Millions of homes in the UK currently have HD TV sets but still only watch television in standard definition. This is all changing, with the arrival of Freeview HD.
Freeview HD is a service that now provides not only the same standard definition channels that Freeview currently hosts, but also high-definition offerings from the BBC, Channel 4 and ITV.
These new high-def channels are free to view, so there is no subscription necessary. The only cost comes from the fact that anyone wanting to view the new service will have to buy a new Freeview HD-compatible set-top box or a Freeview HD TV with a DVB-T2 tuner to decode the HD transmissions.
Old Freeview (DVB-T) tuners – in both televisions and set-top boxes – can't decode Freeview HD signals and can only receive the existing standard definition channels.
What is Freeview HD?
Broadcasters bundle the Freeview TV channels into six groups, or multiplexes, with each one being transmitted separately on a slightly different frequency. This is why in areas of poor reception, you can sometimes only receive a random collection of channels – it's common with indoor aerials to not be able to receive all six of the multiplexes perfectly.
With Freeview HD, the new HD channels took over one of these six multiplexes, and the channels that were in that multiplex before were distributed across the other five. This is why during the switchover many people have had to retune their standard Freeview TVs and boxes multiple times, with seemingly little effect. It's all about reshuffling the existing channels to make room for the new HD content.
Freeview HD set-top boxes and TVs are able to tune into and play back the five standard definition DVB-T multiplexes, and of course, the renewed sixth DVB-T2 multiplex. This means that all current standard Freeview equipment will continue to function perfectly well with the SD channels, while only DVB-T2 tuners will be able to see the HD channels.
Why should I care about watching TV in HD?
Freeview HD is transmitted at a higher bitrate than standard Freeview channels. This means the picture arrives at a higher resolution and contains more detail, while the audio is often better too.
Standard definition pictures were designed primarily for smaller CRT televisions. Modern day HD TVs are much bigger, and are capable of displaying more pixels. So if you've paid for an HD TV but aren't able to receive HD pictures, you're missing out.
What channels are available in HD?
Currently there are four channels available in high definition on Freeview HD. These are:
- BBC One HD (channel 50). Exactly the same as BBC One, except it's in high definition
- ITV1 HD (channel 51). Exactly the same as ITV1, except it's in high definition
- Channel 4 HD (channel 52). Exactly the same as Channel 4, except it's in high definition
- BBC HD (channel 54). An assortment of BBC content in HD. Sometimes you'll get an HD simulcast with BBC 2, at other times you'll get repeats in HD.
- More HD channels will appear over time - your box will tell you when to retune!
Can I get Freeview HD?
Most areas in the UK can now receive the DVB-T2 signal, but there are some regions that are a little behind. You can find out for sure by entering your postcode on the official Freeview HD coverage checker.
How do I get Freeview HD?
To watch Freeview HD signals you'll need a device capable of decoding the DVB-T2 signal. That'll either be a simple Freeview HD tuner (set-top box), a Freeview+ HD PVR box (which will allow you to record shows as well as pause and rewind live TV) or a new TV with a DVB-T2 tuner built-in.
You shouldn't need to buy a new aerial, because even a basic indoor aerial is capable of picking up the signal, providing the signal is strong enough. This is partially because Freeview HD is compressed using MPEG-4 instead of the less efficient MPEG-2. If you can already receive a good Freeview signal, you shouldn't experience any reception issues.
Our favourite Freeview HD equipment:
The first Freeview HD box was the Humax HD-FOX T2. It cost £170 on launch but since then it's had a number of firmware updates to include BBC iPlayer access and PVR-like recording functionality. It's also available for under £80.
There are lots of options available now, here are a few good'uns to get you started:
Freeview HD boxes:
Freeview+ HD PVRs/recorders:
What other HD broadcasts are available?
Freesat: Freeview HD isn't the only source of free HD TV content in the UK. There's also Freesat, which is very similar but comes into your home via a satellite dish instead of a TV aerial. Freesat has no subscription charge, so again the only cost is in buying a box or a compatible TV, and a satellite dish, if you don't have one already.
Freesat also has more HD content available, so if you're an HD enthusiast looking to upgrade, Freesat might be a better option.
