First, let’s debunk a few popular digital TV myths

The ‘digital aerial’ myth
The myth says that you need a special aerial for digital. There is no such thing as a digital aerial. All aerials receive digital and analogue signals. See the section on aerials for more information.

The Channel Five myth
Some people will tell you that if you can’t get Channel Five it means that you won’t be able to get digital TV unless you buy an expensive new aerial. This is complete nonsense. The transmitters that don’t have Channel Five will have digital TV when analogue closes down.

The 'digital signals are weak' myth
You may have the impression that digital TV signals require a new aerial because the signals are much weaker. This is true in some areas at the moment but the whole point of Digital Switchover is to allow the digital signals to be much stronger. After digital switchover more than 99% of the population will be within range of digital TV through an aerial.

The Sky myth
If you live in a really poor TV reception area you might have been misled into thinking that paying for Sky is the only solution. Not so! Read the section on Satellite Options.
 
The Sky+ myth
Some people would like you to think that the only way to record digital TV is by using a Sky+ box. Not true! There are lots of ways to record digital TV. See the Recording your Programmes section.  Of course, it is a fact that to use a Sky+ recorder you have to pay a subscription to Sky.

The cable TV myth
Word might have been put about in your area that the only way to get any TV reception when analogue is switched off is to subscribe to cable TV. This is also nonsense.

You do not need to replace your TV set