Freeview is the cheapest way to get digital TV. After making a one-off payment for either a set-top box or TV with integrated Freeview, you'll have access to all the original terrestrial channels, plus dozens of new digital channels as well.

What is Freeview?

Freeview is the most common digital TV service in the UK. Freeview set-top boxes are available from most electronics retailers, and tuners are also included as standard in new TVs.

Freeview gives you up to 50 TV channels including BBC One, Two, Three and Four, ITV 1, 2, 3 and 4, Channel 4, Film4, E4, More4, Channel 5, 5 Star, 5 USA, Dave, Challenge and more. In addition, Freeview lets you listen to 24 digital radio stations through your TV.

High-definition (HD) channels, including BBC One HD, ITV HD and Channel 4 HD are available through Freeview, but you'll need a Freeview HD box and an HD TV - or a television with built-in Freeview HD - in order to watch them.

Freeview+

Freeview+ boxes cost more than standard Freeview, but offer many extra features. For example, you can pause and rewind live TV - so if you're interrupted in the middle of a show, you can pick up where you left off without missing a moment.

You can also record TV, either individual shows or whole series, and watch them when it's convenient for you. If your box supports it, and you have a home broadband connection, you can also access a range of on-demand TV through Freeview