What is Freesat ?

Freesat is a new free to air satellite service from the BBC and ITV delivering digital TV and radio to the UK. freesat is a not-for-profit company owned by the BBC and ITV.

freesat was officially launched on the 6th May 2008, a joint venture between the BBC and ITV offering over 130 digital TV and radio channels, including High Definition programmes from the BBC and ITV.

With freesat, HD (High Definition) programmes are subscription-free after a one-off purchase of the set top box and installation of a satellite dish if required, if you currently have a satellite dish used for SKY digital the chances are you could just buy the set top box and enjoy. No subscription, no contract, ever. Just a one-off payment, then nothing more to pay.

freesat is similar to Freeview but with capabilities for hundreds of channels and HD programming from the start, it is technically impossible for Freeview to offer the same amount of content due to bandwidth restraints even after digital switch over is completed in 2012.

Apart from the main attraction of freesat's increased content and HD programming freesat is capable of reaching anywhere in the UK where a clear line of sight can be seen to the Astra satellite at 28.2 east of west, this compares with Freeview currently only capable of reaching 73% of the population, even after digital switch over is completed in 2012 it is estimated that only 90% of the population will be able to receive the full Freeview service so freesat's future certainly looks bright.

What is needed to receive Freesat? To receive freesat you will need a freesat receiver connected to a satellite dish. There are two types of freesat receiver SD (Standard Definition) and HD (High Definition), at the moment all programs that come via your conventional TV aerial on the roof of you house are Standard Definition even with a Freeview set top box or Freeview TV everything currently is Standard Definition. They only way up to now to receive HD (High Definition) was to subscribe to SKY Digital who monopolise the market. Now freesat has arrived the monopoly has ended, for satellite free to view that is. If you do not have or plan to have a HD (High Definition) TV or are not that fussed about HD you can purchase a cheaper SD (Standard Definition) receiver (set top box) at launch SD freesat receivers were retailing for around £50 (this does not include installation). If you wish to watch television in HD (High Definition) or plan to in the future you will need a slightly more expensive HD freesat receiver, at launch HD freesat receivers were retailing for around £120 to £150 (this does not include installation). Important! To receive HD (High Definition) channels you will a need a HD ready television look for the badge most LCD/Plasma TV's sold in the last few years are HD ready (please refer to you television manual to confirm) your TV should have a special socket called a HDMI socket. All HD and SD freesat receivers come with conventional SCART sockets, however you will NOT be able to view HD (High Definition) if you connect this way. SD freesat receivers do not have a HDMI socket To connect the HD (High Definition) freesat receiver to your HD ready TV you will also require a HDMI lead, this carries the picture and sound digitally unlike SCART which is analogue, some HD receivers at launch were shipping with HDMI leads or were available separately for around £10. We would recommend If you can afford a HD (High Definition) freesat receiver even if you do not have a HD TV yet that you go for the HD receiver to future proof yourself as the image is over four times more detailed than a Standard Definition picture and more broadcasters will be broadcasting programmes in HD, there are no plans to stop broadcasting in Standard Definition most programmes will be broadcast in both formats in the future.                                                  If you do not currently have a satellite dish on your property (currently or previously capable of receiving SKY Digital) you will need a small satellite dish installed similar or the same as a dish used for receiving SKY Digital, (freesat uses the same satellites used by SKY digital) Active Aerials offer installation starting at £60 for a single feed to one freesat receiver, but we can also offer additional multiple feeds from the same satellite dish to allow freesat receivers in other rooms or dual feeds for the freesat PVR (personal video recorder) which have twin tuners and consequently require two feeds. Purchase your receiver and let us install it for you. If installation is required it can be done after you have purchased your receiver and we will setup and demonstrate it. You are not obliged to buy installation and you will be able to buy the receiver on it's own. If you are advised it can only be purchased with installation ask to speak to the manager or shop elsewhere. It was an issue at launch because of poor installations that created problems with retail outlets having boxes returned. We are accredited and approved installers for Freesat. Poor installation practice is not an issue.. As freesat is a one of purchase you do not have any subscription or contract to receive over 140 channels. This includes HD (High Definition) channels from the BBC & ITV, hopefully Channel 4 and Five will also follow in the future along with other broadcasters.  Also now available are twin tuner PVR's (similar to SKY+) and HDTV's with freesat built in. Active Aerials & Systems can install multiple receivers in the home with only one dish. allowing freedom to watch individual channels in any room. see ‘Distribution’ Our advise and quotes are free Got Broadband...Get BBC iPlayer via your Freesat Receiver. Active Aerials can install your network cable for you.