Is The digital tv worth it?

Anonymous_User · 10-09-2006, 12:35

Hi I'm currently on NTL analogue, but I am wanting to upgrade to digital yet I have a bt phoneline, would I be able to upgrade without changing to an NTL line, and what do you think of the Digital Tv service in general?

**Hugh** · 10-09-2006, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anonymous_User

Hi I'm currently on NTL analogue, but I am wanting to upgrade to digital yet I have a bt phoneline, would I be able to upgrade without changing to an NTL line, and what do you think of the Digital Tv service in general?

I like the Digital service - better picture (imho), more options (VOD if available in your area). And you will have to do it in the next couple of years anyway, as analog is switched off.

Can I ask why you don't want to change from BT to NTL? That's one of the advantages of NTL, as you get your line "free" - you should be able to transfer the number over.

Shaun · 10-09-2006, 13:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

Can I ask why you don't want to change from BT to NTL?.

Maybe they don't want to be ripped off by Ntl over call charges!

Personally I found the DTV awful - never worked properly even with a Samsung Digibox, was so glad we moved to Sky.

You can get a two pack mix from Sky for ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£15 a month (ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£7.50 first three months) with free installation so if you're considering changing a good look around may be in order before you take the plunge.

If you do go with Ntl then take a look at the new phone call costs (3ppm at all times to landlines)

Jules · 10-09-2006, 13:31

I think the TV is worth it

10-09-2006, 18:13

Go with sky, you will be no doubt regreat it if you choose NTL!

Okonski · 10-09-2006, 18:21

No - especially as your eyes view everything in analogue. I prefer to watch an analogue signal wherever possible due to the lack of digital artefacts caused by bandwidth compression on the multiplexes. The hype is because it allows the broadcasters to get (several) quarts into a pint pot - something they couldn't do otherwise. If you can live without the additional channels, and the price is right - stick with it!

---------- Post added at 19:21 ---------- Previous post was at 19:20 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by acoolwelshbloke

Go with sky, you will be no doubt regreat it if you choose NTL!

Don't know how you can say that. Customer service from both companies is hardly wonderful - and Sky charge you a National rate call to speak with customer services, NTL is free now!

Shaun · 10-09-2006, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okonski

Don't know how you can say that. Customer service from both companies is hardly wonderful - and Sky charge you a National rate call to speak with customer services, NTL is free now!

You can ring Sky free on 08005875707

Okonski · 10-09-2006, 19:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaun

You can ring Sky free on 08005875707

Isn't the fact this this is a back-door number, proving the point? As it's not in the public domain (with Sky advertising it as such), they don't deserve any credit whatsoever.

Shaun · 10-09-2006, 20:09

I wasn't giving them anything I was just making the point that you shouldn't rule Sky out just because they don't have an 0800 number (many companies don't that's why I point people to www.saynoto0870.com)

dragon · 10-09-2006, 21:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Okonski

No - especially as your eyes view everything in analogue. I prefer to watch an analogue signal wherever possible due to the lack of digital artefacts caused by bandwidth compression on the multiplexes. The hype is because it allows the broadcasters to get (several) quarts into a pint pot - something they couldn't do otherwise. If you can live without the additional channels, and the price is right - stick with it!
!

I HATE seeing the artifacting on digital Tv, it looks really naff.

I really wish they'd use a decent bitrate espcially on some of the freeview channels.

I'd rather have less channels at a higher bitrate than tons of rubbish channels @ a poor bitrate

Graham M · 10-09-2006, 21:22

But then your TV package would cost way more because they wouldnt be able to get the revenenue, so its swings and roundabouts.

Okonski · 11-09-2006, 11:54

Not a foregone conclusion - with less channels soaking up the bandwidth, less fees need be paid for carriage so it could balance out. The idea of squeezing everything down in the hope that folk will pay extra is a very flawed rationale, and will hack off those of us who simply want a decent picture. and pay accordingly.

Clarkvcr · 14-09-2006, 21:45

I've just gone digital and don't think the picture is any better than a good analogue one.
Be careful if you go ntl digital because they do not give you an analogue bypass on the digital box. If you have a vcr you can only tape what you are watching. I had to reinstate roof aerial. Extra channels certainly but most are padding.

14-09-2006, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clarkvcr

I've just gone digital and don't think the picture is any better than a good analogue one.
Be careful if you go ntl digital because they do not give you an analogue bypass on the digital box. If you have a vcr you can only tape what you are watching. I had to reinstate roof aerial. Extra channels certainly but most are padding.

neither, in my experience, is it much worse - tbh I thought I would notice a difference, but most of the time, I don't

you should ask for a bypass when you order, get them to specify it on the order form, even if they don't know what you mean, then pester the installer in the hope they have one for your box, in the van.

I was lucky

peanut · 14-09-2006, 22:42

Also it depends on your tv, analogue is fine with a square crt tv, but if you pay out for a decent sized widescreen lcd or plasma then analogue is total pants, and the only way to get the best out of it is by going digital regardless who you go with.