What are the differences between Freeview and Freesat?
Freeview and Freesat offer a huge range of digital TV channels and radio stations, for free. But how do you choose between two options: Freeview and Freesat? What’s the difference?
- Freeview and Freesat users get access to a digital TV service without paying a monthly fee or sign up to a contract other than a normal TV licence.
- Freeview is delivered through an aerial to your TV or set top box.
- Freesat is delivered through a minidish to your TV or set top box.
- Freesat from Sky is delivered through a minidish and a set top box from Sky.
Upfront costs
For those that don’t already have a satellite dish, installation starts at around £80 and will require a TV with built in Freesat or a set top box. For Freeview, you’ll need a Digital TV aerial, starting from around £85 and a Freeview enabled TV or set-top box.
Freeview Channel Choice
Freeview offers up to 50 TV channels, 10 HD channels, and 24 radio stations.
To see the complete list visit www.freeview.co.uk
Freesat Channel Choice
Freesat offers 180+ channels including the HD and radio channels.
To see the complete list visit www.freesat.co.uk
It’s worth bearing in mind that some channels, such as Sky News and Dave, are only available on Freeview but NOT on Freesat (at present).
To receive HD, viewers will need either a Freeview or Freesat HD TV, Freeview HD receiver or Freesat HD receiver.