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Questions about TV channels programming and packaging

How have uSwitch categorized the channel packages in the calculator?
There are thousands of possible Digital TV package combinations. To help you choose the best one for you we have selected some of the choices from each supplier.

If I have digital cable or Satellite television am I still able to receive the five UK terrestrial TV channels i.e. BBC, ITV Channel 4 and Channel 5?
You will be able to receive the five terrestrial channels via your chosen cable supplier.

What channels and suppliers show UK football?

Sky Sports channels show England home internationals, UEFA Cup, FA Cup, PPV Scottish Premier League and Premiership matches.

The ITV Sport channel shows exclusive action from the UEFA Champions League, Nationwide football League and Worthington Cup.

SkySports.com TV shows highlights from UK football and SkySports Extra shows interactive coverage of Premiership, FA Cup and International matches.

ITV Sport Select shows live pay per view matches from both the Premiership and Nationwide Football League

Can I change my choice of TV channels after purchasing?
Don’t worry – once connected all suppliers provide the flexibility to change your channel package on a monthly basis. This can be done either by calling customer services or through your digital TV remote control (depending on your provider).

Questions about Digital TV suppliers and equipment

What equipment do I need?
Each supplier will provide equipment to receive digital TV through any TV set manufactured in the last 10 years (although you will need an aerial to receive ITV Digital).

Digital Satellite TV – Sky will provide you with a satellite minidish that is connected to a digibox and a remote control.

Digital Terrestrial TV – ITV Digital provide a digital set-top box 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 DVD?
Digital Versatile Disc (or DVD),  is the next generation of optical disc storage technology – available today. It's essentially a CD that can hold cinema-like video.

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?
Access to a limited number of internet sites via your TV is available from ntl and Telewest. ITV Digital can also offer internet access ( this requires an additional ITV Active box at £5 per month).

What is ITV Active?
ITV Active is an additional box available to ITV Digital customers at £5 per month that will provide internet access via your TV and utilises your existing home telephone line.

What is Open?
If you have your satellite digibox connected to your home telephone line you will be able to use Open's shopping, games and email services.

What are Sky Box Office, Front Row and ITV Select?
These services are sometimes known as Pay-Per-View. Each digital supplier offers some Pay-Per-View services. It allows you to pay a one-off charge to view a movie or event that is being shown at a specific time. Prices start at around £3 per movie but higher for major sporting or music events.

Do I need a widescreen TV set?
Many digital programmes are broadcast in digital widescreen. A widescreen TV set is the only way that you get the full benefit of true widescreen broadcasts however you can still view the programmes on a standard TV.

If I get Digital TV do I still need a TV aerial?
All digital suppliers now transmit all five terrestrial channels digitally. If you live in an area with poor reception you may need to upgrade your aerial to receive ITV Digital.

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 record from Digital TV?
Yes, the best connection is via a SCART socket. However, there are some limitations. The digital set-top box must be on and the correct channel selected in order to record. You will not be able to record one digital programme whilst viewing another.
You will, however, be able to record an analogue signal from your aerial whilst viewing a digital one or vice versa. (Any form of recording is subject to the conditions of the Copywright Designs and Patents Act 1988) 

Can I access Digital TV from more than one room?
Yes, this is possible by requesting additional set-top boxes or in the case of satellite a "tv Link" to be installed. There is a cost associated with these and sometimes an installation charge.

Questions about Digital TV coverage in the UK

How do I find out the choice of Digital TV suppliers in my area?
Our postcode checker will find out which Digital TV supplier’s service 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 minidish and satellite. ITV Digital is available to 85%, and the cable companies (ntl and Telewest) 55% of UK homes.

Why is there never more than one digital cable supplier 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 supplier that could service an individual address.

Is Digital TV available in Northern Ireland?
Sky digital, ITV Digital and ntl are available in Northern Ireland.

