To see or not to see.

With the advent of the analogue switch-off, there's a concerted effort being made by the digital broadcasters to get us all to understand what it's about. It's actually pretty straightforward, and no one should be worried about asking for help from the right sources - but not folk who are trying to sell you an extra aerial.

Freeview, Freesat and Sky

After the switch-off, everybody will be able to get all their programmes from two sources: Freesat and Sky. A smaller number of folk - those with a clear line of sight to a couple of large transmitters - will have three sources, the extra one being Freeview. If you're currently getting a clear, unblemished picture from your normal aerial and your TV which you've had for a few years, you'll almost certainly be able to get Freeview, which means only shelling out about £40.00 for a nice new box. The aerial should be fine.

If you want the extra channels that the satellite folk provide, you'll need to shell out a little more - about £120 for a box, plus a new sat dish, if you haven't already got one (the same dish will get both Sky and Freesat). Freesat, incidentally is the only one carrying the ITV High Definition broadcasts. Freesat and Freeview are free to watch - no subscription.

Don't confuse High Def with Digital; that's like confusing bread with cake. High def is a digital transmission, but not all digital transmissions are high def - in fact, most aren't. You need a special telly for High Def - look for one that says 1080p - make sure it has the 'p' at the end. Don't settle for anything else.

This is a time when the cowboys will be out for a killing; don't be caught and check with reliable sources before changing your tv or aerial. Contact the switchover help folk by ringing free on 0800 40 85 903 or visit their web site at http://www.helpscheme.co.uk/