Freeview

Want all the benefits of digital television without having to replace your existing set? Then one of the new Freeview set top boxes could be just what you need. These units give you the luxury of viewing more channels at an affordable one-off price. There are no additional charges or set-up fees: simply purchase the box and plug it into the back of your existing TV.

The Freeview set top boxes themselves are thin and stylish and will fit easily among the rest of your home entertainment system. Most models feature a fully automatic set-up facility once you turn it on, and a unified remote control that can also be used to operate your existing DVD players, VCRs or other peripherals. You can either get a box for each television in your home or buy one box and an RF distribution system which will feed several sets at once.



Freeview boxes are digital and therefore offer electronic programming, which means you can set your unit to record programmes for up to seven days in advance. You should be aware, however, that while you can record a Freeview channel, you can’t watch another channel while you’re recording. If you think you might want to do a lot of recording, make sure your existing VCR is compatible with your Freeview box before you buy.

It’s also a good idea to check before purchasing what the reception is like in your area. Find out by visiting www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/index.html.

You might need to upgrade your existing aerial to get the best possible reception, and these can normally be purchased from the same supplier. Most models come with a digital audio output, which means you can link it directly to your stereo system for even better sound quality.

Sometimes called a digibox, the Freeview system gives you access to a wider choice of programmes, with over thirty free digital TV channels and twenty or more digital radio stations that you can listen to through your television set. Because it’s digital, you get extra features including digital text, an interactive service and widescreen pictures. You don’t need a widescreen television to view these, but as more and more programmes are being made using the widescreen format, it’s something you might consider for the future.

It’s also important to mention that not all models offer digital text and an interactive service, so it could be worth paying a few pounds more to get this extra and very useful feature included.

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