Can I watch digital TV without cable or satellite?

So, while there are clear limitations, it may still be possible to have a Sky or Freesat dish installed if it points away from the street. You may want to contact your local authority for specific advice, as exceptions can sometimes be made where steps are taken to either conceal the dish or somehow help it blend in with the built environment.

What are my other options?

Freeview

I know you mentioned having poor reception, Josie, but Freeview could still be an option to consider. Firstly, you could purchase a signal booster - a device that amplifies or strengthens the signal you receive - which connects between your aerial and set-top box.

These can be ideal if you’re missing some channels due to a weak signal and are also quite useful if your aerial is connected to several TVs, as this can halve the signal received by each. It’s worth bearing in mind, though, that signal boosters are often of little use where tall buildings are the issue.

Before you spend money on a signal booster, it is probably worth speaking to a TV engineer or aerial installer with knowledge of any Freeview issues locally. They may be able to suggest other options that could work better for you.

And don’t forget, Josie, that your TV signal may improve significantly when the digital switchover comes to London in April 2012. The existing analogue signal will be switched off and replaced with a new, stronger digital TV signal that virtually everyone will be able to receive through an aerial.

Top Up TV

If you’re thinking of going down the Freeview route, you may also like to consider Top Up TV - it can be a great option for anyone living in a listed building. Top Up TV is a subscription service that allows Freeview customers to access programmes from selected pay-to-view channels, such as Sky1 and Sky Sports, without the need for a satellite dish.

The shows are updated overnight and stored in a Top Up TV+ digital video recorder, which you can purchase directly from Top Up TV or through retailers like Argos and Amazon. Boxes cost around £40 and subscription prices vary depending on which channels you want to receive.

Sky Go

Another option that doesn’t require a satellite dish is Sky Go, which provides up to 32 live channels - including all five Sky Sports, four Sky Movies and Sky Atlantic - plus hundreds of shows and movies on demand. You can buy Monthly Tickets, which give you full access via a PC, Mac, laptop or Xbox 360 with no need for a contract or satellite dish.

You will, however, need a fast and reliable broadband connection to watch Sky Go. If your broadband package has a download allowance, it’s best to check how much you can watch before signing up, or you could risk exceeding your limit and being charged for the extra data. Even if you have an unlimited broadband deal, you should still take care as a fair usage policy may apply.

TV, broadband and phone packages

Company	Package Name	Channels	Broadband	Home Phone
	Sky Entertainment TV + HD + Sky Broadband Unlimited + Talk Freetime	Get channels like Sky 1, Sky Living, Sky Atlantic and more
	TV Essential + More Broadband and Calls	70 Freeview channels
	TV: L + Broadband: 30Mb + Phone: M	100 channels including Virgin 1, Sky1, Comedy Central, Bravo and many more

Internet TV

As well as Sky Go, there are lots of other internet TV services - many of which are available to use free of charge - that allow you to view a wide range of programmes and watch films online. BBC iPlayer and 4oD are just two of the most popular sites. The iPlayer now shows BBC content in real-time, but remember you needs a TV licence to watch it this way.

Again you’ll need a fast and reliable connection, as well as a generous download allowance or unlimited broadband package. For more information and to compare broadband deals, visit BroadbandChoices.co.uk.

Ask us a question

If you have a general switching or provider query please email us at ourexpert@digitalchoices.co.uk