BBC and ITV launch Freesat in the UK

Source: Technology Digital

Date :07/05/2008 13:35:34

Freesat, a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, launched yesterday, offers a free satellite television and radio service to almost all of the UK.

The service has over 80 free digital channels available to 98 percent of households, including high definition services from the BBC and ITV. There is no subscription and no contract, so all that is required is a one-off payment for the equipment.

Line-up

Freesat’s channel line-up will grow each month, with up to 200 channels on air by the end of the year. The initial line-up includes some of the most popular digital TV channels, such as BBC One and BBC Two, ITV1 and ITV2, as well as Channel 4 and E4. News channels, children’s channels and music channels are also available.

The BBC HD channel will be carried by Freesat from the launch, with ITV HD launching exclusively soon afterwards.

Emma Scott, Managing Director of Freesat, said, “With more than 9.6 million HD-ready televisions already sold in the UK, but only a tiny fraction of those who own them currently able to receive HD programmes, there’s a big opportunity for Freesat to lead the way in introducing the UK to high definition viewing.”

Equipment

Freesat will have three different types of receiver: a standard definition box, an HD box and an HD integrated digital TV with Freesat built-in.

Box prices will start from £49, with a high definition box available from £120, plus installation costs from around £80.

May 07, 2008