LED, LCD and plasma TV: Free TV and pay TV services TV channels and TV packages
The table below shows package details for each digital TV service provider. Costs and number of channels are based on the cheapest package available:
| Digital TV packages | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital TV provider | Start up cost | Monthly cost | Number of channels | Maximum number of channels | Premium Sports | Premium Movies | HD channels available |
| Freeview | £20a | None | 50+ | 50 | No | No | 5 |
| Freesat | £110c | None | 120+ | 80 | No | No | 5 |
| Freesat from Sky | £175 | None | 240 | 240 | No | No | No |
| Top Up TV | £60d | Nonee | 40 | 40f | ESPN | Picture Box | No |
| BT Vision | £60 | £27.00g | 50 | 50h | ESPN | Picture Box | No |
| Sky Digital | £30 | £32.25 | 240 | 355 | Sky Sports, ESPN | Sky Movies | 50+ |
| Virgin Media | Free | £20.40i | 65 | 160 | Sky Sports, ESPN | Sky Movies, Picture Box | 20+ |
Table notes
Start up costs include current cheapest equipment and installation options for new customers
Monthly costs may be higher if taking extra channels, premium channels or HD services
Number of channels excludes radio stations
- Based on equipment cost for a basic Freeview set-top box. Exact price will vary by model.
- Freeview HD services available to 50% of the UK from June 2010 and in line with digital switchover dates for the rest of the country. Separate Freeview HD equipment is required.
- Price based on £30 Freesat set top box and £80 for cost of satellite dish installation.
- Price includes Top Up TV PVR at £40 and set up at £20.
- Monthly costs apply if you take additional viewing packs.
- Access to over 700 pre-recorded shows with the TV Favourites viewing pack.
- Cost includes broadband on a 24 month contract, line rental and unlimited weekend calls.
- Access to over 7,200 shows with on demand service.
- Cost for M+ package includes line rental at £13.90
TV channels
Digital TV gives you many more channels than analogue TV. All digital TV providers show the whole range of BBC, ITV and Channel 4 channels (including Film 4) as standard on their basic packages. If there are particular channels you want, check the TV provider's website for full channel listings.
BT, Sky, Virgin Media and Top Up TV offer extra channels and packages you can add to their basic channels. For example, Sky groups its packs by type and you can add children's or music packs, or Virgin has different levels of package going from M to XL.
For more on Freeview and Freesat services, see the Which? guide to Freeview and Freesat digital TV. If you're interested in Top Up TV Anytime, BT Vision, Sky or Virgin Media’s services, see the Which? guide to cable TV, satellite TV and digital TV packages for advice on which would be best for you.
