Antenna, cable or streaming?
There are four ways to get TV channels into your home. Many households use more than one.
- Antenna (terrestrial): free-to-air national channels with no subscription; needs a good signal and a roof or loft aerial.
- Satellite: a dish brings many channels, including free ones; needs a clear view of the sky.
- Cable: channels and internet over one line, usually by subscription.
- Streaming: apps over your broadband; flexible, but needs a reliable connection.
How to choose
If you mainly watch live national TV and news, an antenna is the cheapest. If you watch on demand, a good broadband connection and the official apps of channels and services cover most needs.