Sony has indicated that it will be rolling out televisions with integrated Freesat tuners by the end of the year, and indicated that Freeview HD sets are also in the pipeline
The Japanese giants will be following in the footsteps of rivals Panasonic by producing HD televisions with the tuner built-in.
A representative of the company gave the news to What Satellite and Digital TV magazine at a function on Monday evening.
"At a UK press event last night, a Sony representative told What Satellite that Freesat HD-ready TVs would be available by Christmas but did not disclose features or screen sizes," says WotSat
Freeview HD
According to the same source, Freeview HD televisions will go into production with the necessary DVB T2 chips when the specifications are finalised and the chips become available.
Freesat has gained decent purchase in the market since its high-profile launch as an alternative satellite service to Sky.
The lack of a subscription and the fact that it is both HD-enabled and carrying the ITV HD functionality exclusively, have been major factors in the take-up of the service.
The news that Sony will get involved in Freesat will be a boost arrival to the service, bringing a key manufacturer into the equation and a massive lift in credibility.
Via WotSat
