Variety, as the saying goes, is the spice of life. Limited choice in any walk of life can lead to frustration, boredom or a bit of both.

Most people probably take it for granted now, but it wasn't that long ago that UK TV audiences had a mere five terrestrial channels to choose from at home. Until Channel Five was launched in 1997, there was only four channels to choose from and prior to Channel Four's launch in 1982, British television viewers had 27 years of a mere three channels to choose from. Certainly not a great deal of variety and probably not a lot of spice either.

The BBC, of course, has been providing quality television entertainment since 1932 and its impartial take on political and cultural matters has earned the respect of TV audiences across the globe, with the likes of World Service and BBC News 24 offering round-the-clock, unbiased coverage on issues of international importance.

However, the existence of the BBC in the UK means that the public are legally required to pay for a TV licence each year. It's needed even if people don't watch the BBC - it's necessary to have for any television-receiving equipment including programmes on the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, cable and satellite television.

The definition of ‘television-receiving' equipment can incorporate TV sets, Freeview boxes, DVD/VHS recorders, mobile phones and, importantly, computers. So even if someone doesn't even own a television, if they are capable of watching live TV on their little laptop, then technically they should also be in possession of a television licence.

Of course, the £140+ cost of the TV licence may seem like a little better value for money these days, given that Freeview is now commonplace. So rather than having five channels, there's a choice of an additional 20 or so more, albeit a number of these are ‘plus one' channels, or stations that specialise in broadcasting repeats and classic TV shows from yesteryear.

Indeed, for true variety in the world of television, satellite TV is almost certainly the way forward for 21st century television viewers and whether you like sport, movies, documentaries, soaps or classic British comedies, there are Sky TV offers to suit all tastes.

Unlike terrestrial television, satellite TV viewers can mix and match their programmes, taking their pick of the cream of the entertainment world. From Champions League Football nights to Hollywood blockbusters, variety can be the spice of life for TV lovers the country over.

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