Freesat Launches Today May 06, 2008

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Most of the UK’s households will be able to tune into a raft of new, free-to-air digital TV channels today following the official launch of Freesat.

The venture, co-owned by the BBC and ITV, will bring up to 80 TV and radio channels to 98% of UK households and, the best bit, is that there’s no ongoing subscription fees. Once you shell out for digital box, satellite dish and installation – which ranges from around £150 to £220 for a standard definition or HD box – there’s no more payments. Freeview currently has 47 channels but 20% of UK households can’t get the service.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Freesat’s Emma Scott commented:

"It's got 98% coverage across the UK and it's only homes that really don't have a clear line of sight to the satellite that can't get it, or certain listed buildings. But unlike Freeview you can receive Freesat across the country, which means that in those areas that at the moment can't get access to free digital television this is the first time that you can get free digital TV."

The big advantage of Freesat is that it will offer a lot of top HD channels for free, whereas Sky HD viewers have to pay for many of the HD channels (sports and movies) on offer. This summer, those opting for Freesat will be able to watch the Olympics, Euro 2008 and Wimbledon, among other sporting highlights, in HD as long as they have a HDTV. Those already with Sky may be able to use their existing boxes to receive the new Freesat channels.

This summer, BBC2’s Heroes will be available in HD. By the end of the year, Freesat is hoping to offer as many as 200 channels.-Martin Lynch

[Freesat via BBC]

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