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Which digital TV service is right for me?

BY READERS DIGEST

1st Jan 2015 Technology

Which digital TV service is right for me?
Unless you've turned off completely, you may have noticed the way we watch television has changed a lot since the big digital switchover. We're now able to rewind, pause and record, live TV as well as watch whatever we want, when we want. How do you know what service is right for you?

What should I be looking for in a digital TV deal?

It’s possible to find a cheap digital TV deal that suits your needs, without breaking the bank. The trick is to find the right deal for you, and ensure that you’re getting good value for money.
Take a look at our recommendations below or call our independent digital TV experts for advice on 0800 9776605.

If you want a free digital TV service 

Go for Freeview or Freesat

If you want access to over 50 popular TV channels, including E4 and Sky News, plus 20 radio channels, Freeview is the cheapest and simplest way to get digital TV. You use a digital set-top box or digital-ready TV set to receive the signal and that’s it—there are no contracts to sign or monthly bills to pay.
Check whether your TV comes with an integrated digital TV tuner, otherwise, you can purchase a box very cheaply.
Freesat provides access to over 140 TV and radio channels including More4, CNN and Bloomberg Television, although Sky Sports and Movies are not included so you won’t get premium TV services with this deal.

If you want an all-inclusive digital TV service

Go for Sky

Sky is a subscription-based digital TV service that offers you a flexible range of packages to choose from, so there’s something for everyone whether you’re into music, news, documentaries or entertainment channels.
You can enjoy a wide range of HD channels too, for a clearer, sharper picture and better sound. The Sky Family Bundle comes with 65+ entertainment channels, 1,900+ episodes of kids’ shows, and Sky Box Sets.
There are three types of Sky bundles:
  • The Original Bundle: Over 30 entertainment channels including Sky Atlantic and Sky 1. Catch up TV, Sky + (pause and rewind live TV), and Sky GO—the ability to watch live TV from a laptop, mobile or tablet. 
  • The Variety Bundle: Over 65 entertainment channels including Sky Atlantic and Sky Living, and over 1,900 on-demand Kids TV episodes
  • The Family Bundle: Over 65 entertainment channels, Sky Box Sets (with over 300 Sky Box Sets to choose from), Sky 3D – eye popping shows and documentaries bursting into your living room, and over 50 entertainment channels in HD!
There’s also the option to add Sky Movies and Sky Sports to any of these bundles if you’re looking for additional movies, sports or both!

If you want a flexible digital TV service

Go for Virgin Media

Virgin Media’s TiVO box gives you access to on-demand digital TV services and interactive applications.
You can record up to three live TV shows simultaneously, while watching a fourth. There are thousands to choose from, including ITV, Sky 1, and the Discovery Channel. There’s a comprehensive catalogue of shows to choose from, and you can select shows by title, genre or actor.  
Virgin Media cable is not available everywhere—you can check whether it’s in your local area by calling us.

We can help you switch!

Current Reader’s Digest Switching service offer:

Sky are offering £150 voucher when new customers take out the Family Bundle with Sky Movies or Sky Sports!

Family Bundle + Sky Movies

You can enjoy 1000+ movies on demand, over 300 Sky Box Sets and 1,900+ episodes of kid’s shows!

Family Bundle + Sky Sports

Ereadnjoy 7 Sky Sports channels, live matches and highlights on demand, and live coverage of the Test Series, every Formula 1 race, and many more of the biggest events in sport!
Call 0800 9776605, today.
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