Digital TV Guides

Digital switchover - How much will it cost you?

By becca.talbot@consumerchoices.co.uk

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Everyone will have to have switched to digital by the time the analogue signal is switched off in their area, but how much will this cost? Updated on 11/06/2009.

The basics

You shouldn’t have to change your aerial, but you will have to buy a set-top box in order to unscramble the signal in order to view the programmes. Set-top boxes start from around £20 and you'll get all the Freeview (www.freeview.co.uk) channels through it, though if you sign up with a provider like BT Vision (www.btvision.bt.com), Sky (www.sky.com), Tiscali TV (www.tiscali.co.uk) or Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com), you’ll be provided with hardware for one TV.

Do I need to connect each TV?

Yes, unfortunately you have to have a set-top box for each TV in your home. If you’re getting your set-top box from a subscription supplier, you can pay extra to have additional connections installed at the same time, in different rooms. Click here for a breakdown of the different types of set-top boxes and digital receivers available.

What if I can’t afford it?

The BBC and the government have put aside money from the TV Licence fund to help vulnerable and elderly people during the switchover to ensure that they don’t get left behind.

However the government has no plans to provide specific financial or technical support for those on low incomes who don’t qualify under the existing scheme.

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