Digital TV Equipment

Digital TV can be viewed using a variety of different methods. Aside from set top boxes there are other ways to view digital and freeview programmes. With the digital switchover approaching now is as good a time as ever to upgrade your analogue set.

If you would like to find out more about the range of equipment available for viewing digital TV the following is an overview of what’s on offer to suit your needs.

Set Top Boxes

Set top boxes are the most widely used device for receiving digital and freeview television in Britain. Set top boxes provide a cheap way to convert from analogue to digital viewing.

Set top boxes are easy to install and come equipped with all you need to start viewing digital programming through TV. All you need to do is connect the digibox to the scart and aerial sockets of your TV. Then follow the installation steps and perform an automatic scan for channels available in your area.

Set top boxes allow viewers access to freeview programming. Freeview offers over forty channels of television and digital radio. Interactive features such as games, extra information and alternate views for sporting events can be accessed using the red button. Top up cards are also available to order additional channels on a monthly tariff and pay per view programmes.

iDTV

iDTV is an abbreviation for integrated digital TV. If you are thinking of updating your television for the digital switchover iDTV is well recommended.

iDTV combines the best of both worlds. iDTV sets are TVs with integrated digiboxes meaning there is no hassle installing or setting up new equipment to start digital viewing.

iDTVs are manufactured by different companies with additional extras to suit your price range. Some iDTVs incorporate LCD or plasma screens which facilitate HD viewing.

TV Cards for PCs

If you don’t have a TV and are interested in digital viewing you can use your PC to access freeview services. TV cards are available from around £30 and are manufactured by a number of companies.

If you are used to installing and removing hardware from your computer you shouldn’t find TV cards difficult to set up. TV cards usually slot into the mother board of your computer and come with installation software with all the relevant drivers. You can also get USB devices to view digital programmes which are simple to use and install. Whichever type you choose you will be supplied with all the instructions to start viewing.

As well as being a cost effective solution, TV cards can offer other benefits depending on the limitations of your computer. The first benefit is the ability to save programs. Sky+ offers this service using a special digibox with a built in hard drive. Using your TV card you can store programs on your computers hard drive and easily navigate them through folder views. Also if you install a TV card into a laptop you may be able to watch digital programs whilst on the move in wi-fi zones and watch playback of saved programs.