Satellite - Freesat dish installation - Regional dealer locator
What is Freesat?
Freesat is a joint venture from ITV and the BBC. The channels are the same free to air ones that are found on Sky and the same dish that is used for Sky can be used to receive Freesat. There are several ways to receive Freesat once you have a dish. You either use a set top box or connect directly to a television with a Freesat tuner built in. There are also some bluray recorders with built in Freesat tuners.
Freesat receivers are available in standard definition and high definition options. There are HD+ receivers with built in hard drive for recording. Echostar have recently released a HD+ hard drive receiver with a built in Slingbox that allows programmes to be streamed to a PC or mobile device connected via the internet anywhere in the world.
You cannot use a Freesat receiver to pick up Sky subscription as it has no slot for a card. If you remove the viewing card from a Sky box you are left with the Freesat channels but they will be all over the place on their EPG and recording on a Sky+ box will not work without a valid Sky subscription. Freesat have their own EPG (Programme Guide) that lists all channels in a easy to read format. Freesat recording boxes work in the same way as the Sky + receivers and Virgin Plus receivers inc pause live TV, record 2 channels at the same time, series link etc.
Some Freesat receivers can connect to BBC iPlayer and ITV player when connected via the internet with more IPTV services following in time.
Manufacturers of Freesat receivers include Echostar, Technisat, Humax and Samsung.
Manufacturers with TVs that have Freesat built in include Panasonic, Sony and LG.
In the UK a standard 43cm dish can be used to receive Freesat, if you are not allowed to use a dish then you can use a Sqish which is a discrete alternative to a dish. You can use a larger dish if required and its also possible to run multiple receivers (Freesat and Sky) from the same dish using multi output LNBs or a satellite multi-switch.
What channels will you receive? Up to date Freesat channel list here
What does Freesat cost?
A system consists of a dish, receiver and installation. Prices vary depending on which receiver, LNB and complexity of installation. Typical price of a standard receiver, dish and installation is around £200 and a HD+ receiver, dish and installation around £400. There are no ongoing charges once the system is fitted.
Most installers will be happy to supply and install equipment or install a dish for existing equipment.