freesatadvice.co.uk » freesat

Two new channels go live

admin — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 20:26:08 +0000

True Entertainment (EPG 142) and Showcase (EPG 403) have today gone live on Freesat

CSC Media-owned True Entertainment, which was formerly Showcase TV, will offer a schedule of ‘true to life’ programming, including true story films and dramatised documentaries.

Showcase, which is a new channel from Information TV, will offer a broad mix of drama, music and science fiction programming.

Freesat’s head of channels Mark Briggs commented:

“The exciting launch of both of these channels to the Freesat service further emphasises our dedication to delivering real choice and high quality entertainment to our viewers,”

“True Entertainment and Showcase complement our existing entertainment and lifestyle lineups perfectly and we expect them to prove popular with our audience.”

Information TV commercial director Tony Blin-Stoyle commented:

“We’re delighted that Showcase is now on Freesat, a platform that offers access to a million new viewers.

“As our channels develop and we bring new programmes and formats to digital television, it is essential that the viewer can choose where they want to watch them.”

CSC managing director Remy Minute added:

“True Entertainment features rich and rewarding programming that we’re sure Freesat viewers will love.”

You will need to force a re tune if your receiver or TV does not prompt you.

Freesat Awards 2010

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:32:12 +0000

Al-Jazeera English was named Best News Channel at the second annual Freesat Awards held in London

The news channel beat the BBC News channel, Bloomberg, CNN and BBC Radio 5 Live to the accolade.

Best Entertainment Channel went to E4 ahead of BBC HD, BBC Three and ITV2, while ‘Best Music Channel’ was given to urban music network Flava.

Food Network UK was a very popular choice as Best Lifestyle Channel, and the Horror Channel took home the accolade for Best Themed Channel.

BBC Cbeebies won the Best Children’s Channel competing against CBBC, along with Kix and Milkshake.

Best Shopping Channel was awarded to QVC, while the Judges’ Special Award went to ITV1 HD.

In the viewer-voted categories, shopping channel Ideal World was named TV Channel Of The Year and Planet Rock scooped Radio Station Of The Year.

Freesat managing director Emma Scott commented:

“I’d like to congratulate all the winners honoured for their massive contribution to Freesat’s continued success,”

“We”re proud to celebrate the original, high quality programming that keeps our audience entertained and informed and we look forward to bringing viewers even more exciting channels and services in the future.”

Grundig GUFSDTR500HD

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:27:00 +0000

The Grundig GUFSDTR500HD is a freesat+ twin tuner high definition recorder with a 500GB hard drive released in October 2009.

500GB Hard Drive
High Definition DVB-S2 Set Top Box
Twin DVB-S2 Tuner
Access all Freesat digital channels and radio stations
Upscaling of SDTV to HD when connected via HDMI
8-day Electronic Programme Guide
Audio description capable (broadcast mix)
Freesat/DTG compliant
Digital Text (MHEG5)
LAN port for connection to internet services (tbc)
Twin SCART sockets
HDMI Connection
HDMI Cable
Remote control

Grundig GUFSDTR320HD

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:17:56 +0000

The GUFSDTR320HD is twin tuner freesat+ High Definition 320GB digital TV recorder features access to all Freesat digital channels and radio stations. You can pause, rewind and record in SD and HD or simultaneously watch one channel and record another.

320GB Hard Drive
High Definition DVB-S2 Set Top Box
Twin DVB-S2 Tuner
Access all Freesat digital channels and radio stations
Upscaling of SDTV to HD when connected via HDMI
8-day Electronic Programme Guide
Audio description capable (broadcast mix)
Freesat/DTG compliant
Digital Text (MHEG5)
LAN port for connection to internet services (tbc)
Twin SCART sockets
HDMI Connection
HDMI Cable
Remote control

Goodmans GFSDTR500HD

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 04:09:13 +0000

The Goodmans GFSDTR500HD is a Freesat+ Recorder with twin tuners and a 500GB Hard Drive launched in October 2009.

