Freesat Review
Freesat is the newest Digital TV platform to be launched in the UK. Like the Freeview platform, Freesat gives viewers access to a range of subscription-free digital TV channels for a one-off purchase. Freesat gives you access to over 140 channels with no monthly bills or subscription and is currently the only non-pay-TV platform in the UK to offer High Definition (HD) channels. As well as HD channels, Freesat also broadcasts a range of entertainment and international news channels not found on Freeview, including Film 4+1, the timeshift channel for Film4, the Zone line up of channels (Zone Romantica, Zone Reality, Zone Horror and Zone Thriller) and Euronews, Al Jazeera and NHK World TV.
As Freesat is a relatively new service, there is a limited range of hardware available. Freesat set-top boxes are available in both SD (standard definition) and HD versions. Currently, only HD Freesat set top boxes capable of pause rewind and record functionality exist. Freesat-branded IDTV sets whilst capable of broadcasting HD channels also do not yet have the capacity to record programmes. The basic SD set top boxes are available from around £49, whilst the more advanced HD Personal Video Recorder (PVR) models start at £250.
These higher-end models allow you to enjoy free to air HD digital TV, set recordings and watch one programme whilst recording another or record two programmes at the same time, and pause and rewind live TV. All Freesat equipment comes with an 8 day programme guide and provides access to over 140 digital TV and radio channels. If you don't already have a satellite dish, you will have to pay for a dish and installation. Freesat's website currently states that a satellite installation package starts at £80.
Freesat HD
As well as providing access to multiple subscription-free digital TV channels, Freesat also provides access to high definition (HD) content and is currently the only non-subscription digital TV platform in the UK to do so. Not only do you get and improved HD provides up to five times more picture detail than standard definition digital TV broadcasts, you also benefit from improved sound quality, with some programmes broadcast in Dolby Digital Stereo and Dolby Digital Surround Sound 5.1.
So if you have an HD Ready TV set and a home cinema system capable of supporting stereo or surround sound, then you can enjoy high definition TV entertainment for a one-off fee with Freesat HD. Currently, the only HD channels available on Freesat HD are BBC HD and Channel 4 HD . These are free-to-air HD channels - it is hoped that once the Digital Switchover is completed, then more free-to-air HD channels and content will be available for broadcast. Whilst the BBC and Channel 4 already have free-to-air HD offerings, FIVE on target to launch an HD channel in the latter half of 2010 which should be available on Freesat. There is no extra cost to get Freesat HD, other than the cost of the set-top box receiver. Currently you can only get HD Ready set-top boxes and not HD IDTV sets. Freesat HD set-top boxes capable of pause, record and rewind functionality start at £250.
Humax Freesat HD Recorder £119
Offer: HD TV for a one off payment
» Over 80 channels including 2 HD channels
» Record up to 160 hours
Goodmans Freesat Reciever £79
Get the Goodmans Freesat reciever for only £104.99
» Recieve over 80 channels
GRUNDIG Freesat SD Digital TV Receiver £54.99
The Grundig GUFSAT02S Digital Freesat Receiver offers compact, straightforward Freesat reception in a sleek black case.
Freesat News
More Freesat boxes get BBC iPlayer
The on demand service iPlayer from the BBC is now available on Freesat high definition set-top boxes manufactured by Bush, Grundig and Goodmans… More »
ITV1 HD is coming to Sky and Virgin Media
Sky and Virgin Media subscribers will be able to tune into ITV1 HD from April 2nd… More »
Digital TV set-top box developer gathers Pace
Pace is now the world’s second largest developer of set-top boxes for cable, satellite and IPTV, with a client list that includes UK digital TV providers Sky, Virgin Media and BT Vision… More »
What is Freesat?
Freesat is the newest Digital TV platform to be launched in the UK. Like the Freeview platform, Freesat gives viewers access to a range of subscription-free digital TV channels for a one-off purchase. Freesat gives you access to over 140 channels with no monthly bills or subscription and is currently the only non-pay-TV platform in the UK to offer High Definition (HD) channels. As well as HD channels, Freesat also broadcasts a range of entertainment and international news channels not found on Freeview, including Film 4+1, the timeshift channel for Film4, the Zone line up of channels (Zone Romantica, Zone Reality, Zone Horror and Zone Thriller) and Euronews, Al Jazeera and NHK World TV.
How do I get Freesat?
To get Freesat, you'll need to have a satellite dish fitted to the side of your house. If you already have a dish fitted then all you need to do is purchase a Freesat set-top box or Freesat-branded IDTV set. If you don't have a satellite dish, then you can arrange for an enginneer to install a dish. Most buildings these days are able to have satellite dishes fitted to them. Even so, due to structural or contractual reasons, some buildings will be unable to have a fish fitted. Older buildings which may be structurally unsound or listed buildings may not be able to have a dish fitted for reasons of safety or heritage. If you are living in an apartment or rented accommodation, then you should check your tenancy agreement first to see whether or you you are allowed to have a satellite dish fitted.
Once you have your dish sorted out, it's a simple case of choosing your set-top box or IDTV set. Freesat set-top equipment ranges from basic standard definition (SD) receivers which give you access to over 140 channels but none of the HD channels to higher-end HD compatible set-top boxes. The HD models provide access to high definition content as well as providing pin sharp surround sound and an overall improved picture quality on standard definition channels. There are basic Freesat HD boxes which only provide access to all of the Freesat channels and there are also Freesat+ HD digital TV recorder models which allow you to pause, rewind and record Freesat programmes.
Once you have chosen your Freesat set-top box or IDTV, your Freesat retailer will arrange for an installation and demo of how everything works. If you don't have a dish fitted to your house then you can arrange for an installation; Freesat's website currently states that installations start at £80. If you want Freesat in more than one room, then you should also allow for an additional £35 extra per room for installation.
A single Freesat residential dish provides up to eight signal connections. This allows you to connect up to eight Freesat standard definition and HD set-top boxes and IDTV sets. As Freesat+ HD digital TV recorders allow you to record one channel whilst watching another, two connections are required, meaning you can have up to four Freesat HD set-top boxes in your house capable of pause rewind record functionality.
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| Type | Satellite | Cable | Broadband | Aerial | Satellite |
| Monthly Cost | From £20 | From £6.50 | From £4 | FREE | FREE |
| Setup Cost | From FREE | From £40 | From FREE | FREE | £80 |
| Channels | Over 240 | Over 165 | Up to 70 | Up to 50 | Over 140 |
| HD | Yes - Over 50 channels | Yes - 17 channels | On Demand | Yes – Subject to Coverage | Yes – Subject to Coverage |
| Sky Sports | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Sky Movies | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Multi-Room | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Gifts | £50 M&S voucher | No | No | No | No |
| More Info Buy Now | More Info Buy Now | More Info | More Info | More Info |
