Standard/LCD TVs

[Tefler]

We live in an area where we cannot receive digital TV signals, but are in need of a new TV. I'm very confused about TVs at the moment. What kind can we use? For example, is it possible to buy a television which will pick up analogue signals now, but also be able to pick up digital if ever the south of England is included in the system?

Are LCD Televisions only for people with digital signals? As you can see, I know very little about it and am finding information difficult to come by.

[Potatoman]

You can certainly buy TV's with the digital service (BBC3 etc) decoder built in, but you may or may not be able to pick up the signal. Obvioulsy, you can still get the 'standard' channels (BBC1 2, ITV and C4) through the ariel. Having said that, I also live in an area not officially supported but digital. I contaced my local ariel specialist and they upgraded my ariel, and i got digital fine, but its pot luck if it works for you. The benefit is is that when your area is covered, youll be able to get the channels without having to buy more equipment. If i was now in your situation, i would have Sky installed. Sure, you might have to buy the box from them, but thats only if youdont subscribe to them. If you do, its free. If you dont subscribe to sky, you get all the standard digital channels for free through the dish any way. And you wont have to worry about quality of signal. In summary, just buy any TV, but get a SKy box as well to be on the safe side. It might be worth talking to you ariel specialist as well. LCD TV's will defnatly work if you dont have digital, in exactly the same way a normal one would. Post back if you need anymore help.

[bymis]

Yes you need a Dual Tuner Television these have both analouge and digital tuners.

but you will need a new ariel (sorry i can't spell that)

i would suggest a LCD with dual tune and High Def Ready so that in the near future when they cut off analouge you'll have the tuner for digital and then you've got the High Def as this will be the standard in the next year or so.

Hope this Helps.
Marty

[Tefler]

Thanks, Potatoman and Bymis, that certainly is helpful, giving me a fair idea of what to look for.