Freesat is the latest digital satellite service developed in a joint venture by the BBC and ITV plc. The service launched on May 6th 2008, offering a selection of over 130 TV and Radio channels available without subscription, with the added bonus of HD broadcasts.
As the name suggests, Freesat works via a satellite dish, pointing to the same satellite that Sky use at Astra 2D, meaning that if you already have a Sky minidish, you will be able to utilise this. As previously mentioned, the beauty of Freesat is that once you have bought the equipment and have it working, from there on in, everything is FREE! That is with exception of all the shopping channels; they are free to watch, but unfortunately if you see anything you want, you will have to pay for it!!
Freesat also allows you to watch programmes in the fantastic quality of High Definition, bringing your favourite programmes to life, with up to five times more detail than the usual standard definition, again for free. There are few HD channels at the minute, however more and more are set to come on board, hopefully sooner rather than later!
In order to view channels, you will have to use one of the following:
Stanard Defintion Digibox
Choose a freesat digital box with all freesat TV and radio channels in standard definition, a 7-day on-screen programme guide, interactive TV and digital text. Can also can be connected to DVD/VCR via a scart lead to record from the Freesat box.
High Defintion Digibox
Choose a freesat HD digital box featuring all the benefits of the freesat digital box plus the brilliance of HD pictures and audio that makes your 5.1 surround sound system come alive. Again can also can be connected to DVD/VCR via a scart lead to record from the Freesat box.
HD Digital TV Recorder (DTR)
A freesat HD digital TV recorder gives you all the benefits of the freesat HD digital box plus the ability to record, pause and rewind live TV, in a similar way to Sky+ box (available after launch).
TV with built in freesat
An integrated digital TV (IDTV) (prices vary according to screen size) which is an HDTV with freesat HD built in will be perfect for you. And, because the freesat receiver is built in to the TV, you won’t need a separate digital box.
Freesat from Sky
This was the original Freesat, a service launched by Sky, which works via a Sky digibox and minidish, giving you access to over 200 TV and Radio channels. There is only one style of digibox, which will fit in with any type of TV. You can record from this box via a scart lead using a DVD/VCR recorder, however you cannot watch one digital channel whilst recording another, through one digibox.
We stock and sell all of the above products, and obviously are ready to install whatever you need to get whatever freesat option you may choose. Alternatively if you any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact us.
