Freeview

Buying a Freeview Box

An Introduction to Freeview

Digital Terrestrial Television has been live for a while in the UK. Usually referred to as 'Freeview', all that is required to access multiple new digital television channels including as BBC3, BBC4 and ITV2 (and to receive existing TV channels in digital quality) is a Freeview box. There are no subscription charges and no dish is required. ThFreeview boxes are also able to receive digital radio stations via your television. The existing analogue TV signal will be discontinued in a few years time, at which point you will need to have a digital TV receiver. If you wish to record Freeview programmes, it is worth considering a Freeview PVR, similar to a Freeview box, but with hard drive onto which programmes can be recorded in digital quality.

Key Considerations When Buying a Freeview Box

SCART Sockets

All freeview boxes have at least one SCART socket, but if you need to connect more than one device via SCART leads, you will either need to purchased a box with two sockets or look at the various SCART switch boxes now available.

Card Slot - TopUP TV

TopUP TV was launched in March 2004. It offers an additional 10 channels for a monthly subscription. No doubt there will be other subscription systems over time. If you wish to subscribe to this, you will need a freeview box with a card slot suitable for TopUp TV.

Televisions Without SCART - RF Modulator

Although most modern televisions and plasma screens have SCART inputs, some do not. Accordingly, some set-top boxes have a built-in 'Modulated RF output'. This allows the freeview box to re-broadcast it's output onto a TV channel that your TV set can 'tune in' to. This is also useful if you want to rebroadcast Freeview to other TV sets elsewhere in your home.

Hard Disk Recorder

In addition to music and speech, digital radio stations are also able to broadcast text that can be displayed on the radio's screen. This varies by station and can include track and artist names, programme titles, contact details etc. The BBC is also developing an electronic programme guide.

Recording Functionality

A hard-disk recorder allows you to record Freeview programmes onto a built-in hard disk. Some boxes include dual tuners to allow you to watch one channel whilst recording another in the same way in which Sky+ boxes allow simultaneous viewing and recording.