The following factors will affect the cost of your conversion to digital TV:
- How can I tell if my TV is digital?
- Do I need to replace my recording equipment?
- Will I need a new aerial?
How can I tell if my TV is digital?
You can tell if your TV is digital if you have more than 5 channels.
- If you want a new digital TV it will cost anywhere between £99 - £3,500.
- If you want to convert your existing TV you can get a digital box for a one-off cost from between £30 - £150 (e.g. with Freeview or Freesat from Sky).
- Alternatively, you can get a subscription service from £11.50 - £45 per month (e.g. Virgin Media or Sky).
- You will need to convert any TV set you want to continue watching after digital switchover.
Do I need to replace my recording equipment?
- After switchover video and DVD recorders will still playback and record. However, most won’t be able to record one channel while watching another. The best way to do this is with a digital TV recorder with one or more digital tuners (e.g. Sky+, V+ or BT Vision V-Box tm or Freeview Playback).
- Cost saving tip – If you are looking to replace your VCR or DVD recorder chose a digital TV recorder with 2 tuners. This converts your TV at the same time.
Will I need a new aerial?
If you get a good picture TV picture now, your aerial’s probably fine. Double check by carrying out the aerial test. If you have a set top aerial, replacing it with a rooftop aerial is likely to give you a better picture. Speak to your local retailer or installer if you encounter problems after your area has switched.
If you get digital TV from Sky on all your TV sets and choose to record using Sky+, you won’t need your aerial anymore.
Go to the aerial test page to check if your aerial needs replacing.
