Freeview HD Box - Available Next Week!

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 HD - When, How, What, Where?

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.