A guide to Freesat

What is Freesat?

Now households can opt for satellite television without the expensive subscription fees through Freesat, a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. Aiming to help people access the best of free digital television, regardless of where they live, the service offers more than 150 digital TV and radio channels. A detailed, electronic UK TV guide helps viewers to choose from a wide range of programming.

A number of extras are also thrown in with Freesat, including high-definition (HD) viewing, Freesat+, and On Demand channels.
The service is traditionally received via satellite dish and a service box, as with Sky television services – however, some modern televisions now offer Freesat as a built-in feature.

Channels

In addition to all of the BBC and ITV channels, Freesat customers recieve satellite channels including E4, More4, the Horror Channel, and various CBS channels ( Drama, Reality and Action). News channels, alongside BBC offerings, include Al Jazeera, CNN and Bloomberg, and classic films can be viewed on Channel 4's Film4 channel. Various music channels are also included, as well as specialist programming from the Wedding Channel, the Food Network and Showcase.
Radio services are also provided by Freesat, including BBC national and regional stations covering Scotland, London and Wales. A variety of commercial stations are also provided.

Freesat+

With Freesat+, viewers can record programmes to watch at a later date. Using the electronic programme guide, programmes can be selected to be recorded by the Freesat box, without tapes, discs or timers. 

In addition, the service can record two channels simultaneously, helping customers to avoid the dilemma of which programme to watch when two favourites are scheduled for the same time slot.

Freesat+ also allows viewers to pause live television, ensuring that a trip to the bathroom or making a cup of tea does not put you at risk of missing an important part of your favourite show.

On demand TV

Another popular feature provided by Freesat is On Demand viewing, whereby customers can access BBC iPlayer through their television. Programmes shown over the past week across the BBC channels can be re-watched or caught up with using the simple BBC TV guide. ITV Player is due to be added to the service's On Demand channels, widening the choice of programming viewers can enjoy.

HD viewing

Freesat users can also enjoy BBC and ITV programming in high definition (HD). Improved picture quality and richer colours can help to bring programmes to life, making the action appear closer and more real. Viewers do not have to pay extra for HD programming, as is the case with other satellite television packages, but get to enjoy clear, detailed picture quality free of charge.

Freesat offers updates on its services, channels and future plans, while the Radio Times website provides UK TV reviews and recommendations. Make the most of your viewing by referring to UK Net Guides' online TV guide.

13/05/2011

 

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