Freesat delivers non-subscription HD content to the masses

The BBC and ITV have launched an unlikely partnership, vowing to make high definition content available for a one off fee, rather than the subscription-based stuff available now from the likes of Sky. Various manufacturers are producing boxes which will provide both digital channels, such as E4 and More4, as well as high definition programming from the BBC and ITV. There will be 200 channels available overall by the end of 2008.

The box price includes the cost of a small satellite dish, which means that people currently out of the range of Freeview will be able to receive the service - a total coverage area of about 98%. Most manufacturers are providing a non-HD version of the box for those out of the Freeview version (priced about £50), as well as an HD one (about £150).

There is a charge for the installation of the dish, which seems to be universally about £100. And if you're fed up with having boxes clutter up your living room, John Lewis will be selling an HD 42" plasma TV from Panasonic model, with an integrated Freesat digital tuner, which is expected to sell for 1,299).

John Lewis or Freesat

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