Unofficial Guide to FreeSat
FreeSat is a digital satellite TV service that launched in May 2008. It's a joint venture from the BBC and ITV. We've discussed this in recent podcasts, and this page provides more information on the service.
What is FreeSat?
If you're looking for satellite TV in the UK, Sky Digital is the main provider, but many of their channels require a subscription. Freesat offers a range of free channels, all for a one-off installation fee.
FreeSat is a joint venue with the BBC and ITV – You'll get over 80 TV and radio channels for a one-off installation fee.
Many of the channels you can get on Freeview are present, including Channel 4, E4, ITV2, ITV3, BBC3, BBC News, CBBC and CiTV. Channel 5 is missing from the lineup, but is expected soon. Other channels include Film 4, True Movies, Movies4Men, Euronews, Men and Motors, plus the English Al-Jazeera service.
There are also subscription-free HD channels from the BBC and ITV, plus the BBC radio stations.
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When will FreeSat launch?
It has! The official launch date was 6th May 2008, with receivers being available on the high-street.
Freesat EPG on a Humax FoxSat
FreeSat receivers
It seems that there will be three types of receiver on offer - standard definition, high-definition and PVR-receivers (although PVRs won't be out until around July/August 08). Receivers will be available from Comet, Currys, Argos and John Lewis. Here's some info on the range announced at launch.
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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 More below £149.99 - from Argos |
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High-Def: No PVR: No Connectors: 2 x SCART, LNB in/Out, Ethernet £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 |
Getting FreeSat
To get Freesat, you need a dish pointing in the direction of the Sky Digital satellite (Astra / Eutelsat). If you have an existing Sky dish, chances are this is good enough, otherwise you'll need to get a dish installed. Freesat's price for this is £80 (or £120 for two rooms). You'll get a 45cm to 80 cm mesh-type dish.
You'll also need a special Freesat set-top box to receive Freesat's channels and the Freesat Electronic Programme Guide.
The Humax FoxSat Receiver
As rare as hen's teeth on the day of launch, but we found one, and took a look at what Humax's HD receiver had to offer. You can hear our initial comments in our Audio Update released on the 6th May:
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Here's a quick photo of the Humax Foxsat in situ:
Front view of the Humax FoxSat HD Freesat receiver
And a shot of the connectors on the back:
Rear view - LNB, 2 x SCART, HDMI, Ethernet, USB, Component, Video, Stereo, SP/DIF
Alternatives to Freesat?
Here's some information on other satellite services available in the UK
Pay-once, watch-forever: This is a cheap way to get around 200 basic free-to-air channels. For a one-off payment, you get the kit installed. No monthly fee. Available online only from John Lewis and Dixons for £75
(OFFER: 10% off at Dixons when using code SKY10 at the checkout - May 2008 only!)
- DIY Satellite Kit: If you fancy installing your own dish and digibox, get this DIY kit. This includes satellite dish, digital TV receiver, and LNB, and will allow you to get the free-to-view channels offered on Sky's satellite. No subscription, no cards, no recurring fees - Available from Maplin.
For the widest choice of satellite channels, consider signing to Sky - Details at www.sky.com/skycom.
Freesat Questions
- Can I use a Sky dish to get Freesat? Yes, almost certainly. More
- Can I use a different receiver? Possibly, but you won't get the Freesat EPG. More
- Can I get Freesat outside the UK? Possibly, if you're in the Astra and Eurobird satellite footprint. More
- Am I in coverage? 98% of the UK population should be able to get Freesat - you need to be able to have a dish attached to your property pointed in a roughly South-Easterly direction with clear view to the sky - not always possible. More
Got a question on Freesat?
Call 0208 133 4567 or send us a message
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