What is Freesat?

Satellite TV in high definition for a one-off fee

Freesat is a digital satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV which launched in May 2008. To watch you'll need a Freesat receiver, a satellite dish and ideally an HD-ready TV. It's basically the satellite equivalent of the digital terrestrial TV service Freeview – once you've paid for the box, dish and installation there are no more ongoing monthly subscription costs.

Advantages of Freesat

Freesat has two key advantages over its terrestrial cousin. Firstly, Freesat is available to 98% of the population, compared with 75% for Freeview. Secondly, Freesat boasts over three times as many channels as Freeview, including more high definition and catch up TV channels.

Freesat Freetime

Freesat launched an addition service, Freesat Freetime in 2013. This service allows viewers to scroll back over the last seven days of TV shows, aired on 21different channels, in the electronic programme guide, much like the YouView from Freeview service. It takes advantage of a number of catch-up TV and on-demand channels, such as BBC iPlayer and 4oD. Look out for the Freesat Freetime logo to find a compatible PVR.

A number of high definition channels are also available on Freesat, including BBC One and Two HD and ITV HD. To take full advantage of the high-definition content you will need an HD-ready TV. To find out more please click on one of the links below