I’ve mentioned Freeview already, but there’s also YouView, and they’re both different from Freesat… Confused? Don’t be. With HDMI as standard, the Freesat PVR connects effortlessly to your TV. For an upgrade in sound, use the optical digital output to connect to your soundbar/base or home cinema system.

Freesat HD lets you keep your existing satellite dish and access a wide range of channels, without monthly subscription charges. Ideal for homes with poor aerial reception or where a satellite dish is already fitted, Freesat HD gives you all the advantages of Freeview, but with a dish instead of an aerial. 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.

What our clients say

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).

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. 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. Up until 2020, Humax ruled the Freesat world – but their boxes were becoming slow and obsolete, until they stopped making them. 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.) 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.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. 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. 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. 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