What is Freeview HD?

Freeview HD is the next generation of the traditional Freeview service which has been transmitting in the UK for several years. Freeview HD, also known as Freeview+ and Freeview High Definition is building upon the success the Freeview and the digital switch over has created.

Just like Freeview, Freeview HD is a digital TV service run on a non-subscription basis. The Freeview HD signal is transmitted just like a normal Freeview signal and received through a regular television aerial. To receive Freeview HD you don't need any special cables like Sky or Virgin, and you don't need any kind of satellite dish to receive the signal. As we previsouly mentioned you don't even need to pay for Freeview HD, provided you have a Freeview HD Recorder the service is 100% Free.

So why is Freeview HD different to regular Freeview. Well.. the clue is in the name. With Freeview HD, as well as receiving over 50 normal Freeview TV and radio channels, you will initially receive 4 of the channels in HD (HIgh Definition). These channels are currently BBC HD, ITV 1 HD, Channel 4HD and FiveHD. We know that additional Freeview HD channels will begin transmitting in the near future.

Remember that just because you have a HD TV, it doesn't mean that your regular freeview receiver can receive the HD channels. Also, if you don't have a HD TV, there is no point getting a Freeview HD recorder.

HD is the abbreviation High Definition. In electronics and more specifically TV related terms it means you get a clearer and sharper picture on your TV. The detail can be up to 5 times clearer than standard definition TVs. This is becuase there are more colour pixels per inch on the screen.. much like a large resulution photo.Along with better picture quality Freeview HD also gives you Dolby 5.1 surround sound to make the home entertainment complete.

The only real downside to Freeview HD is that it is being rolled out slowly overthe UK so not all people can receive it straight away but many people will have it in time for the 2010 world cup.

To receive Freeview HD make sure you get the best Freeview HD recorder for you. We review a wide range of Freeview HD Recorders and offer price comparison accross many brands.