May
U.K. gets 200 channels of Freesat
Residents of the U.K. have been enjoying free digital channels for several years now through a service called Freeview. For the price of a new digital set top box (around US$80) you get access to 30+ TV channels and radio broadcasts through a standard TV aerial.
Now another new service has launched called Freesat, which requires the use of a satellite receiver dish instead of a standard aerial. Freesat is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV and will be available to 98% of U.K. households. Straight away it will offer 80 channels including TV, radio and high-definition content as well, but this will increase to 200 channels by the end of 208.
Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat commented:
Today is a landmark day for digital TV in the UK – the launch of a new digital satellite service which brings free HD programmes to everyone … With more than 9.6 million HD-ready televisions already sold in the UK, but only a tiny fraction of those who own them currently able to receive HD programmes, there’s a big opportunity for Freesat to lead the way in introducing the UK to high definition viewing.
The cost of having the system is a little higher than that of Freeview. Users have to purchase a satellite dish with installation for US$160 and then choose either a standard (US$100) or HD (US$240) set top box. After that the service will be totally free to use.
Freesat is seen as another key service in ensuring the digital transition happens as smoothly as possible. Not only will it offer a lot more free channels, but it is also seen as a solution for those in the country who can’t get good access to Freeview.
Read more at Vnunet.com and the BBC press release
Matthew’s Opinion
I like Freeview, but have a problem with how cheap and unreliable the digital boxes are. It doesn’t seem to matter which brand name you buy as they all have the same problems where they freeze or corrupt their GUI on-screen.
Freesat does sound like a nice alternative and has the added bonus of a lot more channels. The price is higher, but you only pay it once unlike other subscription satellite TV services. Some people will be put off by the installation requirements, but many will just see the extra channels, no subscription and promise of more HD content and opt for Freesat instead of Freeview.
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