It's going completely digital, bringing us all more choice, better services and quality
THE DIGITAL SWITCHOVER
Over the next few years, analogue TV signals will be switched off and replaced with digital signals. It will happen gradually, region by region, between 2008 and 2012.
As a result, every TV set and video recorder in your house will need to cope with digital signals. So, if you are thinking about buying a new TV or video recorder today, you need to think about your digital choices to future proof yourself for the switchover.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about the different Digital TV options available. We'll tell you about the different ways to receive and record Digital TV and even show you how to convert all the TVs in your house to digital.
More channels
As well as the five main channels Digital TV offers lots of new free channels as well as others you can pay for. Different digital options offer different channel choices.
Better picture quality
Digital pictures aren't affected by interference. If you can receive a digital signal, then picture quality will always be good.
True Widescreen
Many Digital TV programmes are broadcast in 'true' widescreen, which means the picture isn't stretched. The result of this is great looking television, especially when you're watching films.
Easier to find out what's on
Instead of searching the TV listings in newspapers or magazines, digital viewers use an electronic programme guide, which works with a remote control. It lets you choose what to watch and record, just by clicking on programmes from the guide displayed on your TV screen.
Interactive TV
Some programmes have an interactive element, often indicated by a red logo on the screen. For example, during Wimbledon fortnight, the BBC offers all digital viewers coverage from a choice of courts, so you can choose which match to watch.
Digital radio
You can listen to dozens of digital radio stations (also called DAB radio stations) through your TV.
Better sound quality
Digital broadcasting means purer sound, often of CD quality.
DIGITAL TV THROUGH AN AERIAL
Free service.
Equipment required:
A traditional analogue TV and digital set top box OR Digital TV (integrated
digital TV or IDTV)
DIGITAL TV THROUGH AN AERIAL
Subscription–based service.
Equipment required:
An analogue TV and Top Up TV compatible digital set top box with viewing card
OR a Digital TV with viewing card. Some Digital TVs will require a card access module
(CAM)
As it stands at the moment, you can record one analogue channel on a video or DVD whilst you watch a different one on your TV.
The reason you can do this is because you have two analogue tuners, one in your TV and one in your video recorder. This allows your TV to be tuned into one channel while your video can be tuned into another. But what will happen at the switchover?
People will rightly prepare beforehand by purchasing a digital set top box or TV with integrated digital tuner (IDTV). When the analogue signal stops you will happily be able to continue watching digital TV.
So what's the problem? Well, you would only have a single digital tuner. This would mean that you could only watch and record the same channel.
To avoid this scenario you will need two digital tuners. For example, if you own a digital set top box for your TV then you could purchase a DVD recorder with built–in digital tuner and then you could watch and record different channels.
Ideally look for a DVD recorder with a built–in digital tuner or connect one without to a separate digital set top box, Sky or IDTV.
The rise of personal video recorders (PVRs) such as Sky+ are acting to solve this recording problem by offering you the ability to watch and record different channels, all through one box. Simply watch one channel whilst recording another onto the built–in hard disk drive. You can do this with Sky+ and a number of PVRs because they have at least two built–in digital tuners.
COMET RECOMMENDS
Still unsure? Here are some of our recommendations to get you fully equipped to record after the switchover.
I OWN AN ANALOGUE TV & A VCR
Consider purchasing a digital set top box and DVD recorder with built–in digital tuner. Alternatively Sky+ may offer a simple one box solution.
View our range of digital set–top boxes 
I OWN A TV, DIGITAL SET TOP BOX & DVD RECORDER
The simplest solution would be to get another digital set top box that could be connected to your DVD recorder. Alternatively, if consider upgrading your TV to one which comes with an integrated digital tuner.
View our range of integrated digital Plasma & LCD TVs
I OWN A TV & SKY
Upgrade to Sky+ and watch one channel and record another, or record two channels and playback a pre–recorded programme. Move your existing Sky box to another room to view different channels in different rooms (additional subscription required).
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