Freesat - Free to view satellite TV
This page contains information about the free-to-view satellite TV service, which launched in May 2008
What is Freesat?
Freesat is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. The service provides a number of TV and radio channels that you can get without subscription
Separate from Sky's satellite TV offering, Freesat launched on the 6th May 2008, and offers over 130 TV channels.
As well as a box, you'll need to have a satellite dish pointing in the general direction of the Astra satellite. Some High Definition content will be available, including the BBC and ITV HD service.
Freesat EPG on a Humax FoxSat
What's on Freesat
Around 130 channels of TV and 30 radio stations, with no subscription. Channels include Channel 4, E4, More 4, Five, ITV2, ITV3, BBC3, BBC News, CBBC and CiTV.
Other channels include Film 4, True Movies, Movies4Men, Euronews, Men & Motors, Wedding TV, Chart Show TV and Al-Jazeera. See the full channel list
Freesat is also offering HD content. At launch, it was only the BBC HD service, but ITV's HD service launched in June 2008 (via the red button). Irritatingly, ITV's HD content won't be available to Sky Digital's almost half-a-million HD customers, and Channel 4 HD isn't currently available to Freesat customers.
  PODCAST FEATURE: We looked at Freesat in show 27. Listen to the show online, or download it to your MP3 player. Listen to Show 27 | What is FrequencyCast? | Add us to iTunes |
How to get Freesat
To be able to watch Freesat, you need the following:
-
A satellite dish: You need a dish pointing in the right direction. If you have an old Sky dish, this will do fine.
You can install a dish yourself with a DIY kit, or go for a professional installation for £80 - order from Currys,
Comet or Argos(cat no: 527/0086)
- A set-top box: Freesat boxes are available for a one-off payment of £50 or more. We have a list of boxes below.
Freesat Installation loophole! With Freesat, if you don't have a dish, it'll cost you £130 to get Freesat working (£50 for a basic box, and £80 for installation of a dish). However... Sky Digital is offering something called "Pay Once, Watch Forever", which offers over 200 channels, for just £75 - this includes installation and a Sky Digibox. You also get four months of Sky's pay-TV channels as a trial. So, here's what you do:
You can only get "Pay Once, Watch Forever" if you've not had a Sky contract before. |
Freesat Set-top boxes
Set-top boxes capable of receiving Freesat became available in May 2008. They are available from Comet, Dixons,
Currys, Argos
and John
Lewis.
Here are the main set-top boxes:
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High-Def: No PVR: No Connectors: 2 x SCART, LNB in/Out, Ethernet £49 - from Argos |
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High-Def: Yes PVR: No Connectors: 2 x SCART, LNB in/Out, HDMI, Ethernet £119.99 - from Argos |
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High-Def: Yes PVR: No Connectors: 2 x SCART, HDMI, Component, USB, Ethernet Review: Click here |
 
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High-Def: Yes
Available for £289.99 from Laskys More on our Humax Foxsat HDR page
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High-Def: No PVR: No Connectors: 2 x SCART, LNB in/Out, Ethernet £69.99 from Dixons £69.99 - from Argos |
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High-Def: Yes PVR: No Connectors: 2 x SCART, LNB in/Out, HDMI, Ethernet £149.99 - from Argos |
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High-Def: No PVR: No Connectors: tbc £49.99 from Comet |
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High-Def: YES PVR: No £149.99 from Comet |
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The Panasonic TH-50PZ81B is the first TV set with a built-in Freesat receiver. This HD TV can receive the Freesat channels, including the HD channels, without subscription. The Panasonic PZ81 plasma TV is available in 42", 46" and 50" versions. Available from Dixons and Laskys, but also check Pricerunner |
Got a question on Freesat? First, try our Freesat FAQ. |
Useful Links
- More on Freesat? See our Freesat page
- Answers to common questions in our Freesat FAQ
- Freesat channel listings: Freesat channels
- Information on free satellite - See our Free Satellite page
- If your question isn't answered, please leave a message in our Freesat forum
The FrequencyCast podcast features digital TV news and reviews. Listen to our free shows online or download to your MP3 player What is FrequencyCast? | Get us via iTunes | Catch our Latest Show |
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