Welcome to the magic

We are living in magical times. Our living rooms glisten with the kind of technology that we could only have dreamt of a decade or so ago – huge, flat-screen TVs, mobile phones the size of a credit card, MP3 players, wireless networks.

If all this technology seems confusing, fear not. We've created this guide packed full of no-nonsense information on how to use everything in your digital home, so you really get the best out of it.

This page is a just a taster. To get the full picture, download our complete guide by clicking below.

Explore the web

You can’t escape the impact the World Wide Web has had on our lives. Who’d have thought you’d be able to do your weekly food shop without moving from your sofa? Plus it’s so easy to get connected.

Dial-up uses your phone line to ‘dial’ a connection only when you need it. This means when you’re on the internet, you can’t use your home phone unless you have a separate line.

Broadband is a super-fast internet connection which is always on. It doesn’t tie up your phone line, so there’s no concern about missing vital phone calls while you or the kids are online. It’s available by cable or ADSL.

For broadband you’ll also need a modem, a small box you plug into your computer. Once you’re connected, the internet opens up a whole new world. You can shop from the comfort of your own home and do your banking online. It’s also a great way of keeping in touch with your friends and family.

Tune into TV

There are four ways to receive digital TV:

Through your aerial – Freeview. You need to buy a set-top box or a TV with a built in digital tuner (iDTV)

Through cable – Virgin Media. An engineer installs the TV service which uses a set-top box.

Through satellite – e.g. Sky Digital. A selection of packages are available via a satellite dish.

Through broadband – Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) lets you watch TV on your computer over the internet. It works using similar technologies that deliver the internet to your home.

By 2012 everyone will need to have access to digital TV when all analogue signals are switched off. This is a government initiative known as the digital switchover, so it’s best to be prepared. You can find more about this in our guide to digital TV

Digital TV offers greater choice with a host of channels automatically available for viewing, and personal video recorders, or PVRs, like Virgin Media’s V+ HD box or Sky+, make recording easy so you never have to miss your favourite programme again.

Phone anytime, anywhere

Imagine being able to phone Australia for exactly the same cost as calling your Gran round the corner. Today’s phone providers now have some great deals – you can pay one set rate a month so you don’t get stung with any nasty surprises when the bill arrives.

Talking technology

Caller ID tells you who's calling before you pick up the phone.

Texting has been integrated into landlines so even when you’re at home, your phone can send and receive text messages.

Voicemail access while you’re out means you can check your messages, even when you’re out and about.

Phone on the go

Mobile phones seem to be packed with more features with each passing day. But before you take the plunge and get a new handset, you should think about exactly what you’re going to use it for.

Not just for calls

Many mobiles now include cameras built into the handset so you can take photos whenever you want. You can send these pictures like you would a text (called MMS), and it's also possible to transfer photos and tunes between phones using a free technology known as Bluetooth®. Bluetooth is also used with many hands-free kits, removing the need for wires.

Technology in the palm of your hand

More recent technology means you can practically run your office from your mobile. Some handsets provide access to the internet so you can email your colleagues in an instant. You can log onto the internet for the latest news and even get access to TV with some handsets.

Homes are increasingly filling with gadgets, and there’s a massive choice out there if you’ve got some spare cash. To get a run down of the best gadgets to enhance your digital home, and to find out other information such as our jargon buster and useful contacts, click below.

Further information

To read more about about getting the most out of your digital home, take a look at these handy guides:

• How to get the most from your MP3 player
• High definition TV explained
• Personal Media Players: the facts