Yes, you will still receive all the freesat channels including the HD ones which will be downscaled to standard definition, this is a good solution if you plan on buying a HD ready TV in the future.
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What if I have an HD-ready TV? Will I automatically be able to watch HDTV?
HD Ready means that your TV is capable of displaying a HD picture, but it doesn’t’t guarantee you’ll be watching in HD. That’s because you need to connect your HD Ready TV to an HD digital box that receives an HD service.
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What sort of shows will benefit most from the high definition?
All shows will benefit from the higher quality HD offers. HD really brings pictures to life, so if you’re watching sport, you feel closer to the action, natural history shows benefit from much greater detail and drama will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Can I record HD (High Definition) programmes?
You will need a freesat HD digital television recorder HDR/PVR/DTR to record HD programmes. Humax have now released aÂ
PVRÂ twin tuner hard disc recorder that can record in High Definition.
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What do 720p and 1080i mean?
HD TV uses two different formats, 720p and 1080i, because they use similar amounts of bandwidth but offer programme makers the ability to choose how to capture their subject matter. 720p is ideal for recording fast action such as sport, while 1080i is better for programmes which benefit from showing an increased level of detail like natural history. Broadcasters are free to choose the format that best suits their mix of programmes.
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Is their a similar freesat receiver to SKY+
Yes Humax have released the
Humax HDR which is more advanced than the SKY+HD in features.
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Will the sound be better with freesat?
Yes, most HD programmes are broadcast in 5.1 sound, to appreciate this you really need to connect the freesat receiver to your surround amplifier and speakers.
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Why is ITV HD only available on freesat?
ITV HD is a red-button service available exclusively to freesat customers (this might change so it available to other formats in the future), so whenever you’re watching ITV1 and an HD logo pops up at the top of your screen, just press the red button on your remote control to watch it in high definition.
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How does the receiver update itself with new channels when they are released? Do I have to do anything?
All receivers will update themselves over the air, you might get a message on screen asking if it is OK to retune.
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Will I need to buy lots of expensive leads?
If you decide to buy a TV with freesat built in then you won’t need any leads. But if you choose to buy a freesat HD digital box, you will need to connect it to your HD-Ready TV with an HDMI cable. Some manufacturers include this in the box, but if not buying one shouldn’t’t set you back much more than £10.
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Can I receive freesat abroad?
Freesat is broadcast from the Astra 2 satellite at 28.2 degrees east, the beam of this satellite is narrow and is focused on the UK. It is possible to receive freesat in Europe but you would need a much large dish and use a UK postcode in the set up.
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Will there be help and support for the old and infirm and for people on disability benefits who would like freesat?
The existing Digital Switchover Help Scheme will be available as an option under the scheme, those eligible will be contacted directly coming up to digital switchover in you area. More details can be found at
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What is the difference between FTA (Free To Air) and FTV (Free To View) channels?
FTA (Free To Air) means no viewing card is required to receive the channel and any receiver should be able to receive the channel.
FTV (Free To View) Is still free but the channel is encrypted
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Is channel five on freesat?
Yes it is now channel 105, five was not available at launch due to contractual issues, although their sister channels fiver and five US and not currently available freesat are keen to get them on board but no time scales have been published though.
Channel 5 was added on the 18th November 2008.
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Will Channel 4 HD be coming to freesat?
Hopefully the High Definition Channel 4 will be coming to freesat sometime and freesat are keen to get them on board and no time scales have been published though.
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How do I contact freesat?
freesat can be contacted at:
www.freesat.co.uk
freesat
PO Box 6296
London
W1A 3FF
0845 313 0052
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