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Multi-room, PC and on-demand TV |
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How can I watch digital TV channels in more than one room at the same time?
You can connect an additional Freeview box in any room that has an aerial socket. But if you want to use one Freeview box with a second TV, you'll need to connect an aerial cable to both the additional TV and the box.
Of course, this set-up means that the two TVs will be tuned to the same Freeview channel. If you don't want to run a long aerial cable through your home, a video sender (a type of miniature TV transmitter) can be used to send TV and video signals from the set-top box wirelessly around the home.
These work with other types of set-top boxes, too. You can set up a multi-room system for the Freesat services (www.freesat.co.uk, or call 0845 293 8240) - your local aerial installer can provide you with advice on multi-room television.
Virgin Media can also provide an additional cable box (www.virginmedia.com or call 0845 840 7777).
Sky Multi-room allows you to use up to eight additional Sky set-top boxes. The extra boxes can all be tuned to different channels. Sky Multi-room costs £10 per month and the cost of each additional box starts from £49 (www.sky.com or call 0844 241 0285).
Can I watch digital TV on my PC?
You certainly can. One way is to add a TV tuner card to your computer. In the past, this meant opening up your PC and adding the card, but the latest tuner cards plug into your computer's USB port. Some computers are supplied with a built-in tuner card and even have a remote control handset.
Many broadcasters also allow you to watch live TV streamed over the internet. For example, ITV channels are all available to watch at www.itv.com, while most BBC channels, including children's channels, are available through the individual channel websites or via BBC iPlayer (that goes for BBC radio channels too). But remember, you must have a TV licence to watch live TV broadcasts on a computer.
As well as that, some broadcasters are increasingly providing additional coverage of sporting events online. During the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example, the BBC Sport website provided constant live feeds with six online channels.
Can I record digital TV on my computer?
Many TV tuner cards also allow you to pause, rewind and record digital TV programmes.
What is "on-demand" TV?
As the name suggests, this is TV you watch, usually on a PC, at a time that suits you rather than the TV scheduler. To use these services, you need a broadband connection and you should check that the service is compatible with your home computer.
Some on-demand services, such as BBC iPlayer, Channel 4's Catch-Up and ITV Player, are free, while others offer a mix of free and paid-for content, including Channel 4's 4oD, Five's Demand Five and Sky Anytime on PC. The Apple iTunes store also offers programmes from BBC Worldwide, ITV, Channel 4 and Sky.
Can I watch on-demand programmes on the TV in my living room?
Many televisions can now be connected to a computer, allowing you to watch on-demand programmes on the big screen, and customers subscribing to Virgin Media's cable service can watch the BBC's iPlayer service on TV. Using a PC to TV wireless video sender is another way. You can even watch iPlayer on a number of mobile phones!
What are broadband TV services?
These use a broadband internet connection to send live digital TV channels to your home.
BT Vision offers a mix of Freeview channels and on-demand TV content, which can be viewed on a television rather than a computer. You need to be a BT Total Broadband customer to use the service, which costs from £14 per month (go to www.btvision.com for more information).
Tiscali TV also offers a mix of live and on-demand digital TV programmes and costs from £19.99 per month (www.tiscali.co.uk or call 0800 280 0775 for information).
Is it possible to listen to surround-sound broadcasts on digital TV, and what equipment do I need?
If your digital TV or set-top box is equipped with audio sockets, you can connect the TV or box to a home-cinema system and listen to programmes that offer surround-sound.
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Downloads
For more on downloading TV programmes to watch on your PC, and services like BBC iPlayer and 4oD, visit our guide to downloads.
Learn more about downloads…
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