When it comes to getting live programming and on - demand content into the rest home , there are a few ways of doing so : aerial , net , and satellite .

The method of using the cyberspace is becoming increasingly popularthrough OTT services , but orbiter still remains a viable selection for those who ca n’t get at elongate broadcast services through their aerial .

Freesat , along with Sky , offer broadcast subject through planet transmitting . We ’ll leave you to guess which one does it for free .

If you ’ve never discover of Freesat or want to have it off more about what it does , and how it equate toFreeview playing period , read on to find out more .

What is Freesat?

Freesat is a complimentary - to - air satellite TV Robert William Service that glow programme to hoi polloi ’ home over a orbiter connection rather than aerial or cable .

Transmission over planet has its advantage , but what you’re able to expect from Freesat is around 170 channel with 100 % coverage . The service is technically free , much like Freeview caper , but there are cost regard , namely if you decide to buy a video boxful to access substance . The platform itself is subscription free to access .

Freesat was earlier a joint venture between the BBC and ITV to provide a digital satellite alternative to Freeview that would offer more coverage and a larger telephone number of line . It officially launch in August 2008 with channel from the BBC , ITV and Channel 4 , although only one channel was made available in HD ( BBC HD ) . Day - to - solar day running play of the service is conduct out by Everyone TV , who also take upkeep of Freeview and Freely .

It ’s since gone on to add computer programing from Channel 5 , tyke ’s computer programing and radio stations , as well as on - demand content in the form of teem video apps such asNetflix , Prime Video and the STV Player , some of which take 4 K content to the Freesat platform .

What is the difference between Freesat and Freeview Play?

The obvious difference is how the signals are transmitted . Freesat is via a satellite joining , while Freeview is through an aerial .

The advantage of orbiter is that it is less affected by conditions , ensure that it can be attain by households in more remote areas that Freeview ca n’t get to .

Both Freesat and Freeview use an EPG ( electronic programming guide ) , but the programming tilt on both differs . Freesat offer more channels than Freeview and a wider variety show of radio stations . Channel 4 was lose from the Freesat origin - up but returned at the showtime of 2024 .

There ’s also the toll involved . If you choose to add a Freeview coiffure - top box to your setup , they ’re ordinarily less expensive than a Freesat boxful , which incur a higher upfront fee . Once bought , you wo n’t have to vex about subscriptions as both platforms are free - to - see , though this excludes SVOD apps such as Netflix and BritBox that require a sub for access .

How do I get Freesat?

To watch Freesat you will want a satellite cup of tea . If you do n’t have one it will need to be installed ( for engage properties you will need to check with the landlord if one can be installed ) . If there already is an existing installation in your property / accommodation , then it can be set off to get Freesat .

you could connect the orbiter cable system straight to your boob tube if it has the necessary tuner , but if it does n’t , another method acting of getting satellite reporting is through aset - top box . Freesat has produced a couple of its own boxes , including a recordable rendering , and there are a few other boxes , notably from Humax and Manhattan .

What do I get with Freesat?

Freesat , much like Freeview sport , come in with an electronic program guide that can go back seven day to take in up on cognitive content you may have miss .

As we ’ve mention antecedently , there ’s access to 170 + television channel with 100 % coverage , so there ’s no reason to retune after the initial tuning has been carry out .

If you have the ability to record , the identification number of channels that can be recorded bet on the type of dish installed . With a WLNB cup of tea , four programmes can be memorialise at the same time . If you have an LNB dish , then it goes down to two channels . buy the 2 TB Freesat boxwood and you may register up to 1000 hours in standard definition or 500 time of day in high definition .

There ’s a Recommendations department where Freesat ’s telly expert alert users to show and films uncommitted to watch , and Showcase play up what ’s coming to the overhaul in the next five days or so . The Reminders function helps to remember shows to follow , while there ’s app support ( Android and iOS ) to register remotely and act as a remote to verify a Freesat set - top loge .

Does Freesat support multi-room?

There is the possible action of creating a multi - elbow room set - up within the Freesat ecosystem . To get Freesat in each way , you ’ll need a television set or set - top box capable of accessing the service , which can all bond to a single satellite dish .

That does , however , depend on whether the dish can lodge multiple connections . If not , you ’d need to confabulate your local satellite installer for advice .

What can I watch on Freesat?

There is content from the on - requirement apps mentioned to begin with , so anything on Netflix , Prime Video , YouTube and the UK charm - up apps .

And to clarify , apps such as YouTube Kids , Prime Video , ITVX , BBC Sounds and BritBox are only available to watch on the set - top boxes .

Otherwise there ’s content from the 170 + channels on the service , with BBC , ITV , Channel 4 , Sky News , CNBC and Al Jazeera English carried by the platform .

Can I switch from Sky to Freesat?

Is Freesat worth it?

If you ’re in an arena where reception for Freeview is pathetic , Freesat is another path available to you . It does n’t descend with as many on - demand apps , but the difference is n’t too double-dyed in terms of what ’s useable . You do get a panoptic selection of channels than Freeview can muster .

The upfront cost of Freesat is more expensive than Freeview , and not all television have a artificial satellite radio set / input , so if you need access to satellite you may need to buy a go down - top box seat or else .

Another alternative is Freely , which is coming to Hisense telecasting in 2024 . If neither Freesat or Freeview appeal , thenFreely , which work via an Internet connection , is another method of become programming into the home .

WithUltra HDsupport , recording functionality and , of course , subscription free viewing , Freesat is worth considering for those who require to salvage money and switch from Sky , or lack dear access to Freeview .