 and simply plug into your existing TV and aerial. This is definitely the simplest and cheapest option. Once you have bought your 'digi box' there is nothing more to pay and unless your aerial is very old, it is a very simple plug and play installation.
Satellite (Via a dish) This is a mostly paid for service offering hundreds of channels for which you have a monthly contract. Set top 'SKY' box and dish have to be installed at a cost of around £150 plus your monthly contract payments. This will also give you the much talked about, 'High Definition' channels.
There is a FREESAT service from SKY that currently involves a one off cost of around £150 for a sat box and dish installation with a viewing card that enables you to watch all the free to air satellite channels they transmit. This includes over 90 radio channels and well over 100 TV channels. You can upgrade to their paid for service at any time.
Cable (Via telephone line) This is an entirely paid for service offering hundreds of channels for which you have a monthly contract. You may get low cost telephone calls and broadband computer access included. Cable control box has to be installed and connections made to your equipment. Not available everywhere.
Your video recorder (VHS)
Obviously, the tuner in your video recorder will be useless once the switchover takes place. However, you can continue using it by installing another terrestrial set top box if you want to record a different channel to the one you are watching, or record directly from your TV if you want to record the same channel.
Ask for more information
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