Freeview Vs Freesat: Which Is The Right Device For You?
If you want to invest in a digital set-top box for your TV, you now have a range of options to choose from. So many, in fact, that it can all seem a bit overwhelming. The two main options are Freeview and Freesat boxes. So which of these is the best option for you? Here’s a quick guide to both along with a few pros and cons of each.
Freeview Overview
Freeview is the most popular option for set-top boxes in the UK at the moment, and this is typically because it tends to be the cheaper option. However, there is one major issue with Freeview, which is that it is not available in 100% of the UK. Before you invest in a Freeview box or TV, you should check that you can indeed access its programmes, and you can do this by making a quick search online for a coverage checker (one is available on the Freeview website) and entering your postcode.
If reception is good where you live, you may want to consider Freeview. If reception is poor or non-existent, your decision will have been made for you as Freesat is the only valid option.
Freeview consists of purchasing a box or a TV with a Freeview decoder. It contains about 50 channels, some of which are HD, and more are added occasionally. You pay a one-off fee for the box or TV, and then you can watch as much as you like for free.
One of the issues you have to consider when buying a Freeview box is the quality of your signal. If you currently don’t receive a good signal, you may need to install a new aerial in order to enjoy the best quality from your Freeview, so that is another expense to take into consideration.
Freesat Overview
You will need a satellite dish in order to watch the programmes on your new Freesat box in the UK. You have the choice of two Freesat options: standard Freesat and Freesat from Sky. The main difference is that the latter has many more channels.
Freesat tends to cost slightly more than Freeview, and if you do not have a satellite dish already this will will be another investment that you will have to make. However, if you already have a satellite it could prove to be a convenient option.
Freesat includes a number of channels that are not available on Freeview, which is especially true of Freesat from Sky. In addition, there are more HD channels at the time of writing, and the quality can often be better on Freesat.
Other Factors to Consider
Whether you opt for Freeview or Freesat, there are a few things to consider. These include:
– some set-top boxes come with HD, whereas others do not, so you will have to decide whether this matters to you.
– some boxes come with pause, rewind and record features (often called ‘plus’ boxes), but these normally cost slightly more.
– if you want to record lots of programmes, make sure you choose a box with enough storage space.
Choose the Best Option for You
There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing between Freeview and Freesat. The above overviews will help you to decide which is the best option for your own circumstances, and both options will allow you to watch the best TV programmes for free following the initial investment, so research the models that are currently available and choose the best option for you.
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Author Bio:
Jake Smith has written widely on TV and technology topics, and suggests that when searching for the best Freesat box products, consumers research the latest reviews to find the best option for them.
