Is it worth buying a digital TV (UK)?

Question

I'm planning on buying a new TV. I know that the digital switchover is coming and I definitely want Freeview, so Digital seems like a good option, but Digital TVs are pretty expensive.
I am also thinking of getting Sky TV, so should I just buy a non-digital TV and get a Sky subscription?

Answer 1

This depends on where you live, 'digital tv' comes through your existing tv aerial, therefore if you live in an area with weak signal (look at channel 5, do you get a good picture?), then you might be best looking at an alternative solution. By 'alternative' i mean receiving your channels through a 'pay for tv' provider, like Sky or NTL (cable), they are not restricted by signal strength, as they send their signal via alternate routes. If you don't like the idea of paying each month for your programming, on top of your tv licence, there are still options. As mentioned, you can buy a freeview box, this will attach to any existing tv via the scart lead, so, if you have a tv already with two scart inputs (one for your video or dvd?) and you have a scart socket free, you can attach an external freeview box. These cost approx £25-£50 depending on what features you are looking for. If you go down this route, and then discover that your signal is too weak (this results in pixelated pictures and some channels not being found), you can buy a signal booster. This plugs into the mains, and you fit the cable from the tv (freeview box) in one side, and the lead from the actual aerial into the other side, and it amplifies the signal from the aerial and sends it to the tv/ freeview box. This helps, but still isn't perfect. you can also buy 'special digital ready' aerials, but i'd save your monty, they cost a lot more and don't offer as much of a benefit as the signal booster (about £15 for a signal booster). How much are you looking to spend is the question i guess, as that dictates what the best solution would be for you.

Answer 2

Blame in on the Jones, and the advertisers who try with a lot of success, to persude us to keep up with them. I have seen questions on here from people who had a freeview box, but then got a digital TV. There is the advantage of having another digital format, but it is not worth the cost of a new Television. When an old colour television stopped working , I put an old black and white portable in its place, it has digital on that, even without a scart socket.

Answer 3

That's what I did, I can now wait till the price of Digital TVs start to come down ( I mean the sky bit)

Answer 4

I would get a normal tv & buy a freeview set top box, as the prices start as little as £20

Answer 5

Gads.....I don't even live in Britain and you folks have the same problems as we do.....

Freeview or Skybox?
Digital or Cheap?

I don't know if you're on the same Timetable as the USA (HD in 2009) but....I'd just buy the HD TV WITH BUILT IN TUNING.....
If you're that close....

If you're 5 years away....then just get a cheap TV and a BOX.....

Answer 6

if you mean one of the intergratted televisions with the freeview box built in i would avoid them as i have had nothing but trouble with mine and the strength of reception is lower than getting a tv and set top box

Answer 7

I have one with a freeview included in it, its fab if i didnt have it i wouldn't have ever seen channel 5 as the reception in my area is terrible for 5. so i think they are great.

Answer 8

buy a freeview box, its only £30

Answer 9

Buy digital,and dont buy plasma this will not last.

Answer 10

no, you'll have to get digital sooner or later