Freesat, the BBC and ITV’s free digital satellite television service launched today offering a range of general entertainment, film, music and news channels without subscription.
The service has over 80 free digital channels television, radio, interactive plus high definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV.
The launch channel line-up includes the full range of BBC and ITV channels, Channel 4, E4, More4 and Film4; music channels Chartshow TV and The Vault plus interactivity from BBCi, digital radio High Definition services from the BBC and ITV.
ITV HD will launch exclusively on Freesat “soon” after launch.
Emma Scott, Managing Director, Freesat, said: “Today is a landmark day for digital TV in the UK the launch of a new digital satellite service which brings free HD programmes to everyone.
“With more than 9.6 million HD-ready televisions already sold in the UK, but only a tiny fraction of those who own them currently able to receive HD programmes, there’s a big opportunity for Freesat to lead the way in introducing the UK to high definition viewing.”
The service is available by plugging a Freesat box into an existing satellite dish or by paying around 80 for installation. Boxes cost from just 50.
Plans for a free satellite from the two broadcasters have been under discussion for the past couple of years.