Viewers will finally have a chance today to cast their eyes over the digital revolution when the equipment needed to view the new TV services goes on sale.
In the evening, SkyDigital bosses will flick a switch to turn on the 140 channels at a launch party at London's Battersea Power Station.
The Sky service, available on satellite, is launched a full six weeks ahead of its rival ONdigital which will supply its services through an aerial from November 15.
Electrical retailers will begin selling the SkyDigital set-top boxes today, with many setting up special demonstration areas.
Digital TV is a new way of delivering pictures into homes which will give clearer pictures and sound, more choice, and increased widescreen capability. However, existing sets need extra equipment to translate the signals.
To link to SkyDigital, viewers will need to spend #200 or #160 if they are existing subscribers.
Monthly subscriptions will allow viewers to add extra channels but there will be several free to air services available - including BBC1, BBC2, Channel 4, and Channel 5. In addition, there will be BBC Choice and BBC News 24.
Other channels will be offered in packages ranging from the basic #6.99 a month deal - for Sky One, Sky News, Discovery Home and Leisure, Bloomberg, QVC, and 10 audio channels on Music Choice - up to the full package for #29.99.
Sky has been broadcasting digital signals for many weeks as a test run with its Sky Sports News and its dedicated Manchester United channel.
Sky anticipates a quarter of a million systems will be available before Christmas.
q BBC chairman Sir Christopher Bland will urge public service broadcasters worldwide today to uphold the quality of TV and protect viewers from a ''tidal wave'' of cheap, low-grade shows, when he makes the keynote speech at the Public Broadcasters International Forum in Biarritz, France.
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