Black.
500GB hard disc drive.
Up to 125 hours HD and 312 hours SD recording time (depending on broadcast format).
Pause Live TV.
Twin tuner.
Record 1/watch another.
Can record 2 channels at the same time.
Digitally interactive.
Digital text.
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) subtitles available.
Auto setup.
Auto detection of new channels.
Free access to all Freesat high definition and standard definition content.
Upscales standard definition content.
Now and next electronic programme guide.
8 day electronic programme guide.
2 SCART sockets.
HDMI output socket.
HDMI cable.
Upscales to 1080i.
Freesat approved.
Supports Audio Description.
Size (H)5.1, (W)27.2, (D)30cm.
Weight 2.48kg.
Remote control requires 2 x AAA batteries (included).

Goodmans GFSDTR320HD

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:56:11 +0000

The Goodmans GFSDTR320HD is a Freesat+ High Definition recorder with twin tuners and a 320GB hard disc drive.

Black.
320GB hard disc drive.
Up to 80 hours HD and 200 hours SD recording time (depending on broadcast format).
Pause Live TV.
Twin tuner.
Record 1/watch another.
Can record 2 channels at the same time.
Series record.
Digitally interactive.
Digital text.
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) subtitles available.
Auto setup.
Auto detection of new channels.
Free access to all Freesat high definition and standard definition content.
Upscales standard definition content.
Now and next electronic programme guide.
8 day electronic programme guide.
2 SCART sockets.
HDMI output socket.
HDMI cable.
Upscales to 1080i.
Freesat approved.
Supports Audio Description.
Size (H)5.1, (W)27.2, (D)30cm.
Weight 2.48kg.
Remote control requires 2 x AAA batteries (included)

Sagem DTR94500S

admin — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 03:11:53 +0000

The Sagem DTR94500S is a Freesat HD Satellite Receiver Twin Tuner 500GB HDR/PVR Recorder

The Sagem DTR94500SHD twin-tuner Freesat Satellite Personal Video Recorder lets you watch, pause, rewind and record from all the great channels currently available without a subscription via the Freesat service, including High Definition (HD) services such as BBC HD and ITV HD

The unit includes a 500GB hard drive and has a USB port for transferring media and an Ethernet port for connection to the Internet for BBC iPlayer compatibility.

The hard disc also allows Freesat+ functions, such as pause and rewind live TV. Setting timer recordings is simple with the 8-day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which allows scheduled recordings at the touch of a button. The PVR can even be set to record an entire series just as easily, it can also record 2 channels at the same time.

Specification

Black
500GB Hard Disc Drive
60-125/125-250 hours recording time depending on recording format
Pause live TV
Twin tuner (requires twin connections to Freesat Dish)
Record 1 channel, watch another
Can record 2 channels at the same time
Series record
BBC iPlayer support
Digitally interactive
Digital text
Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) subtitles available
Auto setup
User controlled auto detection of new channels
User controlled auto scan for new channels
8 day electronic programme guide
2 SCART sockets
SCART lead included
Upscales to 1080i
Remote control (batteries included)
Size (H)4.1, (W)41.1, (D)21.9cm

Get ready for a summer of football as freesat launches online World Cup guide featuring guest blogger, pundit Lee Dixon

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:32:09 +0000

Football news, views and a comprehensive match planner– helping to get UK viewers prepared for the first ever HD World Cup

Freesat, the free-to-air satellite TV service, will become home to the first ever HD World Cup with matches being shared by BBC HD and ITV1 HD this summer. For a one-off payment of just £68 viewers can upgrade their World Cup viewing to high definition and enjoy it all completely subscription free with Freesat. The new online guide – at freesat.co.uk/worldcup - will feature a range of football content to help people get ready for the tournament, including exclusive news blogs from Match of the Day’s Lee Dixon.

‘Freesat is offering everything World Cup followers need this summer’ says Lee Dixon. ‘Not only will they be showing games in HD but their online guide will feature a host of information to ensure everyone is set for the beautiful game – from comprehensive match planners to brilliant world cup facts to impress your mates. Plus, on my personal blog you’ll find my views and analysis on stories as they emerge from the England camp, predictions for the group stages and my view on who could be this year’s champions’.

