Freeview, Freesat and digital recording

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Freeview, Freesat and digital recording

Find out how to get more channels, with or without a subscription fee, and how you can record hundreds of hours of TV without the need for videotapes or DVDs.

We love Freeview but want more digital channels. What are our options without paying a subscription?

For a one-off payment you can more than double the number of free channels you currently get with Freeview by opting for a satellite service.

The BBC and ITV Freesat service currently offers up to 140 channels, including some high-definition (HD) channels, with set-top boxes from around £50 (plus an installation fee of around £80). However, not all Freeview channels are on this Freesat service, so check your favourites are included.

Sky offers a Freesat service, too. For £150 you get a set-top box, dish, installation and over 230 channels (see www.freesatfromsky.co.uk).

We like to record shows and watch them later. Is there a better way than our old VHS?

There certainly is! Upgrading your set-top box to a Freeview+ digital television recorder (DTR; also known as a PVR or personal video recorder) will solve the problem.

These boxes can store around 100 hours of programmes and most have two digital tuners, so you can record one channel while watching another. They also include an on-screen TV guide (EPG), which can be used for planning, viewing and recording up to a week ahead.

There are no tapes to worry about and recording is very simple - most DTRs offer one-touch recording. You can also pause live TV broadcasts, so there's no need to miss part of a programme if, say, the phone rings. Some Freeview+ recorders will also let you record an entire series at the touch of a button.

How much does Freeview+ cost?

Prices for a Freeview+ DTR start from around £100, but once you've paid for the box, there are no additional costs.

Is there a DTR for the Freesat service?

The first Freesat DTRs (known as Freesat+) are now in shops. They offer similar functions to Freeview+ boxes and can record up to 200 hours of standard definition programmes, or up to 80 hours of HDTV programming.

How can I tell if a DTR offers Freeview+ or Freesat+?

Look out for the Freeview+ or Freesat+ logo.

How much will a Freesat+ DTR cost?

Prices start from around £120, but for that you will be able to watch and record programmes in standard and HD formats.

Can I copy Freeview+ and Freesat+ recordings onto VHS tapes or recordable DVD discs?

Yes. You'll need to connect the Freeview+/ Freesat+ box to a VCR or DVD recorder and then you can start archiving your recordings.

Will I still be able to use my old Freeview box in another room?

Yes, although you'll need another aerial connection in that room.

Are there any subscription services?

For £9.99 a month Top Up TV Anytime offers all the Freeview channels, plus around 150 extra programmes. In order to receive the service, you'll need to purchase a Top Up TV+ DTR (costing about £100), which stores around 100 hours of programmes. For more information, go to www.topuptv.com or call 0844 415 2020.

Setanta offers a sports channel in addition to Freeview for £10.99 a month. To receive this service, you'll need a Freeview set-top box with a viewing card slot or a card adaptor that plugs into the back of your digital television. For more details, go to www.setanta.com or call 0871 200 3322.

And if those aren't enough to satisfy your appetite for TV, all the major cable and satellite providers have a range of subscription services you can tailor to meet your viewing needs for a monthly fee.

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