What is digital TV

A. Digital TV is simply a better way of watching TV. the pictures are pin sharp, the sound is crystal clear and you can watch more channels.

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Q. Surely there's more to it than that

A. You can also get more of the programmes you really want to watch and you can also email through your TV and get pay-per-view and interactive services, including home shopping, via your remote control.

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Q. What about channels

A. Well if you've got digitial TV now, you'll know there is loads of choice. The five terrestrial channels exist along with channels such as BBC Choice, BBC Knowledge, BBC News 24 and ITV2. Primary channels include MTV, UK Gold, Sky One, Carlton Food Network, Discovery Kids, Eurosport and UK Style, to name but a few.

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Q. What's intergrated digital TV (idTV)

A. It's digital TV without a set-top box. It's basically a TV with digital technology already built in.

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Q How easily available is it

A. Very, there are now more than 24 idTVs from nine manufacturers on the market.

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Q. What else is coming up

A. Interactive services such as linking additional information into customised websites, instant messaging - being able to have onscreen chats with friends during a favourite TV programme - and ordering pizza over the TV, will be with us soon.

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Q. So what's the theory behind it all

A. It's about turning television into a whole new kind of entertainment device by adding PC-like features to the TV.

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To ask more film and TV-related questions, click here

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By Katharine MacColl