Sky+HD: If you're happy to buy a TV subscription, you could also pay for Sky+HD.
Virgin Media: Virgin Media also has plenty of HD channels – but again, there are subscription charges at work here.
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Liked this? Then check out The ultimate guide to Freesat
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Your comments (14) Click to add a new comment
james
August 11th 2011
14. @oxthorn - no they have no way of accessing this information. The mandatory internet connection is used for things like firmware updates and on demand services like iPlayer. And of course - the box will work fine if you decide not to hook it up to the internet at all...
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oxthorn
August 8th 2011
13. My question and concern is, DVB-T2 required an internet connection.
Does this mean the TV Licensing Commission is going to know exactly who is receiving these channels? and where they live?
I am asking because it's a good question.
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5352
July 13th 2011
12. i have a teckia freeview box hd with tv nomel freeview how to i get itv hd back
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bradavon
July 13th 2011
11. Why can't BBC HD be changed to BBC2 HD? Five HD needs to come too.
@ Thehesh: Exactly.
@ 007: 1080p50 is inferior to Blu-ray, which is for the most part 1080p24.
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xmb
June 14th 2010
10. No mention of the problems with surround sound?
One there is a lack of 5.1 material and two most Freeview HD units don't actually output 5.1 sound! This is due to the use of the HE-AAC audio which needs to be transcoded into Dolby Digital AC3 for use by any surround sound equipment.
This should be looked at in any review of equipment as it is a key point!
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thehesh
February 15th 2010
9. You have to remember that 1080p/720p or whatever are just a screen resolutions and not the overall quality of the footage.
The quality of the footage is dictated by the bitrate. Here's some examples of video bitrates:
BBC HD: 9.1Mbps
BBC Freeview: 3.2Mbps
Sky HD: 14.1Mbps
These are figures obtained from various sources to give you an idea of the different channels and how much more picture info there is in HD. Blu-ray is another level again!
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bradman
January 5th 2010
8. To all you number-chasing 1080p addicts. This is no guarantee of better picture quality. Just look at how bad standard definition digital terrestrial TV has become. The recent snooker coverage by the BBC on Freeview was a disgrace. Remember that Freeview has the potential to look as good as DVD. I watched "The Electric Mist" DVD last night, and there was so much detail in the picture that it was hard to believe that this was SD. Regarding the recent controversy alleging that the quality of BBC HD has deteriorated, how can anyone hope that Freeview HD is anything to look forward to? On current evidence, the picture quality will be inferior to Freesat, which is inferior to BD.
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007
November 17th 2009
7. Shame the first decoders won't be 1080p50. 1080p50 would be BETTER than Blu-ray.
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patrickgoss
October 16th 2009
6. Yes Lars - and you see that word 'likely'? That indicated that there IS space and it is 'likely' to happen. Not that it definitely will, but that it is likely.
Which considering Ofcom has said there will be space, is hardly a huge leap of faith.
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reslfj
October 6th 2009
5. @ patrickgoss 2. @reslfj 2. Not according to Ofcom.
Yes - Ofcom is expressing 'Hope and speculations' - there are no facts - yet.
Lars :)
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mbb
September 2nd 2009
4. Sky and Freesat are not 1080p. Even if they were, Freeview HD in 1080i would surely be fine. I, along with a huge amount of other HDTV owners, don't even have a 1080p TV. Both HD games consoles don't render most games at 1080p. Blu-ray is pretty much the only true 1080p source - and some of those aren't even 1080p (Planet Earth)!
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marcvk
September 2nd 2009
3. Are sky and freesat 1080p? If so, is there a future for freeviewHD?
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patrickgoss
September 2nd 2009
2. @reslfj 2. Not according to Ofcom.
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reslfj
September 2nd 2009
1. 1. The current post-DSO regions will get FreeviewHD shortly after Granada. Border, Wales, Devon/Cornwall and IOM . .
2. A 5th. HD channel is nothing but hope and speculations . .
3. Current DVB receivers will not decompress 1080p50 - not satallite, not cable and not the new FreeviewHD receivers. The semiconducter companies ware/are not up to the job . .
Lars :)
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