Digital television isn’t just a better picture on your telly. It’s not just a refinement to the existing broadcast system- a digital signal is completely different to the old analogue signals. It does mean that old equipment can’t receive digital television without a little help, but on the plus side, it means more channels, much better picture quality and sound, and a whole host of interactive features that may one day change television the way the internet changed computing- completely, and for the better! For those who like less complicated features, you’ll also be able to access digital radio through your television set.

The UK is in the progress of moving over to solely digital television. The old analogue signals are being switched off one by one, so wherever you are in the UK, you will eventually receive digital tv in your area. You may already have it on your existing television set through a set top box and a digital tv aerial on the roof. If you have more than five channels, you’re watching digital television. Press the red button on your remote to explore the interactive features.

However, not everyone in the UK can enjoy digital television with an aerial and set top box. Some areas aren’t up to scratch yet and it will be a slow process- a question of years, not months- before a digital tv aerial will bring the benefits of the new system to everyone in Britain.

All is not lost though. Almost every household can use digital satellite receivers to access all the features of digital television. If you’d like to know what the digital tv status of your area is, the BBC hosts a digital television postcode checker on their website or you can see the Digital UK website to find out whether you need a digital tv aerial or a satellite receiver.