Go Digital For Less!

If you still haven't switched over to digital TV, don't panic -- here's a quick guide to some of the cheapest ways to do so.

You may recall that, all the way back in 2005, there was an announcement from the Government that the UK's television broadcasting will be switching over to digital, between 2008 and 2012. However, while that's only a year away for the first regions to switch, a recent survey by Yougov has found that around 83% of us are completely unprepared.

So why are we switching?

Well, using digital technology instead of the currently used analogue transmissions is more efficient -- the same services can be delivered in less space, with more clarity. From the consumer's point of view, we'll be able to receive more channels, with better quality pictures plus digital radio.

So why haven't more of us switched?

Well, probably because it hasn't been made that clear what we need to do! For a start, there seems to be a huge misapprehension regarding what is required.

We don't need to all rush out to buy new TVs for a start -- while a digital TV could be a good purchase if we happen to need a new set, most televisions will be able to receive a digital signal by simply plugging in a digital set top box (older TVs without scart sockets will require different style adaptors -- find out more here.

So if you're looking into switching to digital TV, here is a quick guide to some of the ways you can do so:

Options

1. One-off charge - no monthly fees

Freeview

Well, the cheapest way to switch is to buy a Freeview digital set top box (digital TVs effectively have a Freeview box built in). You can pick them up at electrical shops on the high street, they cost anything from £30 upwards and give access to between 10 and 50 channels, including the BBC channels, E4 and Film4, depending on where you live. Once you've paid for the box, there are no more fees.

However it's worth noting that only 73% of the country can currently receive all of the Freeview channels. You can find out what the Freeview coverage is like in your region here.

Satellite

If the Freeview coverage in your area is poor, an alternative option is FreeSatFromSky. Although the one-off fee is more expensive (£150) it includes all the equipment (box, mini dish, viewing card etc) you'll need to receive free satellite digital TV.

Sky claims that 98% of households should be able to receive a signal from a Sky satellite. You'll also pick up more channels than Freeview -- around 120 in total -- but the line-up doesn't include many of the most popular services such as Sky One.

2. Free digital TV, including Phone Line (cable)

Around half of UK households have access to cable. But while cable companies do offer free digital TV, you'll usually have to pay for their phone line, too (and weekday call charges can be high). However, you will normally get access to a few extra channels, such as Sky One.

Virgin Media (previously NTL/Telewest) offers access to 40 free digital channels, with its phone line. It costs £11 a month, and includes free weekend local and national calls (although this doesn't include certain numbers, such as 0845). There's a £25 installation fee and the minimum contract is 12 months. And note: free calls will be charged at 3p/min if you talk for more than an hour -- so hang up and redial at this point. New customers ordering online can currently get £10 off.

3. 3 in 1 packages - TV, Phone and Broadband

As more and more of us are now choosing to have broadband (a fast, permanent internet connection) in our homes, a number of providers are now offering digital TV, phone line and broadband in so-called 3 in 1 packages, for a set monthly fee (you just pay for extra calls). This type of package often includes access to a few more channels.

These can work out to be a good value option, especially if you're already paying ca. £17.99/month for broadband -- however, you may find the broadband included in the package has download limits in place.

Homechoice

The Homechoice Basepack is the cheapest 3 in 1 option -- it costs £14.99/month and includes access to 35 free digital TV channels, 2MB broadband and you get free evening and weekend calls to landline numbers beginning 01 or 02. Installation costs £1 and you need to have an existing BT phone line. However, it is currently only available in London and Stevenage.

Virgin Media

Virgin offers a variety of 3 in 1 type deals, depending on how many services you would like, choosing between digital TV, phone, broadband and mobile. You can select two services for £20, 3 for £30 or 4 for £40.

For those wishing to have TV, broadband and phone, the 3 for £30 deal includes 65 TV channels (including Sky One and Living TV), up to 2MB broadband and phone line rental (including free weekend local and national calls). However it's worth noting that you need to pay by direct debit, as Virgin will slap an extra fiver onto your monthly fee if you don't.

Sky

Sky's Surf, Speak, See deal gives up to 8MB broadband (with a 40GB monthly usage allowance) 100 digital TV channels (including Sky One and Living TV) and free landline evening and weekend calls for £26 a month. However, you will need to have a BT landline, which will cost an additional £11/month in line rental (making the deal effectively £37/month) and you'll be charged a one-off £20 activation fee.

So the questions you need to ask are:

1. Coverage - which service is best in your area? If you can't pick up Freeview, what about cable/satellite?
2. How many channels do you want? If you're not fussy, stick to the basics -- or pick a service that includes just the channels you watch. More channels can often mean more dross!
3. Do you wish to include a phone line/broadband? Could you save with a 3 in 1 package?

As you can see, there are a number of ways to switch to digital. And while it is possible to switch for as little as £30 with a Freeview box, not everyone lives in a region that could receive all the channels (yet). A good option for those unable to use Freeview but still wishing to pay a one off fee is the FreeSatFromSky method. And if you already pay for broadband, check your monthly fee carefully -- you may just find that switching to a 3 in 1 package would save you money.

Existing customers

Existing cable and satellite subscribers shouldn't rest on their laurels, either. If you're not watching all of those extra channels (in particular, those expensive film and sport channels), switching to a more basic package could save you a few hundreds of pounds a year -- certainly enough to rent a film or two!

And even if you are happy, it is always worth giving your provider a ring, every now and again, to ask if it can offer you a more competitive deal.

And finally, if you are interested in switching to Sky, try to find an existing customer to recommend you -- you could both get £30 of Marks & Spencer vouchers, for free.

Good luck with the switch!

More: Digital TV consumer website