With Freesat everyone can watch this festival of football in HD from as little as £68, wherever they live in the UK. With no contract, no monthly bills to pay, just a one-off payment, Freesat makes substituting your standard TV for High definition hassle-free. HD really brings football on TV to life, making viewers at home feel like part of the action. From high speed tackles to that breathtaking golden goal – you won’t miss a thing watching in pin sharp clarity.

With the World Cup now only 72 days away, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be watching the summer’s premiere sporting event and where to get the best deal to get the most out of your HD ready TV this summer.

Freesat hits 1 million sales with 250,000 customers added over Christmas and New Year

admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 09:00:48 +0000

Freesat delivers 30 percent sales growth since November
40 percent customers from Sky homes
30 percent share of STB market based on value

Subscription-free digital satellite TV service, Freesat, has delivered 1 million sales in a little over 18 months since its launch in May 2008.

Freesat enjoyed an excellent Christmas and New Year, increasing sales by 250,000 over Christmas and New Year. As a result, the service now accounts for 30 percent of all set top boxes (STB) sold in the UK based on value.

The majority of Freesat sales have come from homes with existing satellite dishes, with 40 percent of all sales coming from Sky homes.

Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat comments, “Hitting 1 million sales is significant milestone for Freesat and gives us a great foundation for further growth, specifically with the millions of UK homes that have HD TVs but no HD service.

“Freesat is a great opportunity for the millions of homes with existing satellite dishes who are used to quality TV but no longer want to pay a monthly subscription for it and we continue to see an increasing number of viewers moving across from pay TV.”

“Much of what we’re now working on is paving the way for next generation free TV with innovations like BBC iPlayer and ITV Player. We will continue to add value to the service by integrating Canvas if approved by the BBC Trust and we are following Ofcom’s Pay TV review with interest.”

John Cresswell, interim Chief Executive, ITV plc, said, “We’re delighted with Freesat’s success – a million sales in less than two years is a terrific achievement. Freesat is an important distribution platform for ITV, providing our audiences with next generation free HD services and the capability for further development. We’re confident Freesat will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Mark Thompson, Director-General, BBC, said, “The development of Freesat has extended the choices available to viewers in allowing them to receive all of the BBC’s digital channels including BBC HD. I’m pleased to see that they have reached this latest landmark, meaning that more people are enjoying quality BBC content.”

Panasonic to Launch New Range

admin — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:58:14 +0000

Panasonic have announced this week it is to launch the 2010 range of Freesat TV’s. The range is the largest so far proving that Freesat is now well established and successful. All televisions in the 2010 range have Freesat HD and the all new Freeview HD tuner. Freeview HD is rolling out an accelerated programme around the country at the moment with London and Granada regions FreeviewHD enabled, you region might be Freeview HD enabled before digital switchover happens more details about Freeview HD can be found at hd-freeview.co.uk

However even when Freeview HD has been switched on everywhere there will still be places where there is no signal or a very week signal this is where Freesat comes into its own. If you can get clear line of site to the satellite you can have Freesat with it’s HD in all its glory.

Freesat HD tuners and Freeview HD :

LCD TX-L37G20B
LCD TX-L32G20B
LCD TX-L42W20B
LCD TX-L37W20B
LCD TX-L37V20B
LCD TX-L37D28BS
LCD TX-L32D28BS
LCD TX-L32D28BW
LCD TX-L32D28BP
LCD TX-L42D25B
LCD TX-L37D25B
Plasma TX-P65VT20B
Plasma TX-P50VT20B
Plasma TX-P50V20B
Plasma TX-P42V20B
Plasma TX-P50G20B
Plasma TX-P46G20B
Plasma TX-P42G20B

Outline of the 2010 Series Line-Up

VT20 Series
Being the first FULL HD 3D TV series in the Panasonic line-up, the VT20 Series stands out with its unsurpassed image quality. The series includes 65-inch and 50-inch models. All feature 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, 1080 Lines Moving Picture Resolution, Infinite Black Pro (Native Contrast of Over 5,000,000:1), VIERA CAST and lots of other networking functions. This year’s top-of-the-line VT20 Series models boast a stylish look with their brown keynote colour based on the metallic concept. Combining FULL HD 3D technology, extensive high-image-quality features, advanced networking functions that enhance entertainment, and attractive styling, the VT20 Series is truly high-end in every way.

