Digital TV Providers

Free-to-view digital TV

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

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With a free-to-view digital TV service you won’t have to commit to a contract or pay any monthly subscription - meaning it’s the cheapest option for going digital. (Updated 10/12/09)

You won’t be restricted to just the main digital terrestrial channels either just because you don’t want to pay a monthly subscription. Here’s our simple guide to free-to-view…

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What is free-to-view?

Free-to-view covers off any digital TV provider that you don’t have to pay a monthly subscription or sign a contract for, such as Freeview, Freesat, Freesat from Sky, “free” digital TV from Virgin Media or the Freeview service that is available via BT Vision.

Depending on the provider you choose, you can have anything from the 40+ digital terrestrial channels available from Freeview, up to the 100+ channels available from Freesat. However, channel variety will depend on whether or not you live in areas that can receive Freeview.

You may also have access to on-demand services such as movies and replays, or interactive services such as email, depending on your provider and the hardware.

Why should I get free-to-view?

Because everyone will have to switch to digital when their area’s analogue signal is turned off, you’ll have to pay out something and go digital if you want to carry on watching TV. Going for free-to-view is the cheapest option when it comes to the digital switchover.

When will my area switch to digital?

Free-to-view digital TV lets you carry on watching your favourite channels in sharper clarity, with access to an ever-growing selection of digital-only channels and radio stations, as well as high-definition channels.

What do I need for free-to-view?

Depending on the digital TV provider you choose, you will need to invest in some new receiving equipment to watch free-to-view. See the options below:

• Freeview - You will need to buy a set-top box, which start from as little as £20 and which you can easily install yourself. You can also receive Freeview direct to any digital integrated TV, but these are costly so only consider one if you’re already in need of a new TV.
• BT Vision - BT Vision offers BT Total Broadband customers the standard Freeview channels via their broadband connection, plus the option of adding on packages on a month-by-month basis, or movies and programmes on-demand. A BT engineer will fit your new V-Box.
• Virgin Media’s “free” digital TV - This bundle offers Virgin Media home phone users a free Virgin Media branded set-top box and access to the Freeview channels, plus some extras such as Virgin Central. An engineer will fit your Virgin Media hardware, installing your phone and digital TV at the same time.
• Freesat - This is similar to Freeview as it requires a Freesat set-top box, however as programmes are transmitted via satellite, you will also need to have a satellite dish installed. This can be done by a engineer for a fee.
• Freesat from Sky - The ultimate free-to-view experience with Sky comes with up to 200 channels and the option to upgrade to a subscription at any time without any more hardware having to be installed. An engineer will fit your Sky dish and set-top box for free.

How much does free-to-view cost?

Again, this depends on how you choose to watch your free digital TV. If you go for Freeview, then the only cost you’ll incur will be that of the set-top box you buy. These start at £20 for a standard box.

You have to be a BT Total Broadband customer to use BT Vision however, and pay for the cost of the V-Box.

To get Virgin Media’s “free” digital TV you need to take their home phone, which costs £11 a month.

If you want to get Freesat then you’ll have to make a one-off payment of around £80 for the set-top box, but may have to pay more for installation, connection and hardware. There is also the cost of the satellite, though this does vary.

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