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Freesat launches today Tuesday 6th May |
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Written by Telly Addict
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Tuesday, 06 May 2008 |
Freesat, the new, free, digital satellite television service which is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV launches today, Tuesday 6 May 2008.
Freesat brings over 80 free digital channels – television, radio, interactive – plus high definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV to 98% of the UK population.
Freesat requires only a one-off payment for the receiver and installation of a satellite dish. Freesat has no subscription and no contract.
From an initial launch of 80 channels, more channels will be added each month until 200 channels will be on air by the end of 2008.
Freesat's initial channel line-up includes some of the most popular digital TV channels: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four; ITV1, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4; Channel 4, E4, More4 and Film4; news channels BBC News and Al-Jazeera English; children's channels CBBC, CBeebies and CiTV; music channels Chartshow TV and The Vault; interactivity from BBCi; digital radio; and the superlative picture quality of BBC HD and ITV HD.
Freesat will carry the BBC HD channel from today, with ITV HD launching exclusively on Freesat soon.
Freesat equipment
Freesat will have three different types of receiver: a standard definition box, a High Definition HD box and an HD integrated digital TV with Freesat built-in (IDTV).
The set top boxes are manufactured by Goodmans, Bush, Grundig (the Alba Group) and Humax. The IDTV is made by Panasonic and will be available in June.
Box prices will start from £49, with a high definition box available from £120, plus installation costs from around £80. (Installation includes the satellite dish).
Later this summer Alba and Humax digital television recorders will also be available so viewers can record, pause, rewind and fast forward their favourite Freesat TV programmes.
Freesat has its own seven-day on-screen electronic programme guide (EPG) and a channel guide so that viewers can easily find the programmes they want.
Where to get Freesat equipment and installation
Freesat is available in shops and online from major high street outlets Argos, Comet, Currys and John Lewis, plus some independent retailers. Retailers sell equipment and can also arrange installation by approved installers.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 06 May 2008 )
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