Some boxes support Freesat’s “Freetime” catch-up service, which lets you use the EPG to watch programmes that aired during the last 7 days (but only on specific channels). Additional Apps

While the selection of Freesat boxes out there isn’t very big – there are still distinct differences between the ones that are available – both in features and cost. Some Freesat boxes come with a built-in hard drive, allowing you to record TV programmes for later viewing (and you can record one programme while watching another one on a different channel). Conveniently, you can also use the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) to choose future-programmes to record, so you’ll never miss your favourite shows. Otherwise, the main things to watch out for are picture quality and the EPG (electronic programme guide, or more simply, the menu). There are still a few older units out there running old-fashioned, clunky EPGs that look ugly and make finding a programme or setting a recording a real chore. What’s more, Freesat and the remaining Freesat box manufacturers have worked hard in the past few years to build much more stylish and functional EPGs with proper Now and Next views and additional sections where you might find a showcase of hit programmes or catch-up TV features.This recording model can record up to 4 programmes/channels at the same time (but you need a Wideband LNB dish), and has a wide range of smart recording features. You can also use the Freesat mobile app to set recordings from your mobile phone. Up until 2020, Humax ruled the Freesat world – but their boxes were becoming slow and obsolete, until they stopped making them. Because of the better reception and wider bandwidth, the Freesat service can offer more channels than Freeview – some of which are in HD. Those channels come with an easy to use Electronic Programme Guide (EPG),which shows you the TV schedule for up to 8 days in advance. customers satisfied with Freesat as their TV provider: Based on an online YouGov Plc survey, total sample size was 8341 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th March 2022 - 15th February 2023. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). Then, after months of waiting, Freesat finally launched a new set of boxes from Commscope (formerly Arris) – so we’re finally getting a modern, fast box that also supports 4K.

Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 29th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.)Available for Apple iOS, Android and Fire OS devices, the Freesat App lets you take control via your smartphone or tablet. Make recordings whilst you’re away, plan your viewing wherever you are and set reminders for your favourite shows. Freesat’s own-brand STB has everything going for it, including a nicely compact design, built-in Wi-Fi and an optical out. It’s also more future-proof than previous Freesat receivers, with 4K output, Dolby Atmos audio and support for 4K Freesat broadcasts should they roll out in the future.

Freesat started as a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, and has been around since 2008. It offers more than 200 free-to-air TV channels and radio stations, all transmitted via digital satellite. The number of hours you can record depends on the model you get: 500GB (Up to 250 hours), 1TB (Up to 500 hours) or 2TB (Up to 1,000 hours!). Right now, it’s a great receiver, with excellent picture quality and a snappy, no-nonsense user interface focused on helping you find and watch your favourite programmes. It’s intuitive and easy to use, and even the remote control is up to scratch. Setting this box up is a breeze once you connect it to your satellite dish, and the Freesat EPG is a joy to use. It also offers a 7-day catch-up service – you select programmes that aired during that time, via the EPG, and you get to magically watch them – it’s like your very own PVR in the cloud (but only for 7 days, and only on 26 channels at this time.) Additionally, someFreesat boxes also offer apps for the standard streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 – though you get these via your broadband connection, and not through the satellite (do note that older boxes don’t support ITV Hub’s replacement, ITVX).Freeview:Operated by Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK), a joint venture of the BBC, ITV Channel 4 and Channel 5, Freeview provides access to 100+ free, over-the-air channels and radio stations. To get it, you need an aerial – either one on your roof, or a cheap indoor aerial – and a Freeview tuner – either one built-into your TV, or a set-top box one which also offers recording capabilities. Read my full Freeview Guide right here. Dolby 5.1 surround sound is now standard, and Freesat’s own Freesat 4K TV boxes also support Dolby Atmos. As the name suggests, these units are also 4K-ready, and while there aren’t any 4K Freesat channels at the time of writing, you can watch 4K Netflix and YouTube content from your box. Also, keep in mind that Humax no longer manufactures Freesat boxes – you might still find them in some stores, but they won’t get updated with some of Freesat’s newest features (so ITVX doesn’t work on them, for example). PVR And Recording Avoid the 500GB version – you will run short of recording space in no time – and go straight to at least the 1TB version, or the 2TB model if you can afford it. If you like to keep your favourite programmes stored for watching later, you will be glad of the extra capacity.

For a step-up in picture quality, this PVR is also compatible with UHD 4K streaming services. Connect to your UHD 4K TV and see enhanced detail with a more natural picture than before. UHD 4K content is available via YouTube and Netflix.Like their Freeview cousins, Freesat boxes have evolved to cover catch-up TV and streaming services, and the best boxes now include Ethernet or Wi-Fi. With the right services in place, you can scroll forwards through the EPG and set reminders or schedule recordings, but you can also scroll left and watch programmes that have already been broadcast. Not all channels or even programmes in a channel will be available for catch-up, but most of the time it’s a whole lot easier than switching between catch-up apps to find your favourite show. With over 170 TV and radio channels to hand, there’s always entertainment to be had from Freesat. Make the most of your HD TV with one of over 20 stations available in High Definition on this PVR. These include BBC One, Two and Four, ITV, Channel 5 and regional TV such as STV (please note, regional variations exist with the UK). Finally, don’t forget the remote control. This is one area where budget Freeview and Freesat boxes consistently go wrong, and it can make a surprisingly big difference in everyday use, particularly if it’s uncomfortable with badly positioned buttons. If you mostly use the streaming TV apps (such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX), you might not need a recording box – but keep in mind that some of the UK streaming apps are catch-up services, and the programmes expire after a set number of days.