WHETHER you choose to actually watch all of the 450 channels now on offer, it goes without saying that digital TV provides the viewer with a far greater choice of programming.

You get more live sporting events, the latest movies, dedicated programming for children and a range of educational programmes.

But is that the only reason more people are abandoning the traditional TV package and going digital?

It is a proven fact that digital television also provides a more efficient way of delivering TV signals to your front room - with better quality images and more interactivity with programmes (with specific services for viewers with disabilities, especially those with sight or hearing impairments).

We should expect even better programmes from our broadcasters in the future as they will no longer have to incur the costs of transmitting signals in both analogue and digital formats, so will be able to invest more in programming and other services for consumers.

Interactive TV, it does seem, is the future and the government and industry want all UK households to benefit from the bright digital future.

In order to do this, television broadcasting must all be switched to digital signals.

Currently around 25 per cent of the population cannot receive digital terrestrial services because of where they live - and they won't be able to do so until the digital switchover occurs. This means that traditional analogue signals will need to be switched off completely.

However we do not all need to rush out and buy digital immediately, as switchover will not start until 2008 and is due to be completed by 2012.

Yet, while it may not be happening for a while, people are being urged to start thinking now about how the switchover will impact them.

Going digital can be simple and inexpensive. In most cases existing equipment can be adapted or consumers can take the opportunity to upgrade. And while it may be inexpensive, it is recognised that any amount of money will be too expensive for some. Therefore, the government and industry are working with leading charities to decide the best ways to help those who may need support.

An independent report last year said the Government needed to spend up to £400 million helping society's most vulnerable make the switch. An Ofcom spokesman said: "The Government will confirm the timetable for switchover once all of the remaining issues are resolved and the interests of the consumer, especialy the most vulnerable, are well protected."

Allan Williams, senior policy advisor with consumer watchdog Which?, said: "The Government must keep its promises and should not switch off analogue TV unless the digital ooption is available and affordable to all."

Who do we make the switch to?

At present there are four ways of receiving digital TV:

l Satellite (Sky)

l Cable (ntl: or Telewest)

l Broadband/DSL (currently limited to London)

l Digital terrestrial (Freeview or Top Up TV)