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

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

The cost of subscription packages are falling all the time so if you and your family spend a lot of time watching TV and you think you'd like a wider selection than the Freeview channels offer, then you should consider getting a subscription package. In doing so you'll get a free receiver, so won't have to buy a Freeview box, digital recorder 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 selection of programmes. You could also save money by getting your broadband and home phone from your new digital TV provider. With a monthly subscription, you can get digital TV via satellite, cable or broadband. You can also get extra pay-TV services via satellite, cable or an aerial.

Satellite - Sky

With Sky, you get more than 200 TV channels - some free, others on subscription - plus interactive features via the red button and radio stations, all transmitted via a satellite dish at your property.

You'll need a satellite dish, set-top box and viewing card - all installed for you. You'll pay a monthly subscription from around £15 for a minimum of 12 months, but the equipment and installation are usually free. There may be restrictions on satellite dishes where you live. Phone Sky or visit your local retailer for this Subscription TV service.

Cable - Virgin Media, Wightcable and Smallworld

You'll get from 45 to over 160 TV channels plus interactive features via the red button and radio stations, all transmitted via a cable connection. You must be in an area wired for cable connection.

You'll need a cable connection to your property, set-top box and viewing card - all installed for you for your subscription service. You'll pay a monthly subscription from £11 for a minimum of 12 months (18 months for WightCable); some subscription contracts require you to take a phone service. Subscriptions can be combined with phone, mobile and broadband internet services. Check cable coverage first. For more information contact the cable company that covers your area.

Compare the Latest Virgin TV Subscription Packages, Deals & Offers »

Broadband - BT Vision & Tiscali TV

You'll get all the digital terrestrial channels, plus an extensive library of on-demand content. BT Vision's set-top box can also store up to 80 hours of programmes and allows you to pause and rewind live TV.

You'll need broadband and a set-top box (BT Vision), which is installed by an engineer to your aerial and broadband; broadband and a PC (Tiscali TV). With BT vision the set-top box is free when you sign up to or re-contract with BT Total Broadband; otherwise, it costs £199.

You need the BT Home Hub, supplied without charge with BT Total Broadband options 2 and 3. Installation is £60; connection charge is £30. For Tiscali TV, broadband and TV subscription is £14.99 a month. All digital terrestrial channels are free to view. You can pay as you go for on-demand programmes or choose from subscription packages.

Compare the Latest Digital TV Subscription Packages, Deals & Offers »

Top Up TV Anytime

You'll get selected programming from 19 channels downloaded to a set-top box via your normal TV aerial, plus all the Freeview channels; ability to pause, rewind and record live TV. You'll need a Top Up TV Anytime set-top box and viewing card.

The set-top box costs from £75 for existing customers, £209.99 for box and start-up pack for new customers, and you'll pay a monthly subscription of £9.99. There is no minimum contract.

ESPN Sports

You'll get a package of nine channels via satellite or cable, or one channel via an aerial and set-top box. You'll need an existing satellite or cable service, or a set-top box (digital terrestrial or Top Up TV Anytime) with viewing card slot, and viewing card. You'll pay £15 per month for satellite or cable subscription package, or £10.99 via aerial and set-top box. There is no minimum contract.

Think carefully before choosing who you want to go with for your ideal subscription service so that you get a package to suit your needs, whether you're a TV movie buff, a sports fanatic or want kid's TV programming.