With the digital switchover now in full swing, you should have already have made the move to digital television one way or another.
If you have not yet done so, or are looking to change your current system, the following article should help you make the choice.
To help you decide which system is best for you, we’ve put together the most common requirements people have when considering which package to go for:
- No monthly fees - If you do not want to pay an ongoing subscription charge, and don’t mind paying an initial amount to buy the equipment and possibly upgrade aerial and satellite dish, consider Freeview or Freesat
- As many channels as possible – If you don’t mind an ongoing monthly charge and want to reduce the costs of getting set up, new subscribers can benefit from free or reduced price equipment and installation with Sky
- High Definition channels – If you want to make the most of your HD Ready television, then consider Sky HD and Freesat HD
- Superquick Broadband and Television – If you live in a cable area and want super quick broadband and a wide choice of channels, then try Virgin Media
- Sports and Movies – If you want full access to Sky Sports and Sky Movies, you can choose between Virgin Media and Sky
Freeview
With boxes costing as little as £30, and with the digital signal coming in through your aerial, Freeview is the easiest and cheapest way to get digital television. Signal quality is quite important witjh freeview, and if you have a less than satisfactory signal strength you are likely to notice more in the way of drop outs and interference than you would have done with a standard analogue signal. You also cannot currently get any high definition television through Freeview so if this is important to you now, then Freesat HD and Sky HD are better options.
View Freeview Boxes »
Freesat and Freesat HD
At around double the price, a Freesat box is more expensive to buy than a Freeview box, and you will need a satellite dish in order to benefit. The upside though is that the signal quality is normally a little better, and if you have trouble receiving a decent signal through your aerial, a satellite dish could be the answer. If you want to receive the available high definition channels, then a Freesat HD is also an option, although with another increase in price.
View Freesat HD Boxes »
Sky and Sky HD
The main downside with Sky as opposed to Freeview and Freesat is the ongoing monthly cost. However, you do get far more programmes, and special interest groups are especially well catered for with a wealth of channels available. One of the main selling points with Sky though is that you can opt for Sky Movies to get the latest films beamed directly into your living room, and Sky Sports so you can enjoy the latest Premiership action every weekend. Sky also do very competitive and good value packages where you can get your phone and fast broadband bundled with your Sky television. The cost of starting up can be alot cheaper as well with low price (sometimes even free) installation and equipment, which includes the fabulous Sky+ box so you can pause or rewind live tv.
Visit Sky for more info »
Virgin Media
If you are in a cable area then Virgin Media is a good choice for your television viewing. There are a large amount of channels available including Sky Sports, but the best deals are available when you bundle your telephone and broadband with the television package, and with broadband speeds of up to 20Mb you can make the most of BBC iPlayer too.


Leave a comment, ask a question, or air your views!
4 Comments to “Freeview, Freesat, Sky or Virgin Media?”
Geoff Killgallon on October 10, 2010 said:
Can an existing Sky plus box be connected to a TV with built in Freesat HD and operated from the same satelite dish without modification to receive Sky and Freesat programmes?
thanks
Home Cinema Buyer on October 14, 2010 said:
Yes, it is basically just another source input to the television so shouldn’t be a problem.
SJ on December 27, 2010 said:
If I get a Virgin Media package for my main TV, can I use a Freeview box for the TV in my kitchen (as I don’t watch it that much and do not want to pay a higher subscription every month to include the 2nd TV)?
Home Cinema Buyer on December 29, 2010 said:
You sure can, SJ!