Common questions

• Packages
• Channels and programming
• Providers and equipment
• Digital TV coverage in the UK
• Choosing a digital TV provider
• Questions about getting connected to digital TV

How has uSwitch.com categorised the channel packages in the calculator?

There are thousands of possible digital TV package combinations. To help you choose between them, we have selected some of the choices from each provider.

General entertainment

A range of channel package options that include comedy, documentary, lifestyle and nature channels. These may include the following popular channels – E4, Sky One, MTV, Discovery channels, Granada, Nickelodeon, UK Gold and Eurosport. No Premium channels are included in these selections.

Sports

A range of general entertainment channels, combined with the Premium sports channels Sky Sports 1, 2 and 3.

Movies

A range of general entertainment channels combined with Premium movie channels such as Sky Premier and Sky Moviemax.

Sports & Movies

A range of general entertainment channels combined with both Premium sports and Premium movie channels e.g. Sky Sports 1, 2, 3, Sky Premier and Sky Moviemax.

If I opt for digital cable or satellite television will I still receive the five UK terrestrial TV channels (BBC 1 and 2, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5)?

Yes, you’ll be able to receive the five terrestrial channels via your chosen cable or satellite provider.

Which channels and providers show UK football?

Sky Sports channels show England home internationals, UEFA Cup, FA Cup, PPV Scottish Premier League and Premiership matches. SkySports.com TV shows highlights from UK football and SkySports Extra shows interactive coverage of Premiership, FA Cup and International matches. The BBC and ITV both show the World Cup and the BBC shows the FA cup final. Terrestrial channels including ITV show European football matches such as the Champions League.

Can I change my choice of TV channels after purchasing?

Yes. Once you're connected all subscription providers provide the flexibility to change your channel package on a monthly basis. You can call your provider’s customer services department to do this, but some cable companies will allow you to change your package using your TV remote control.

What equipment do I need?

Each provider will provide equipment to receive digital TV through any TV set manufactured in the last 10 years (you will need an aerial to receive digital terrestrial).

Digital satellite TV

Sky will provide you with a satellite mini-dish that is connected to a digibox and a remote control.

Digital terrestrial TV

You will need a digital set-top box or integrated digital TV that connects to your TV aerial and a remote control.

Digital cable TV

ntl and Telewest provide a cable telephone line, a digital set-top box and a remote control.

What is a set-top box?

A set-top box is the piece of equipment that is wired to your TV and video and converts the digital signal into pictures and sound. Although the size of the box can vary, it is generally smaller than a video recorder.

What is an integrated TV?

This is a television set with the digital set-top box technology built in. There are different models available depending on whether you want digital terrestrial or digital satellite free to view channels.

What is TiVo?

TiVo is an additional piece of recording equipment and subscription that allows you to pause live TV and automatically record your favourite programmes every time they are on without setting a timer.

Can you access the internet via digital TV?

Telewest and ntl services include access to a limited number of internet sites via your TV.

Do I still require a television licence if I get connected to digital TV?

Yes, you are still required by law to have a licence if you have a TV at your property.

Can I access digital TV from more than one room?

Yes, this is possible. You will have to request additional set-top boxes or the installation of a ‘TV link’ (in the case of satellite TV). There is a cost associated with these and sometimes an installation charge.

How do I find out which digital TV providers are available in my area?

Our postcode checker will find out which digital TV providers can serve your property. Sky Digital covers the whole of the UK but your ability to receive signals may be impaired if a building, tree or other object blocks the line of sight between the mini-dish and satellite. Digital terrestrial TV is available to 85% of the UK, and the cable companies (ntl and Telewest) cover 55% of UK homes.

Why is there never more than one digital cable provider in any area?

The UK is divided into cable franchises, each of which has only one cable operator licensed to construct a cable TV and telephone network. Therefore there will never be more than one cable provider that can serve an individual address.

What are the advantages of a bundled digital TV deal?

Choosing a combined TV and telephone package from ntl or Telewest means your telephone line rental is included in your monthly package cost. This removes the need for a separate BT phone line.

If I get a bundled deal, can I get additional phone extensions installed?

At the time of installation, both ntl and Telewest will be able to connect additional telephone points. There is a charge for this, though any existing telephone points can be reconnected free of charge.

Is it possible to get my digital TV installed at the weekend?

Most providers will install on a Saturday, but these appointments tend to be booked up very quickly and may mean that you will have to wait for longer to get connected.

What happens if I have a problem with my reception once it has been installed?

You should contact your provider, who will make the necessary arrangements to remedy the problem (this might involve sending an engineer to visit your property). Some free to air digital set-top boxes may need an aerial upgrade if they are located in a poor reception area.

Once I have connected to digital TV, how do I upgrade my TV channel package?

Once connected, you can upgrade your channel package by simply calling the customer service number of your chosen subscription provider. It is possible to change your package on a monthly basis. By calling your provider they will be able to tell you when you can change your package choice.

What happens if I move house during my 12 month minimum contract period?

If you get connected to ntl or Telewest and move within your 12 month contract period to a serviceable area, they will re-install your service for free. If your new property is outside a serviceable area they will terminate your contract with no penalty.

If you have a digital satellite system, Sky will move and re-install both your dish and set-top box at their standard installation cost whether you are within the minimum period or not.

Do I need to include the set-top box in my household contents insurance?

If your cable equipment is stolen, you will be responsible for the cost of replacing it. The digital satellite set-top box belongs to you, so it's up to you whether you want to replace it. However, you can only get one free minidish and digibox from Sky. Prices vary from provider to provider. As a matter of course, you should include any equipment in your household contents insurance.