V20 Series
The V20 Series of Plasma TVs includes 50-inch and 42-inch models. This series boasts many of the same high-image-quality features and technologies as the top-of-the-line VT20 Series, including 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, 1080 Lines Moving Picture Resolution, Infinite Black Pro (Native Contrast of Over 5,000,000:1), THX Certified Display, and Digital Cinema Colour. They also feature a host of link functions that enhance entertainment, led by VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture and music playback, and VIERA Link. This series will fully satisfy movie aficionados and discriminating users who insist on the highest image quality. A cabinet with sophisticated titanium colour, slim 2-inch profile, and metallic concept design give these models an unusually elegant and stately presence.
The VIERA V20 LCD TV Series comprises high-end 42-inch and 37-inch IPS LED LCD TVs. Both models feature 200 Backlight blinking Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, dynamic contrast of 2,000,000:1 with Intelligent Scene Controller, and an advanced IPS panel that assures superior image quality over a wide viewing angle. Taking full advantage of Panasonic’s leading IPS LED LCD technology, these models deliver exquisitely beautiful images. They also feature a variety of link functions, including VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture and music playback, and VIERA Link. As with V20 plasma models, V20 LCD models are extremely elegant in appearance with their titanium colour, slim cabinet and metallic concept design.

D28 Series
The VIERA D28 Series features 37-inch, 32-inch, 22-inch and 19-inch IPS LED LCD TVs. The 37-inch and 32-inch models have Full HD capability and feature 200 Backlight blinking Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, dynamic contrast of 2,000,000:1 with Intelligent Scene Controller, an IPS panel with a wide viewing angle, VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture and music playback, and VIERA Link. The 22-inch and 19-inch models have HD capability and come equipped with a special dock that makes it easy to connect an iPod or iPhone and play back stored music, still images and video.
In appearance, the D28 Series features a slim, 1.5-inch profile and a stylish photo frame design. Models are available in white, purple and silver to match a variety of interior colour schemes.

D25 Series
The VIERA D25 Series comprises 42-inch, 37-inch and 32-inch IPS LED LCD TVs. All models feature Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, dynamic contrast of 2,000,000:1 with Intelligent Scene Controller, an IPS panel with a wide viewing angle, VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture and music playback, and VIERA Link. The D25 Series has an attractive appearance with a slim, stylish 1.5-inch cabinet.

G20 Series
The VIERA G20 Plasma TV Series comes in 50-inch, 46-inch and 42-inch models. Incorporating advanced NeoPDP technology, these step-up models deliver superior image quality and come equipped with a host of entertainment-enhancing link functions. All G20 models feature 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, 1080 Lines Moving Picture Resolution, Infinite Black (Native Contrast of 5,000,000:1), VIERA CAST, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture and music playback, and VIERA Link.
The VIERA G20 LCD TV Series comes in 37-inch and 32-inch models. All feature 200 Backlight blinking Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, an IPS Alpha Panel with a wide viewing angle, dynamic contrast of 100,000:1 with Intelligent Scene Controller, VIERA Cast, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture and music playback, and VIERA Link.

S20 Series
The VIERA S20 Plasma TV Series comes in 50-inch, 46-inch and 42-inch models. All models are full-HD. Recommended for those who want an ideal balance of performance and features, this series has 600Hz Sub-field Drive Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, 1080 Lines Moving Picture Resolution, native contrast of 2,000,000:1, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture playback, and VIERA Link.
The VIERA S20 LCD TV Series comes in 37-inch and 32-inch models. All feature 100Hz Intelligent Frame Creation Pro, an IPS Alpha Panel with a wide viewing angle, dynamic contrast of 100,000:1 with Intelligent Scene Controller, VIERA Image Viewer for motion picture playback, and VIERA Link.