alternatives to Virgin and Sky???

Depending on what/how you like to watch, you might also consider a LoveFilm subscription, as they offer a lot of streaming video options.  It's not new stuff, but if there are series you missed and would like to catch up on, you might find them there, and there are movies, too.

I second the LoveFilm notion.  They are really budget-friendly and very fast.  You can also choosing to watch immediately online instead of waiting for dvd's in the mail. I actually do both.   It really saves time.  (I still don't have my television set up either, but that's just cuz I haven't gotten round to it

I never updated this, but we ended up going with BT Vision despite the long contract.  We have been super pleased with it and actually prefer it to the package we had with Virgin! AND even though BT said over and over we wouldn't pick up any live channels in our area, a handful actually do come in when we use their box!

Pregnancy hormones win!