3 - YOUR TELEVISION SET

* You don’t need to buy a new TV set
* You can convert your set to digital for £25
* If you do buy a new TV set get a digital one

You definitely do not need to buy a new TV set because of the analogue switch off.

Any TV set less than twenty-five years old needs nothing more than a simple digital TV receiver – a ‘set top box’ – which you can buy from electrical shops or supermarkets for about £25.

Set-top boxes are easy to connect up. They require plugging in to a mains power socket, and a second cable will connect between the box and the TV. If you can use a SCART lead you will get a better picture and your tv will probably 'retune' itself to the set-top box automatically as soon as it is switched on. 

OK, if your TV set is more than 25 years old (that’s very old for a TV set!) it might not have a SCART socket, so it may not work with all set top boxes, but you can get a box that would work with your old telly. Frankly, though, you should consider replacing that old set anyway. There’s a small chance that it could be a fire hazard, and after all it doesn’t owe you anything!

If you decide to buy a new TV set because the old one is worn out you should make sure that you get a digital one. It will have a DVB symbol. To make sure, you could ask the shop to demonstrate reception of a whole lot of digital channels, such as ITV2 and More 4. Be aware that a lot of non-digital sets are being sold off cheaply. If there’s no demonstration of digital reception, don’t buy.

Almost all new TV programmes these days are made in widescreen, and many are also in high definition. This may be another reason why you might like to buy a new TV, but you don't have to.

If you have impaired hearing ask the shop to demonstrate the subtitles for the hard of hearing. Are they easy to switch on?