Freeview HD is now available in the UK. On this page, you’ll find a list of the Freeview HD set-top boxes, digital recorders and TV sets on the market.
Freeview HD receiver availability
Freeview HD launched in parts of the UK in December 2009.
Until February 2010, there were no Freeview HD boxes or Freeview HD recorders on the market that conform to the DVB-T2/MPEG-4 standard, but since then, manufacturers have been rushing to release boxes and TV sets capable of showing and recording the subscription-free HD content that’s now available on Freeview. On this page, we look at some of the Freeview HD hardware available.
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Freeview HD Set-top Boxes
These allow viewing of HD content when connected to an HD-ready TV set. They do not contain hard-disk recorders.
- Notable: Humax were first off the mark with their HD Fox T2 model, which became available in February 2010
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Bush DVB680 – Freeview HD The first Freeview HD receiver to be produced by Bush. Available now 1 x SCART ; 1 x HDMI ; RF loopthrough ; Ethernet
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Ferguson F02HDB – Freeview HD Available now Details: 7-day EPG, HDMI, SCART
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Grundig GUD300HD – Freeview HD Available now 1 x SCART ; 1 x HDMI ; Ethernet, 8 Day EPG
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Humax DTR-T1000 – Freeview HD and YouView The first YouView box on the market. Offers catch-up TV, Freeview HD and on-demand content over the Internet. 1 x SCART ; HDMI ; RF loopthrough ; Ethernet
More details: See our Humax DTR T1000 YouView Review |
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Humax HD Fox-T2- Freeview HD The first Freeview HD receiver to be produced by Humax. Became available in February 2010 for around £180. It supports Freeview HD, Series Link and BBC iPlayer (requires broadband connection) 2 x SCART ; HDMI ; RF loopthrough ; Ethernet
More details: See our Humax HD Fox T2 Page |
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Icecrypt T2200 – Freeview HD Freeview HD, support for Dolby Surround, Ethernet socket and 8 day programme guide. Supports playback of DivX, AVI, MP3, MP4 and MKV content via USB Thanks to Rob Leitch for the following mini-review: "I bought an Icecrypt T2200 based on various good reviews. Have to say it has been FANTASTIC. Has a USB and the recently released a firmware update for recording which is awesome. Plug a formatted 32GB memory stick bought from Amazon and I can record, play back, pause live TV etc. Not a PVR but much more than a basic HD top set box. Highly recommended."
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Philips HDT5520 – Freeview HD Available from May 2010 Features: 8-day EPG, HD resolutions up to 1080p, surround sound support, low power consumption, auto-switch off. Connectors: HDMI, 1 x SCART. Ethernet socket
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Sharp TU-T2 – Freeview HD Became available in May 2010 8 day EPG, resolutions up to 1080p. Dolby Digital Plus via HDMI or optical digital output. Ethernet and USB ports
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Box we’ve missed? Found it cheaper? Let us know
Freeview HD Recorders
These slowly started coming onto the market in May 2010. Here’s what’s on offer:
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Digital Stream DHR8203U – Freeview HD Recorder Available now Storage: 320GB (180 hours standard, 60 hours HD) Features: 8 day EPG, twin tuner. Connectors: HDMI, Ethernet and 3 x USB ports
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Humax HDR Fox T2 – Freeview HD Recorder Available Now Storage: 500Gb (125 hours of HD) Features: 8 day EPG, twin tuner, media sharing, Freeview HD, and access to BBC iPlayer (broadband connection required). Connectors: HDMI, Ethernet and USB ports
More details on our Humax HDR Fox T2 page. |
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Panasonic DMR-XW380 EBK – DVD and HDD Recorder Available Now Storage: 250GB (255 hours) plus DVD Recorder Features: DVD Recorder with Twin Freeview HD tuner, Freeview +, High Speed Archive to DVD, SD transfer, DivX, MP3 and JPEG playback
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Philips HDT8520 Available Now Storage: 500Gb (125 hours of HD) Features: Ultra-quiet, 8 day EPG, HD resolutions up to 1080p, upscaling for SD programs. Connectors: HDMI, SCART. Ethernet and USB ports
More details on our Philips HDT8520 Freeview HD page. |
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Sagemcom RTI90-320 and RTI90-500 Available now Storage: 320 or 500GB (160 or 250 hours) Features: Personal storage folders, 8 day EPG, 1080p resolution, upscaling for SD programmes. Connectors: HDMI, SCART. Ethernet and USB ports
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Sharp TU-T2HR32 Available now Storage: 320Gb Features: Supports recommendations and trailer bookings, 8 day EPG, HD resolutions up to 1080p, upscaling for SD programs. Connectors: HDMI, Dolby Digital Plus (via HDMI or optional digital output). Ethernet and USB ports
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Available: Now Storage: 320GB Features: Twin HD tuner, Export to USB, Internet TV from Fetch TV, online movies, BBC iPlayer, wi-fi connectivity More on our Technika Smartbox page.
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Box we’ve missed? Found it cheaper? Let us know
HD Alternatives?You may have dismissed the Sky satellite TV option (as it’s not subscription-free), but if you want to make the most of your HD TV set, here’s why you may wish to think again:
Full details and pricing info on Sky’s HD site |
HD Box: Free, and with a built-in hard disk recorder
Freeview HD TV sets
- The first Freeview HD TV set appeared in the second half of February 2010.
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Panasonic TX-P42G20B Freeview HD The Panasonic TX-P42G20B is a 42 inch plasma TV set that also supports Freesat reception. Became available in February 2010 for a little over £1000 |
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Sony KDL32EX403U and Sony KDL40EX403U Available in 32 and 40 inch versions, these Bravia units from Sony support 7 day EPG, Freeview HD and "full" 1080p HD resolution. Became available in March 2010 for £550 (32 inch). |
Got any more info on Freeview HD box or Freeview HD TV availability? Let us know
Can my existing set-top box get Freeview HD?
- Freeview HD uses a new standard, DVB-T2, which was not available until 2010. The first Freeview HD receiver, the Humax HD Fox T2 came to market in February 2010. Boxes purchased before this date, and boxes not sold as" Freeview HD boxes" won’t be capable of showing Freeview HD channels.
Can my existing TV set get Freeview HD?
- If you have an HD-Ready TV set with a built-in Freeview receiver, this will NOT be able to receive Freeview HD. You will need to buy a Freeview HD set-top box (with DVB-T2) and connect it to your existing HD TV set.
- TV sets with built-in Freeview HD receivers started to appear in late February 2010.
Existing Freeview boxes and TV sets will continue to be able to view standard Freeview channels.
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Don’t want to wait for Freeview HD?
- Consider Freesat (offering HD via a dish), or Sky+HD.
- See our HD Help and Advice page for other options
Handy Freeview
Links:
- Your Freeview HD Questions Answered
- More on Freeview HD- Freeview HD Explained
- More on HD – High Definition Explained
- Need help with HD? Ask in our Freeview
forum
i need freeview hd
I have a Bush Freesat Box model BFSAT03HD/A for which the Software
Version is V.1.0.7? Having had this box for some time now
I wish to know is there a Later Version of this Software?
Alan