Freeview and Freesat set-top boxes: FAQs
Freeview and Freesat – what are they?
Freeview has no monthly cost
Freeview is a collection of around 40 free digital TV channels, plus around 30 digital radio stations, alongside the five regular channels – with no subscription to pay.
Available channels include BBC Three and BBC Four, News 24, ITV2,3 and 4, and a range of music, travel, shopping, and children's channels.
Furthermore, the reception is generally much better although some parts of the country still get a poor signal. Before you buy, check with the store that your area gets a decent Freeview signal.
Can everyone receive Freeview digital TV through their aerial?
No. Even if you live in the coverage area (an estimated 80 per cent of people do so), your aerial may need an upgrade. See www.freeview.co.uk to see if you live in the right area.
How many channels do you get with Freeview?
Currently there are digital versions of the five main analogue channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV, Channel 4, and Five), around 35 other channels, plus text/interactive channels, and around 30 radio stations. Not all channels broadcast all day, however, and the line-up varies slightly across the UK. Check the Freeview website for a full up-to-date channel listing.
Will I get more widescreen programmes?
Yes. Many digital channels are broadcast in widescreen format, but you don't need a widescreen TV. The set-top box adapts the picture for your TV set.
What's the picture and sound quality like?
If you have poor analogue reception, you may notice an improvement when you switch to digital. Otherwise there's little difference.
Poor digital reception creates a blocky effect where certain parts of the picture seem to break up with a pixellated effect.
Do I need a separate Freeview set-top box for every TV in my house?
Yes, if you want to access all the channels on all the sets. You could hook up your box to more than one TV, but couldn’t then watch different digital channels on the different sets.
Can I get interactive TV with Freeview?
Yes. BBCi (the BBC's interactive service), for example, offered all digital viewers coverage from a choice of courts during Wimbledon fortnight.
However, digital satellite and cable viewers get more interactivity (eg email and shopping services) because of the larger amount of broadcast space, or bandwidth, available. They also have a 'return path' via phone or cable line which isn't available on Freeview boxes.
Is there an on-screen channel listing on Freeview like the one on Sky?
Freeview offers an eight-day electronic programme guide (EPG) but its implementation varies between boxes. A good one makes planning your viewing and recording digital programmes much simpler.
What is Freesat?
Satellite HDTV for a one-off fee
Freesat is a new service launched in 2008. Like Freeview there's no monthly subscription. You just need to buy a set-top box to receive free-to-view programmes. But unlike Freeview the signal is received using a satellite dish. To lean more about this service, see our guide to Freesat digital TV.
What channels can I receive with Freesat?
Freesat is eventually promising around 200 channels, but currently there are about 130 TV and radio channels broadcasting. Most of the popular Freeview channels are broadcast on Freesat (although the popular 'Dave' channel is currently missing) but there are plenty of less-familiar offerings, such as Al Jazeera, GOD channel, Islam channel, Golf channel and a whole host more.
Is high-definition TV available on Freesat?
One big difference between Freeview and Freesat is that Freesat carries high-definition (HD) programming. There's currently HD programming from the BBC and ITV, and it's expected that more will be added as time progresses. To view HD content, you do have to buy an HD version of the Freesat box (which is more expensive) and have an HD-ready TV to connect it to. HD content on Freeview will begin to be introduced to some areas in 2009 though it'll be many years before it's available nationally.
Can anyone receive Freesat?
As Freesat signals are broadcast from a satellite, the whole country is covered. So anyone, including those that live in areas where Freeview cannot currently be received, should be able to receive Freesat. However local planning laws may prevent you from putting up a satellite dish if, for example, you live in a conservation area and, in rare cases, local geography could prevent you from a clear view of the sky which could stop a satellite signal reaching you.
How much does Freesat cost?
There's no monthly subscription but you will need to buy a set-top box. Standard-definition boxes cost from around £60 but if you want access to the high-definition (HD) content, you'll need an HD box, which cost from £120 plus, of course, an HD-ready TV to connect it to. Installation costs for the satellite dish vary but a standard installation should be around £80, and can be arranged in-store when you purchase Freesat.
For more on the choice between Freesat and Freeview, see our guide to digital TV options.