How To Record Digital TV

The UK is going digital!

For years we've watched TV transmitted by an analogue signal - but all that is about to change. The 'Digital Switchover' is coming to the UK and this means that TV will be transmitted by digital signal.

This means that more channels can be broadcast - with more choice for you, the viewer.  All the current channels will still be available - BBC 1 & 2, ITV, Channel 4, Five - but a whole host of other Channels too.

Many of these new TV stations are free to watch - they are sometimes collectively called Freeview - some other channels you will have to pay for, just like Sky TV.

The good news is that the digital switchover will bring you more channels and should improve picture quality, but the bad news is is that you can't use your old video recorder to record TV in the same way.

It is possible to set up your old video recorder (or VCR) to tape digital TV, but its not that easy and - most importantly - you can only record the channel you are currently watching.  Not much use if two of your favourtite programmes are on at the same time.

To record digital TV you will need to buy a Hard Drive Recorder, PVR (Personal Video Recorder), Hard Disc Recorder or Digital DVD Recorder.

Don't despair - the above might sound complicated, but are really simple to set up and use.  Hard Drive Recorders, PVRs and Hard Disc Recorders are different names for the same thing - these machines have an internal disc that records the TV programmes, just like the hard drive in your home computer. These also have the great feature of allowing you to pause and rewind live TV and even the most basic model will store up to 80 hours of TV.

A digital DVD Recorder records the TV onto a DVD disc that you put into the recorder.

The best buys can be found online - and with many of the major retailers selling these machines, you can grab a bargain and buy with confidence.

The simplest and best option for most people is to buy a hard drive recorder, rather than a digital DVD recorder - they are easier to use, offer more features and will stand the test of time better. To cover all bases, some manufacturers offer machines that combine both hard disc drive and DVD recorders and you might want to consider one of these as an option.

Click on the link to find out more about Hard Drive Recorders - this site offers more impartial advice and has found some of the best offers on the major brands from the big online retailers.

Expect to pay about £125 for an entry level machine that will give you all you need to start recording digital TV and allow you to make the most of the UK's Digital Switchover.