There are four main types of digital television: satellite TV, cable TV, digital terrestrial and via broadband internet.
Satellite TV
The most popular method is satellite TV. Sky, the UK's largest digital television provider, uses satellite TV. The signal is beamed to your house via satellite. You will need a "minidish" to receive the signal and a "digibox" to decode the signal so that you can watch it on your TV. This equipment is available from Sky.
Cable TV
Digital cable television is available from NTL and Telewest. Telewest or NTL will install a fibre optic cable into your house. You will need a set-top box to decode the signal. This is available from Telewest and NTL.
Digital Terrestrial TV (Free to Air)
You can receive free to air digital channels through a set-top box or integrated digital television. A popular provider of free to air digital TV is Freeview. You can buy Freeview set-top boxes from sites like Comet.
Via Broadband Internet
Sending digital television via a broadband internet connection is the newest method of transmitting digital television. The most popular provider of digital television via broadband is Homechoice. You receive a set-top box which connects to your telephone line. The set-top box then connects to your television set and computer, allowing you to enjoy broadband and digital television. This is otherwise known as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).