Questions about choosing a Digital TV supplier

Which company offers the best package deal for the TV channels I want?
By following some simple steps through the site you will be presented with a results table of available suppliers and popular packages. The results table will let you compare packages in detail, as well as additional services. Where digital cable service is available you should consider the advantages of a combined TV and telephone package.
Ultimately your best deal depends on which supplier is available at your property and which offers the channels and services that are right for you.

What are the advantages of a combined Digital TV and telephone 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 telephone line. To choose a combined TV and telephone package you will need to click on the TV and Telephone Deals tab at the top of the results table. 

If I connect to a combined Digital TV and telephone deal can I get additional telephone 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 are connected free of charge.

How do cable telephone call charges compare to BT?
Cable supplier’s telephone charges generally offer better value than BT for both domestic and international calls as the table below indicates:

* BT non-discounted rate

** Offer free local cable-to-cable calls

Questions about getting connected to Digital TV

What are the different methods of paying?
All suppliers offer Direct Debit as the method of payment for your future monthly subscription charges and with ITV Digital you can also pay by Continuous Credit Card Authority. ntl and Telewest offer monthly invoice payments but include an administration charge. The results table allows you to alter the payment method to suit your requirements. 

What is the difference between Pre Pay and Subscription ITV Digital?
ITV Digital are the only Digital TV supplier who offers a pre pay service. An ITV Digital pre-paid package comes with a set-top box and 12 months subscription to all ITV Digital primary channels for a one-off charge of £194.

If I decide to get connected to any supplier what details do you require?
The online application form for your chosen supplier requires:

• Confirmation of your address

• Personal contact details e.g. name and telephone number

• Details of additional TV services e.g. additional set-top boxes / tv Link / ITV Active

• Telephone options – if connecting to a digital TV / Telephone deal

• Payment details – your credit/debit card details to pay for installation or one-off charges and bank account details if you wish to pay by Direct Debit

Will I pay uSwitch any money?
No – If you choose to get connected to Digital TV, uSwitch will not take any money from your bank account or charge you a fee for using the service. We will, however, need your credit card details to pass on to your chosen supplier and/or your bank details should you decide to pay for your monthly subscription by Direct Debit.
The uSwitch site displays the BT Trustwise logo that enables visitors to see our secure accreditation.

Is it possible to get my Digital TV installed at the weekend?
Most suppliers will install or deliver on a Saturday  - however these appointments tend to be booked up very fast and may mean that you will have to wait slightly longer to get connected.

How long will it take for my order to be processed and my system installed?
Once you have confirmed your order on the site: -

• Your details will be forwarded to your chosen supplier.

• If you have placed an order for ITV Digital, they will arrange delivery of the equipment on the date you have arranged.

• If you have placed an order for ntl, Sky and Telewest then they will contact you within 2 working days to arrange a convenient time with you to install the necessary equipment.

Once I have confirmed my order who do I contact if I have any questions?
Once you have confirmed your order it will be passed on to your chosen supplier, who will then be able to answer any queries. Contact details for your chosen supplier will be provided in a confirmation e-mail that we will send to you. In the interim period our uSwitch Customer Service team will be happy to assist you and can be contacted on 0845 601 2856 or help@uswitch.com

What happens if I have a problem with my reception once it has been installed?
You should contact your supplier, who will make the necessary arrangements to remedy the problem e.g. by sending an engineer to visit your property.

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 supplier who will be able to answer any queries.
It is possible to change your package on a monthly basis. By calling your supplier they will be able to advise you on what day you will be able to change your package choice. Sky can change at any time, provided if you downgrade you have had the package for a minimum of 1 month.

What happens if I move house during my 12 month minimum contract period?
If you get connected to ntl, Telewest or ITV Digital 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?
In the unfortunate event that any of your cable or ITV Digital equipment is stolen, you will become responsible for the cost of replacing it. The digital satellite set-top box belongs to you so it's up to you whether you replace it. However, you can only set one free minidish and digibox from Sky. Prices vary from supplier to supplier.
As a matter of course you should include any equipment in your household content insurance.