Freeview and Freesat set-top boxes: Freesat digital TV Freesat FAQs
How many Freesat channels will I get?
There are more than 140 digital TV, radio and interactive channels available on Freesat.
Freesat offers most of the familiar digital channels from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4, plus a few less familiar names like the Al Jazeera English news channel and the Movies4Men film channel.
Where can I buy Freesat?
Freesat is available through high street retailers such as Comet, Currys, John Lewis and Argos. They all stock Freesat set-top boxes and offer a satellite dish installation service, too.
Humax Foxsat HD – one Freesat box we've reviewed
How much will Freesat cost?
For the Freesat box only, prices start at £40 for the basic standard-definition Grundig GUFSAT02SD, and rise to around £150 for the Humax Foxsat HD.
However, you may also need to pay for a satellite dish and installation. Depending on how many rooms you want to receive a Freesat signal in, this will cost from £80 to £190.
If you already have a dish installed, there's a good chance you'll just be able to plug in and play with a Freesat set-top box. John Lewis offers a £50 'dish check' if you're not sure.
Can I buy an integrated Freesat LCD or plasma TV or a PVR?
Yes you can. We've reviewed about a dozen LCD and plasma TVs with integrated Freesat. These range from the LG 37LF7700, a 37-inch LCD TV which costs around £500, to Panasonic's flagship Viera TX-P46Z1B, a 46-inch plasma TV which costs nearly £4,000.
What about Freesat HD?
Being able to watch HD TV without the need for ongoing monthly subscriptions is one of the biggest selling points of the Freesat service. There are millions of HD-ready flat-panel TVs in the UK – but only a small fraction of people actually have access to HD content.
To make sure you can watch HD content, you'll need one of the HD Freesat receivers – either integrated in your TV or as a set-top box, and an HD-ready TV.
The BBC HD and ITV HD channels are available on Freesat. Major sporting events covered in high definition include the Olympics and Champions League football.
The BBC and Channel 4 HD channels are available without any subscriptions on Sky's HD service.
Can I get Freesat anywhere in the UK?
Only 2% of households are outside the Freesat satellite's range.
Some people may not be able to get Freesat. Your dish may not be pointing towards the correct satellite, or you might not be able to get a clear site of the satellite if you live on the ground floor or in the shadow of a large building.
What is digital switchover?
Starting in 2008 and ending in 2012, TV services in the UK will completely switch from analogue to digital, region by region. This process is called digital switchover.
The UK's old analogue television broadcast signal is being switched off and replaced with a digital signal. Any TV set that's not converted to digital when switchover takes place will no longer be able to receive TV programmes.
Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin services are among those that supply a digital alternative to the old analogue signal.
For more information on the switchover and how it affects you, check out our full digital switchover guide.
Does Freesat have subtitling and audio description capabilities?
All Freesat receivers will offer subtitles and audio description (AD). Found on some digital TV programmes, AD describes significant visual information, such as body language and scenery, for visually impaired people.
The service is also available on Sky boxes, and most new Which? Best Buy TVs.
