Freeview is a digital terrestrial television and radio service. This means that the signal is transmitted from local transmitters in the same way as analogue television and radio programmes, usually enabling reception of the newer services with an existing antenna. To access the Freeview service, you will need either a TV with integrated Freeview tuner (often referred to as 'digital TVs'), or a separate Freeview set-top box which will allow reception on older analogue TVs. Devices such as Freeview PVRs (Personal Video Recorders) also feature the Freeview Plus system which provides extra recording functions and the ability to pause and rewind live TV.

Most of the population can receive the Freeview services now - you can check local coverage here.

Cam: Some Freeview tuners have a facility which enables a plug in adaptor, known as a "Cam" to be connected. This plug in adaptor will facilitate the use of a TopUpTV subscription card and open up a wider choice of subscription channels, in addition to the free channels you will receive.

Channels: As well as existing BBC and Commercial television channels, Freeview also delivers many new services from the BBC and other broadcasters, including radio programmes, documentaries, news, children's programming, entertainment and interactive services. For a full channel list, check here.

Composite video: A picture signal format, usually carried from the scart socket of a Freeview box. It gives good results, but to get the best picture, S-video or RGB outputs of the scart connector if your TV will accept the signal. If you are using a display device and a Freeview box equipped with an HDMI interface (most modern TVs and projectors feature HDMI sockets), it is recommended that you use an HDMI connection for the best picture and sound quality.

Cost: Apart from the initial purchase cost there is nothing further to pay: no subscription fee is required.

EPG: Electronic Programme Guide. A system which delivers detailed programme listings, now and next and other schedule information. Also used by some devices as a handy means of timer/programme reminder setting, enabling simple programme "highlight and select" to define start/end/channel information for a timer setting.

HDMI: High Definition Multimedia Interface - the new Scart. The HDMI connector is a digital interface which has global backing as the universal digital connector for home entertainment products. Capable of carrying a very large data rate, it can carry picture, sound and other information between the latest generation of DVD players, plasma screens, computers and more - with the best performance yet.

Optical output: Some Freeview boxes have an optical output for digital audio. This is useful for convenient connection into a home cinema receiver or into a digital audio recorder (such as a MiniDisc) for recording live audio. It will also allow connection through an external Digital to Analogue converter, an upgrade favoured by many audiophiles for its ability to deliver superior sound.

An optical output also offers the potential to deliver multi-channel Dolby Digital audio, should broadcasters wish to offer the service in the future.

Radio: Freeview boxes enable owners to listen to the latest digital radio services. You can hear these services through your television set, or by connecting a stereo signal from the Freeview box into an auxiliary input on your hifi system, either from the scart, stereo line (usually via 2 x phono connectors) or optical outputs.

RF: This is the format used for carrying the antenna signal between antenna socket, Freeview box, VCR/DVD recorder and television. It is the simplest method of connection, but also the lowest quality. It is recommended that you daisy chain Freeview boxes in the order described above but, if possible, also use a scart lead to carry a higher quality signal (which will include a stereo signal absent from the RF output of the Freeview box) into your DVD recorder, VCR and/or television.

RGB: Stands for Red Green Blue. A picture signal format. Better than composite or S-video, many Freeview boxes will output an RGB signal (usually via a scart socket). To gain the benefit you will need a television and/or DVD recorder with an RGB input.

S Video: Or Super Video. A picture signal format. Better than composite, but not as good as RGB or HDMI . S video can also refer to a socket type (see left) which supports the signal, although an S-video signal can also be carried via a scart connection. To gain the benefit you will need a television or DVD recorder with an S-video input (either a dedicated S-video type socket - or a scart socket which supports an S-video signal).

Scart: A type of connection which has become the standard in Europe (sometimes referred to as a "Euro-connector"). Scart leads have many connections and can therefore carry many different signal types including: stereo audio, composite video, S-video & RGB. They simplify connection by enabling one lead to carry many signals.

TopUpTV: TopUpTV is the subscription channel service available via Freeview, bringing additional channels and services to subscribers. Check to see whether your Freeview receiver or television has a card or Cam slot to enable viewing of TopUpTV programmes.

For more information visit the Freeview website.