Digital TV has been around in the UK for nearly a decade now, and it offers several distinct advantages over the old analogue broadcasting system that has been used through much of the 20th century.

Firstly the digital spectrum is capable of containing far more channels, with literally hundreds of digital TV channels available, so digital TV is able to cater to wider tastes and it's easier and cheaper for broadcasters to get their channels out into the public domain, which means there's a lot more competition in the marketplace so quality is necessarily higher.

Digital TV is also capable of providing interactive functionality for the viewer at home just using the remote control. Many programs and even some adverts give you the option of pushing the 'red button' on your controller which will give you access to information and services which compliment the particular program you are watching.

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For example, snooker or athletics coverage on the BBC, in which one match is usually being shown but there are several other events going on at the same time, pressing the red button will allow you to choose between alternate matches and events to watch.

Some programs even offer sing along options which can be turned on and off using the red button. This gives the view far more control over the content that they view. There are several different varieties of digital TV available, and everyone in the UK will have to familiarise themselves with at least one of them by 2012 when analogue broadcasts will no longer be available and everything will have switched to digital.

Freeview

This is the free to air terrestrial digital service that requires no monthly subscription and will be compatible with most existing aerials, so there's no need for additional installation for a majority of people. All you'll need is a Freeview set top box or a TV with a built in Freeview tuner, and it's as simple as plugging your aerial into the compatible box or TV and letting it search through and store channels.


Set top boxes start from as little as £15 and you'll also get an electronic program guide and a reminder system so that you don't miss your favourite shows. There are currently over 40 digital channels available on the Freeview service and loads of digital radio stations too, and everything from film, entertainment and sport is covered, and since there's no monthly contract it's great value too.

Freesat

Freesat is a free to air satellite TV service that like Freeview requires no monthly subscription and comes with a slightly expanded roster of channels. You will again need a set top box or a TV with a built in Freesat tuner, but you'll also need a satellite dish which you'll need to purchase additionally. Freesat is ideal for people who do not live in areas with Freeview reception.

Subscription Digital TV

If you want more channels and more choice then you can opt for either a satellite digital TV package from Sky or a cable digital TV package from Virgin Media. Both offer adjustable packages of channels, showing the latest movies and big shows, as well as pay per view sports with a monthly contract. Both operators offer you the ability to change your service mid way through a contract, and both also have video on demand services that allow you to commence watching shows aired in the past seven days whenever you like.