Freesat UK

URL: www.freesat.co.uk
Platform: DTH (DVB-S2, MPEG-4, SD/HD)

Freesat launched in the UK in May 2008 and is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. It provides subscription-free digital television to 98 per cent of UK homes via satellite offering SD/HD services using MPEG-4 compression and MHEG-5.

At launch it offered over 80 TV, radio and interactive channels – with that number now growing - including High Definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV.

As Freesat itself puts it, “By pressing the red button on your remote (for iTV service), you’ll have far more choice about what to watch. You’ll have access to the latest goings-on in local, national and international news, live sport results, weather and more.”

Already strong consumer receiver sales are being reported with both iDTVs and set-top boxes available creating a vibrant market.