A free satellite service has long been recognised as a way of filling the gaps in Freeview's coverage that didn't force viewers to sign up to Sky, but it's taken a long time to go from dream to reality.
The road to Freesat started five years ago, when the BBC abandoned encryption on its satellite broadcasts, but it was another two years before ITV followed suit. In September 2005 the two announced that Freesat would launch about six months later, and it then went very quiet until last year.
Long development
The successful trial of high-definition TV on Freeview in late 2006 seemed to bring the free-to-air broadcasters together again, and there were rumours that Channel 4 would be able to leave the Sky umbrella. A launch date of spring 2008 was announced, followed by several equipment manufacturers committing to the cause.
We knew that it would have an EPG and interactive TV software based on the same MHEG-5 system used by Freeview, it would have Freeview Playback-style recording functions, and HD channels.
Otherwise, facts remained hard to track down, with rumours that the partners couldn't agree on a technical specification, so the receivers wouldn't be developed in time. As the clocked ticked down it was still very unclear whether any of Channel 4's digital family would be able to join, or even if there would be any products to put in the shops.
Freesat finally came to life on May 6. Three manufacturers remain on board, but at least Channel 4 has broken free, even if Five remains shackled to Sky So after all this anticipation, how does the UK's independent satellite TV platform compare to Freeview, and to its pay-TV rivals?
Cost options
Freesat's key selling point is that there's no contract or subscription, just the cost of the set-top box and installation. Unlike Freesat from Sky, which has a set £150 cost and delivers a standard Digibox with a single-room installation, there are a range of Freesat receivers and installation options depending on which retailer you visit.
It's initially available online and in-store from Argos, John Lewis, Currys Digital and Comet but throughout the summer a number of independent electrical retailers will also be licensed to sell Freesat.
Reception
Freesat is available to 98 per cent of UK homes, using a standard 45cm minidish.
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Your comments (4) Click to add a new comment
atkinsar
August 28th
4. I'm currently using Freesat from Sky since cancelling my Sky subscription, biggest downside is no sky plus...that's why I'll be switching to freesat as soon as the Humax HD PVR box is released (whenever that will be!!).
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boff
July 18th
3. I use "FreeSat from SKY", using an old Sky box. Sky has just reloaded its EPG to pick up all the FREESAT channels , and this usefully includes the 'Channel 4' channels 'More4' and E4 which are now free! They used to be included in SKY's subscription groups, There is no need for a FREESAT box, unless you want to use the FREESAT EPG.
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shyguy
July 17th
2. Does anyone know whether anybody will be releasing a freesat CAM (conditional access module) as a lot of people who have already got a new tv with freeview built in have CI slots and won't want more clutter around their tv... and is this even possible?
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flea79
July 14th
1. hmm interesting moment today at the daily grind at currys, a freelance satelite tv installer has been round overy store in the north west buying up humax freeview boxes as the wholesalers cant get hold of them, allthough the nice man didnt take every single box.
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