How to Receive TV in the UK - Platforms Compared

Pros and Cons of the various TV Broadcast Options in Britain

Mar 14, 2009

Britain is digitising its broadcast TV network. This article compares several different ways of receiving broadcast TV to help viewers choose the right method.

In the past the choice was simple, there were two methods of receiving TV broadcasts in the UK - from an aerial or via a cable system. Digitisation of the broadcast network has widened the choice receiving options to

The first five options are free to use (apart from the TV licence fee) once the equipment has been purchased. the others involve some sort of access payment, which usually delivers more channels.

Analogue TV via an Aerial

The original TV service, now deprecated as it will be switched off by 2020 at the latest. Analogue requires a rooftop aerial and delivers the five basic TV channels.

Analogue is cheap and the equipment is in widespread circulation. It is tolerant of suboptimal installations - even with an indoor aerial analogue will usually deliver a snowy picture and sound, unlike the all-or nothing nature of digital broadcasts.

Freeview/Digital Terrestrial TV (DTTV)

The low-cost replacement for analogue TV, delivering more channels. In theory it can use the same aerial installation, but aerials which were acceptable for analogue can be marginal for DTTV, which is susceptible to electrical interference from light switches being operated and boiler thermostats.

Analogue TVs can be upgraded to Freeview with a Freeview set-top-box, available for as little as £20. Freeview can work well with a good aerial installation, but indoor aerials tend to struggle. If replacing the aerial, it is worth using an installer accredited with the Confederation of Aerial Installers (CAI). Setanta offer a pay-TV sports option on Freeview, which requires a compatible set-top box.

Freesat using a Satellite Dish

Using the same satellite position as Sky Digital, Freesat offers a slightly wider different range of channels to Freeview. Freesat is attractive for viewers who have left Sky Digital - simply remove the Sky card to see what Freesat offers. There is some High Definition content on Freesat, which needs a special HD receiver.

BBC Iplayer

This is software available from the BBC website which shows BBC content on a PC. This does hold several days' worth of past shows, so it can be used to catch up with missed programmes.

Sky Digital using a Satellite Dish

This is the premium service in the UK with several tiers at a range of prices. it is where the ardent sports fan or movie connoisseur can get ther fix. Sky Digital offers the widest choice, of several hundred channels.

Freesat From Sky using a Satellite Dish

This involves payment for a card and equipment install. Provided the viewer cancels the Sky subscription within the specified period the equipment is theirs and works in a similar way to Freesat.

Cable TV

In areas served by cable, this offers a mid-range pay service, usually cheaper than Sky Digital with a different channel selection. Equipment is loaned by the cable operator.

This is a summary of the selection of TV broadcast options in the UK - generally satellite and cable delivery are the most stable reception systems, but Freeview and Iplayer can work well for some viewers.

The copyright of the article How to Receive TV in the UK - Platforms Compared in TV is owned by Richard Mudhar. Permission to republish How to Receive TV in the UK - Platforms Compared in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.