Freeview HD TV
What is Freeview HD?
Freeview HD will give you the ability to watch high definition TV channels via our terrestrial TV aerial on Freeview HD boxes. This is currently only available, for a price, on providers such as Sky and Virgin Media. Soon you’ll be able to watch your favourite shows in HD to get the most out of that HD Ready TV you’ve had for a couple of years!
Want HD TV in the bedrooms but don’t want to pay Sky or Virgin Media a fee per room every month? Freeview HD will be the ideal solution. Once you bought the box the basic channels will be free! We’ll show you the cheapest Freeview HD box prices just as soon as they launch.
What channels are available on Freeview HD?
All current HD channels will be available on Freeview HD:
- BBC HD
- ITV HD (early 2010)
- Channel 4 HD (early 2010)
- S4C in Wales (early 2010)
- Five HD (added late 2010)
By the World Cup in 2010 about 50% of the UK will have a Freeview HD signal so expect ITV and BBC to show all the football action in HD!
How do I get Freeview HD?
To watch Freeview HD, you will need a DVB-T2 HD Freeview receiver that supports MPEG-4. You will not be able to use your existing Freeview box or HD TV which has Freeview. The boxes will become available to buy in the new year – Freeview HD boxes will be available from early 2010. Freeview+ HD boxes, which allow you to record your favourite programmes, will be available Spring 2010.
Is Freeview HD available right now?
The technical launch of Freeview HD went ahead on 2 December 2009 in the London and Manchester/Granada regions so Freeview HD is a reality – but only for a few lucky trial customers. You will need to wait for the boxes to become available before you can view Freeview HD at home. Other regions will launch throughout 2010.
How much will Freeview HD cost?
As with Freeview, Freeview HD does not require subscription or contract. You just pay for the box. Humax have suggested their boxes will start from £170. This will become clearer once a proper range of boxes are released next year.
What are the benefits of Freeview HD?
- No contract or subscription, just a one off payment for the equipment.
- five times more detail then standard definition
- clearer, crisper picture
- superior sound
- a cheaper way to get HD TV in your bedrooms
- Finally get some use out of your HD Ready TV!
It’s goodbye to the grainy content of old with Freeview HD.
What are the disadvantages of Freeview HD?
- The long wait for some areas to receive the service, in particular Northern Ireland and various areas of England, who will not receive the service until 2010.
- Not being able to use existing Freeview boxes and TVs.
- The price of the Freeview HD boxes
Don’t want to wait? Read about Freesat or other HD options on our Sky and Virgin Media pages
