Alternatively, consumers can buy a digital set-top box to use with their existing set. SkyDigital will offer subscribers around 150 TV and music channels - including ones running movies every 15 minutes and two more sports channels. In addition there will be enhanced teletext services with improved graphics and pictures, making them resemble Internet pages. Cable TV companies are expected to join the digital TV fight. There is talk of cable offering up to 200 channels.
All consumers have to do to receive pay-TV is to subscribe and get the necessary smartcard.
Philips also intends to launch a SkyDigital set-top box before Christmas and is also in discussion with BSkyB about ways to upgrade its integrated digital terrestrial TVs to receive satellite services from BSkyB and other satellite broadcasters. In the U.K. it is launching digital set-top boxes and integrated digital TVs as part of its strategy of being 'platform neutral'. Next year will see the introduction of IEEE 1394-compatible products. This is a plug and play connection for entertainment and computing devices. The move to digital also requires changes at every step of the broadcast chain.