What is Freeview?

Freeview is a digital TV service which is available through standard TV aerials. The only equipment needed to get Freeview is a digital set-top box or a TV which already has Freeview built-in. All of the programmes on Freeview are free to watch.

What is Freeview HD?

Freeview HD allows viewers with HD televisions to enjoy certain programmes in glorious high-definition (HD). Channels from the BBC, ITV and Channel 4 are currently available on Freeview HD. Channel Five had hoped to be available in HD by the end of 2010, but complications have delayed the launch until 2012.

Until recently, there simply wasn’t enough space on the airwaves for HD transmission to be possible on Freeview. However, because more analogue channels have been switched off as part of the digital switchover, there is now adequate airwave space for Freeview HD transmission to be viable. It is estimated that approximately 98% of the UK will be able to get Freeview HD by 2012.

What is Freeview +?

Freeview + is a service which allows you to record your favourite programmes for viewing at a later date. To use the service you will need to purchase a personal video recorder (PVR) with the Freeview + logo. As well as recording programmes, PVR’s allow you to pause live TV so that you can come back and watch the end of a programme at a more convenient time.

Want to know more? We at Aerial Force can answer all your questions. To find out about our aerial fitting services, call today.

Let’s start with the basics; Sky TV is one of our most popular digital TV options. We’re pretty much inundated daily with requests for new digital TV aerials and set top boxes that will receive the much sought-after Sky TV signal.

To receive Sky TV, you’ll need to pay a monthly subscription. However, if you opt for Freesat (Sky’s free-to-view digital TV option) there is no monthly charge, but simply a one-off payment.

Self-installation is nigh-on impossible, since you need to have a professionally fitted Sky dish installed. Nonetheless, if you’ve moved into a house with a Sky dish or are considering re-starting a cancelled contract, our engineers can come out and take a look to check everything’s in working order.

With completion of the digital switchover imminent and technology racing ahead, we’re happy to say that scores of our clients are on board for one of our favourite digital TV innovations, multi-room viewing.

Basically, with Multiroom you can watch digital TV in any room of your house via a single system.  Sky HD is on the cutting edge of digital TV options. Incredible picture quality and a massive variety of Sky HD channels means you’ll have the very best of digital TV at your fingertips in the living room, kitchen, bedroom, or maybe even the toilet (we won’t judge).

Do you endure nightly squabbles over who has the remote? Sky HD Multiroom will mean everybody gets their own way at the same time, which was unheard of before now.

To create a bespoke Sky Multiroom solution, chat to one of our team to arrange a hassle-free viewing with one of our accomplished installers.

Hot on the heels of Freeview digital TV, Sky has come up with its own subscription-free digital TV option in the form of Freesat, Freesat HD and Freesat+.

Similarly to Freeview, Freesat is received via a set top box. There’s a one-off payment of around £175 (depending on any TV aerial installation costs) and there is no monthly subscription. Included in the one-off payment is the Freesat set top box, mini Sky dish and viewing card (included to make upgrading to Sky TV’s monthly subscription packages as quick, cheap and easy as possible) Of course prices can vary a little depending on what type of TV aerial installation you might require.

Remember a few blog entries ago when we told you about the magnificent 40 channels or Freeview? Sky Freesat boasts a massive 240 channels including music, films, sports, documentaries, and comedy – all the favourites that have made Sky TV the monolith of media we recognise it as today.

The most recent revolutionary addition to the Sky family is Freesat HD. You’ll need to make sure your current Freesat set top box is HD compatible, otherwise an upgrade could be in order.

Also on offer is the fabulous Freesat+ option, with which your remote becomes almost like a magic wand. Freesat+ enables you to record, pause and rewind live TV, and set programmes to record the same show weekly. You could pause Life on Earth while you nip to make a cup of tea, leaving you wondering how you ever lived without Freesat+ set top boxes before.

Freeview HD receivers will be available for purchase next week, namely from Humax (who were the initial manufacturers of the Freesat SD, HD & PVR receivers) and Bush.

The new Freeview HD set top boxes will decode the new DVB T2 signal broadcasted from your local digital ready transmitter. Although currently, only viewers receiving Freeview from Winter Hill and Crystal Palace transmitters can receive the new Freeview HD signal, others will soon follow and the service will be rolled throughout the United Kingdom, with the entire country able to receive HD broadcasts by the end of 2012.

If you have already purchased a Freeview TV which is HD ready, you will also unfortunately need to purchase the new DVB-T2 compliant Freeview HD set top box to decode HD broadcast.

Freeview have recently announced the next phase of their free viewing platform, by introducing HD (High Definition) content via it’s free television service. However, there is alot of confusion among consumers on how and when they will be able to watch these HD broadcasts.

Freeview HD was initially be introduced to the Granada region, with the Crystal Palace transmitter being upgraded soon after, however, despite these regions now transmitting the High Definition signals, no-one can actually watch/decode these transmissions (except those with the right computer equipment).

Any Freeview receiver or TV will require a decoder with the new DVB-T2 Tuner that will process the newer signal – however there is no television or receiver that currently retails to do this. Furthermore, any television that has been purchased which has an integrated Freeview tuner, and HD capabilities, will still require a separate DVB-T2 Freeview receiver when available to watch the HD channels!

However, once available, consumers will have a choice of Free HD broadcasts from channels such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and eventually Five.

Although there are only currently 2 regions already transmitting Freeview HD, many regions will have to wait until the complete digital switchover has commenced in their area to receive the new higher definition broadcasts.