Freesat is a revolutionary satellite television service available to nearly everyone throughout the UK. Freesat’s free-to-air digital satellite television service provides customers with over 150 channels without the need to pay monthly subscription fees. Once you purchase a receiver and a satellite dish, you have absolutely nothing more to pay. A wide selection of receivers is available for any budget and for any need, including standard definition (SD) receivers, high-definition (HD) receivers, and receivers built in to the latest flat-panel televisions.
About Freesat
Freesat is a joint venture by the BBC and ITV, which are the two largest free television broadcasters in the UK. Freesat is made available as a digital alternative to expensive subscription-based digital cable service. An early precursor to Freesat was Freeview, but Freeview was available to only 73 percent of people in the UK. In contrast, full Freesat service is available to over 90 percent of the population.
Freesat Channels
When Freesat first launched in 2008, the channel list was very limited. National channels from the BBC and ITV were rounded out by Channel 4, CSC Media, Euronews and Al Jazeera. In addition, only a single HD channel was available.
Today, Freesat boasts over 183 channels listed on their electronic programming guide (EPG). Of these, 138 are television channels. Also included are five HD channels and two on-demand channels. The current HD channel lineup includes BBC, BBC One, ITV1, Channel 4 and NHK World. Most HD programming is also available with Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound for a full and rich television experience.
Other channels are available in each of the following categories:
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Entertainment
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News & Sports
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Movies
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Lifestyle
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Music
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Children
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Special Interest
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Shopping
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Regional
Freesat service is continually upgraded with new channels, and several channels are currently in open beta testing on select brands and models of Freesat receivers. Freesat Receivers When Freesat first began in 2008, only two receivers were available for the service. Today, that number has increased exponentially, with receivers being manufactured by eleven top electronics companies. Freesat receivers are available in several models, each with their own set of features. Among the types of receivers you may purchase are standard definition, high-definition, Freesat+ recorders and receivers built in to TVs. Freesat receivers and satellite dishes can be purchased from electronics dealers located across the United Kingdom. They are also available from several online stores. In addition, most dealers will be able to provide you with professional installation service. Installation may be even easier if you live in a flat. Many buildings have communal Freesat dishes already installed, so all you have to do is plug in your receiver, connect it to your television and you are ready to go. Freesat+ receivers are some of the best-selling of all Freesat receivers. Top manufacturers of these receivers include Samsung, Humax, Echostar and Panasonic. Most Freesat+ receivers come with either a 320GB or 500GB hard drive, so you have room to record all of your favourite movies and programmes. Freesat HD TVs provide even more convenience than stand-alone receivers. These TVs are available in a variety of models and sizes. Two of the leading manufacturers of Freesat HD TVs are Panasonic and Samsung.