There’s a fair bit of information on this site about different aspects of digital TV, and other topics too. So, to help you find some of the most useful bits, here are some of the most important things that you should read.
Want to watch TV in HD?
These days most pepole have a TV set that’s fine for HD – it’s pretty hard to find one that isn’t. But if you have something old, it’s worth checking if you’re ready for HD.
For those with an HD set, you need to learn how to set it up properly. And since sound is just as important, you may want to read my introduction to surround sound.
You have a choice of satellite or terrestrial (cable too, if it comes past your door, but I’m not covering that much here). If you don’t want to pay a subscription, that means Freeview or Freesat.
You might be thinking about buying a brand new 4K or “Ultra High Definition” TV set. My advice is that you shouldn’t, at least not yet. You may also want to think about whether or not the ‘smart’ stuff in a TV is worth it.
Freeview: HD through your aerial
If it’s Freeview you want to know about, then take a look at my Q&A on Freeview HD. And if someone’s telling you that you need a special aerial for HD services, take a look here to learn why they’re being economical with the truth. There will be some eventual changes to Freeview HD over the coming years, as frequencies are shuffled around. You can read what that means for people with older equipment here.
Freesat: HD via a satellite dish
In some areas, satellite is your best bet for HD pictures. If you already have a dish, and want to add a Freesat receiver, you need to learn how satellite cabling works first. For an overview of what Freesat is, and why it’s important, turn to this article, and for the details of surround on Freesat, look here. If you’re good at DIY, you can even install your own dish.
What can I watch?
There are slightly different channels available on Freeview and Freesat, and it’s not always possible to make all the channels appear on all the different services. Find out why.
Many HD boxes allow you to access material over your home network, either from other computers in the home, or from internet TV services (like iPlayer or YouTube). Here’s how to connect your HD box to your network.
Stuff that’s not about TV
There’s a fair bit of information on this site about topics besides digital TV, some of which you may find useful. Here’s what I think is the best:
Do you know your consumer rights?
Despatches from the war on sex
TV licence – the worst option except all the others?
You’re next – Ashley Madison, outing and little lists