Digital TV Guides

Subscription digital TV

Updated: Wednesday 26 July, 2011

By kelvin.goodson@consumerchoices.co.uk

If you want variety from your Digital TV service, a pay-monthly subscription package is a great choice. You can choose from relatively cheap, basic packages to more expensive ones covering movies, sport and entertainment. There really is something for everyone.

You also have more to choose from nowadays; as well as the two major players, Sky (www.sky.com) and Virgin TV (www.virginmedia.com), you can now get add-ons with your BT Vision (www.btvision.bt.com) service or add-on subscriptions from Setanta Sports (www.setanta.com) and Top Up TV (www.topup.tv).

What is subscription digital TV?

Normal subscription packages from Sky, Top Up TV, Virgin TV and Setanta involve signing a contract with your provider and paying a set monthly rate for the digital TV package that you want.

With BT Vision; although you have to sign a 12 month contract for your broadband (which you must have to use the service) BT TV itself is a free service, with opt-in subscriptions on a month-by-month basis.

Why should I get subscription digital TV?

Subscription digital TV packages are getting cheaper and cheaper so if you and your family spend a lot of time watching TV and you think you’d like a wider selection than just the Freeview channels, then you should consider getting a subscription package.

You’ll get a free receiver, so won’t have to buy a Freeview box or integrated TV to watch digital TV. An engineer will also come out to install your receiver so you won’t have any technical problems to deal with, and you get a great choice of channels.

You could also save money by getting your broadband and home phone from your new digital TV provider.

Should I bundle my digital TV package? >>>.

What do I need for subscription digital TV?

You will need to sign up with a provider, who will supply all the hardware you need and will connect you.

Where you live could determine the provider you choose; you have to live in a cable TV area to get Virgin TV and be a BT Total Broadband customer to get BT TV.

Before choosing your provider you will need to think carefully about what you want from your Digital TVpackage. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sports fan or want channels for your children, we can recommend the best package to cater to your needs.

How much does subscription digital TV cost?

Costs depend on the package that you choose. BT TV is free and add-on packages cost from £4 a month. Setanta Sport costs from £10.99 a month. Sky costs £20 a month for the Sky Entertainment and £25 a month for the Sky Extra. The Virgin TV Size:M package costs £11 a month and includes a phone line too, which you have to take.

TalkTalk TV, formerly Tiscali TV, is no longer available to new customers. TalkTalk is instead focusing on the “next-generation” digital TV service YouView. The joint venture with broadcasters and telecom companies is to be launched in the coming months.

Which subscription digital TV provider is right for me?

Read more about each provider with our Provider Guide or use our Price Comparison Calculator to see what’s available in your area.