2. Digital television

Analogue television channels were with us for decades, first as a black and white low resolution 405 line service, then later as a full colour higher quality 625 line service. But for the past few years, television companies have switched over to a fully digital system.

They did this because :

The UK government decided that it was time to retire the old analogue transmissions and this was completed in 2012. This was called the 'UK digital switchover'.

People can choose to buy a set-top box to view the free 'Freeview' digital service or they can buy a new television with a built-in Freeview receiver.

An alternative is to use a commercial cable or satellite digital service for their paid-for channels.

In addition to terrestial and satellite channels, there are now television channels available over the internet.