Freeview Review
Freeview is by far the most popular digital TV platform currently available in the UK. This is largely due to its low cost when compared to some of the higher end digital TV solutions. For a one-off fee you get access to over 50 digital TV channels and 24 digital radio stations in one convenient package. You can access Freeview through a wide range of Freeview set-top boxes which you connect to your existing TV set, or a Freeview IDTV (Integrated Digital TV) set, which is a standalone TV set that comes with a Freeview tuner built in.
The basic entry level Freeview equipment will just provide straightforward access to all of the 50+ TV channels and 28 radio channels. Other, more expensive models will come with extras such as interactive electronic programme guides (EPGs) and recordable hard drives which allow you to set reminders for programmes and record them for later viewing just as you would with a VCR. Some Freeview hardware comes with multiple TV tuners built in, allowing you to watch one programme whilst another is recording. Freeview set-top boxes which come with come with this 'pause, rewind, record' functionality will often be sold under a 'Freeview+' brand to show that they offer this.
Freeview User Reviews
I got a Wharfedale 160 DTI Freeview+ a couple of years ago and haven't looked back! It's great, I can record stuff whenever, set timers and there's loads of space on the drive. I think it was called Freeview Plackback then or soemthing, but Ilove it, no subscription, no extra monthly bill, but can do everything the Sky+ box can do :) Freeview+ for the win!
Viva la Freeview (18th October, 2009)
I bought Freeview because I didn't want to be signed up to yet another pay monthly deal, and end up paying through the nose for a service I don't get my money's worth from. Freeview has some really great stuff on and I especially like the 'plus 1' channels as I always seem to switch on half way through a show I wanted to watch, this means I can watch the whole thing uninterrupted just a little later. The only downside is that we don't have that great reception where I live, but that's what you get for living in the back end of nowhere I guess!
Polly (2nd October, 2009)
Freeview+ Box from £99.99
» 320 hours digital box
» 500GB of recording space
Freeview+ Box from £89.99
» 180 hours digital box
» 250GB of recording space
Freeview+ Box from £79.99
» 120 hours digital box (reconditioned)
» 160GB of recording space
Freeview News
England take on World Champions Spain
It’s a friendly, but England fans will expect nothing of the sort as Capello’s men challenge the current European and World Champions Spain, live this Saturday on ITV1… More »
Freeview HD passes 3 million mark
The UK’s free-to-air digital TV service Freeview has announced that sales of Freeview HD devices have gone beyond 3 million in just 18 months… More »
Doctor Who Confidential dropped by BBC
Die-hard fans of The Doctor may need medical assistance when they find out that the Master (or the BBC) has called time on the show’s spin-off Doctor Who Confidential… More »
What is Freeview?
Freeview is the most straightforward and least expensive digital TV platform in the UK. It is available virtually everywhere and provides instant access to over 50 digital TV channels for a one-off payment. Freeview is a digital terrestrial service, perhaps best though of as the digital replacement for traditional analogue terrestrial TV. As its name suggests, there is no obligation to sign up for a long-term subscription with Freeview as you get access to digital TV after a one-off payment. That said, there are some channels such as ESPN and G.O.L.D. which require a subscription to access, but you are not obliged to sign up for these.
How can I get Freeview?
To get Freeview you need a working TV aerial that is able to receive the normal analogue terrestrial signal. You should be able to watch Freeview on most existing TV sets by hooking it up to a Freeview set top box. Freeview set box boxes typically plug into a TV set via a SCART lead, so you will need to buy a SCART lead unless you already have one. After hooking up your Freeview box to your TV and switching it on for the first time, it will perform a quick scan for channels which shouldn't take more than five minutes. Alternatively, if you have purchases a Freeview IDTV set, then all you should need to do is simply plug the aerial cable in as you would a traditional TV set. As all the tuning equipment is built into an IDTV set you shouldn't have to hook up any extra equipment or connect anything other than the aerial cable.
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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 |
