About Freesat

Freesat is an exciting new digital service from the BBC and ITV. It's a subscription free service offering digital satellite channels to 98% of the country.

Freesat differs from freeview, freesat from sky and free to air satellite television. Freesat offers free high definition along with a 7 day programming guide and interactive content. With an ethernet port on the back of all boxes, there is potential for more services to be added in the future, such as video on:demand, and further interactive services.

Freesat FAQ

What is Freesat?

Freesat is an exciting new digital television and radio service offered by the BBC and ITV.

What's the difference between Freesat, Freesat from Sky and FTA satellite television?

All three of these services are a subscription free way to watch digital television. The difference between Freesat and Freesat from Sky is that Freesat from Sky is offered by Sky and requires their set top box, along with their viewing card, whereas Freesat does not need any of these. The difference between FTA(free to air) satellite television and Freesat is that Freesat has official backing from ITV and the BBC, and each of the freesat boxes can use the electronic programming guide supplied and interactive content supplied by Freesat. Although all the services are subscription free you will still need a tv licence.

How many channels do I receive?

There are currently over 80 channels, with more being added as time goes on. This number includes television and radio channels, along with high definition channels and interactive content.

Is Freesat available in my area?

Freesat covers 98% of the UK.

What equipment do I need?

To watch freesat, you will need a satellite dish along with either a set top box or a television with integrated freesat. If you have a new television which is high definition ready then you can watch high definition content. All freesat set top boxes have SCART sockets on them, allowing them to be connected to older televisions.

How much does Freesat cost?

If you don't already have a satellite dish installed then you will require installation, which costs about £80. Depending on how new your television is or if you want an all-in-one solution, then prices vary. A standard definition freesat box can cost between £49.99 and £59.99. If you have a high definition television then a high definition freesat set top box can cost between £119.99 and £164.03. If you want an all-in-one solution, then the television with integrated freesat costs between £1,199.99 and £1,599.99.

Is it possible to have freesat in more than one room?

You can have freesat in more than one room.

Is there a monthly subscription fee?

The service is free, however you will still need a TV Licence.

Will I still be able to get my text service (Ceefax or Teletext)?

Text services are available on digital television, however they work in a different way compared to those on analogue television. Digtial text services work by using arrow keys on the remote control along with the coloured buttons(red, blue green and yellow) to navigate the menus.

Are subtitles available on Freesat?

Subtitles are available on Freesat.

Is audio description available on Freesat?

Audio Description is available on Freesat.

What is an EPG?

An EPG(Electronic Programming Guide) displays all the programmes that are set to be shown in a given amount of time. The freesat EPG can show up to 7 days worth of programmes.

What is a PVR?

A PVR (Personal Video Recorder) allows you to record programmes onto an in-built hard disk drive. These programmes can then be copied from the device onto other media such as DVD or VHS cassette. PVRs normally have multiple tuners, allowing you to record two programmes while watching a third, and even allow you to pause live television.

I already have freeview - do I still need a freesat set-top box to view freesat?

Freesat and Freeview are completely different from each other. Freeview uses television signals received by your aerial, whereas freesat uses signals received by a satellite dish.

What is the difference between Standard Definition and High Definition?

Standard Definition and High Definition refer to the picture quality on your television. Standard Definition in the UK uses 576 vertical lines to display the picture, whereas high definition television can use either 780 lines or even 1080 lines. As there are more vertical lines in the picture, this means that you should have increased quality pictures.

Why do I need a HDMI/DVI/Component cable to view High Definition television?

SCART does not have the ability to carry high definition signals as the data can't be transferred quick enough to make the picture

What is S/PDIF output?

S/PDIF(Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) or optical out is a digital format of transferring audio data. These connectors are used to transfer dolby 5.1 or dts signals from your freesat set top box to your amplifier system. As the signal is sent digitally, there is no data between the two devices.

Ask James...

Here are some commonly asked questions about Freesat.

What is Freesat?

Freesat is a superb new subscription free service offered by the BBC and ITV.

What's the difference between Freesat, Freesat from Sky and FTA satellite television?

Freesat, Freesat from Sky and FTA(free to air) satellite are 3 different services. Freesat is different from Freesat from Sky as you don't require a viewing card to view the tv programmes. Freesat and FTA satellite differ, as Freesat can make use of it's own programming guide and interactive content.

How many channels do I receive with Freesat?

The freesat channel list is always growing, with talks of new channels being added daily. Currently there are over 80 digital television and radio channels, including high definition and interactive content.

What is Digital Television?

Digital Television is the new, improved way of sending television signals, meaning we can get better quality pictures, and more channels.

What do I need to watch Freesat?

To receive Freesat you will need a satellite dish, and either a freesat set top box or a television with built-in freesat.

I already have freeview built into my television - can I just plug the satellite dish directly into my television?

To watch freesat you will need a seperate set top box.

How much does freesat cost?

If you don't have a satellite dish already, you will need to install one, which will cost aroun £80. Then you will need a set top box, which depending on features can cost between £49.99 and £164.03. If you prefer an all-in-one-solution then there is the opion to buy a television with built-in freesat which costs between £1,199.99 and £1,599.99.

Can I have freesat in more than one room?

You can have freesat in more than one room.

And what about a subscription cost?

There is no monthly subscription, but you will still need a tv licence.

What's the difference between a Standard Definition and a High Defintition set-top box?

A Standard Definition box will provide a lower quality picture than a High Definition box.

Can I use Ceefax or Teletext on my freesat box?

You cannot use Ceefax or Teletext through Freesat. However, there is an alternative called BBCi which is easier to use and gives a richer experience.

How can I find out what's on?

Freesat provides an EPG(Electronic Programming Guide) which gives programming information for the next seven days. This schedule changes automatically if there are changes.

How do I watch High Definition Television?

To watch High Definition Television you will need a HD Ready television combined with a high definition set top box. You will then need to plug in your HDMI/DVI cable/Component cables between your television and freesat set top box and then go through the process in the manual to change the setting to watch high definition television. Another option is to buy a television with integrated freesat.

What is S/PDIF?

S/PDIF(Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) or optical out is used to carry audio signals to your amplifier so that you can watch your tv programmes in dolby 5.1 or using dts technology.

What is a PVR?

A PVR(Personal Video Recorder) can be used to record one or more programs onto an inbuilt hard disk drive within your freesat set top box. These programmes can also be moved onto DVDs or VHS cassettes later. Most PVRs also offer the oppurtunity to pause live television.