Freesat HD is a brand new free-to-air digital satellite television platform developed by the BBC and ITV plc. Freesat HD delivers over 130 free UK digital television and radio channels, plus rich interactive content HD content and new channels being introduced almost weekly. The service launched on May 6th 2008 and offers an alternative to Sky Digital HD by offering a huge selection of channels without subscription and without the need for an expensive HD Sky Digibox or subscription.
Simple post Code set up means the box will automatically set regional variations of your BBC, ITV, and Channel 4. So you will always be able to watch your local news and weather no matter where you sitting. Super strong tuners and new frequencies mean gone are the days of missing Channel 4 and with the full Four channel line-up E4, More4, 4Music, Film4 and the +1 options there is a great selection. The service will make use of the additional capacity available on satellite to offer High Definition (HD) channels. Freesat HD was set up to ensure that all UK households have the opportunity to access digital HD TV and Radio, subscription-free. The Public Service platform will include high definition programmes – without having to pay a monthly subscription. Freesat HD is funded 50/50 by ITV and the BBC, and is run on a not-for-profit basis.
BBC and ITV, the two main public service broadcasters in the UK, have made their services available digitally through two platforms, digital terrestrial (Freeview) and digital satellite (Sky Digital). On digital terrestrial, the channels have always been available free of charge with appropriate equipment. However, Freeview is currently available to only 73% of the UK population and impossible to receive outside of the UK using Freeview set top boxes. In order to provide fuller coverage and a larger number of channels, a digital satellite alternative is necessary.
The digital satellite platform has largely been controlled by the commercial operator BSkyB. Initially, both the BBC's and ITV's channels were encrypted since the original satellites used for Sky
Digital broadcast to most of Europe though the broadcasters' rights for premium content such as films and sports typically covered the UK only. The use of encryption meant that any viewer wishing to view the channels had to purchase equipment from Sky and pay for a free-to-view viewing card in order to decrypt the channels. Similarly, in order to use the Videoguard encryption, the broadcasters needed to pay massive annual fees to NDS.
In May 2003, the BBC moved all of their channels onto the Astra 2D satellite which focuses more tightly on the UK. This allowed the BBC to stop encrypting their broadcasts while continuing to meet their licence and copyright obligations. However, it is possible to receive Astra 2D here in Spain using the correct size dish and compatible LNB. In September 2005, the BBC and ITV announced that they would collaborate on a free-to-air satellite service to complement Freeview. Two months later, ITV began broadcasting in the clear.
The free-to-air channels could then be received using any standard digital satellite (DVB-S) receiver. However, the Freesat project aimed to provide a more managed and easy to use service with an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), interactive features and approved auto tuning receivers, similar to the Sky Digital service.
What equipment will you require to watch Freesat HD?
There are two types of FreeSat receiver currently available — Standard Definition (SD) -only receivers (€189) and High Definition (HD) receivers (€299) As most households now use HD ready LCD televisions, demand for the HD box is growing. Few people realize they are not making use of the HD until they connect up a HD source. i.e. A blueray DVD player, or a HD Freesat box or HD Skydigital receiver.
You will also require a satellite dish positioned to receive the Astra 2d 28 degrees east. The dish will need to be at least 1.2m for reception here in southern Spain. For users who do not currently have a satellite dish, Nerja Solutions offer an installation service which costs around €300. If you currently have a Sky dish working here in Spain, this can also be used for Freesat HD, you could have both Freesat HD and Sky digital services from the same dish by using a Twin dual output LNB. Tested and working HD receivers include the Foxsat HD. Other brands have been tested here in southern Spain using 1.2m and 1.3m dishes with varying results. Humax will launch a twin-tuner HD PVR 'in the next couple of months'. This will allow tapeless ¨Sky Plus´ type service with the ability to watch one channel whilst recording another. Freesat is likely to be the sole free platform for high definition content for the next few years. Currently, no high definition channels are available via digital terrestrial. The only current alternative is with a Sky digital subscription, and using their HD receiver costing around €500. You are then tied to a 55.50UKP monthly subscription.
BBC HD is already broadcasting an extensive HD service, with a prime-time schedule that will expand over the next few years. The BBC's hi-def services are broadcast in 1080i with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround audio.
BBC HD recently aired the 2008 Olympics and to date has a great line up of HD transitions including Bonekickers, Britain from Above, Criminal Justice, Gardeners´ World, Oceans, Spooks: Code 9, Strictly Come Dancing, Torchwood, Jonathan Ross and many more. Sport fans will be able to see cricket, rugby, tennis and next seasons F1, live and HD on BBC HD
ITV HD Has now began transmitting. It is accessible via the red button rather than given an individual EPG slot and is viewable exclusively on Freesat HD equipment. Football fans will be pleased to here that all UEFA Champions League Matches are planned to be shown in full HD. Also in HD favourites like X factor as well as many new ITV drama series including Lost in Austen and The Children.Channel 4 HD has plans to join Freesat so expect this channel sometime later in 2008.
For more information and a rundown on the current channel list please call Nerja Solutions on 952527145
