Which Is Better? Freesat Or Freeview?

If you’re looking to get a new digital television system, then you’ve likely asked yourself a crucial question. Which is better between Freeview and Freesat? As local aerial installers in Warrington we get asked this question on occasion. Keep reading this content to find out some things that will hopefully help you make your decision. We’ll start all this off with an explanation of each system’s characteristics.

The UK’s terrestrial digital television services is known as Freeview, and it gets beamed right into your home via an aerial. It’s offered in various ways, from set top boxes to little things which barely qualify as boxes to even tellies that even have Freeview built-in already. If you want to get going with Freeview, then you only need to hook it up to your aerial, and then you’re ready. You also need to connect your broadband if you’d like to use your smart television.

On the other hand, Freesat is a free-to-air British satellite TV service that offers a satellite alternative you can use instead of the digital terrestrial Freeview service. It, too, has a broad and similar selection of channels that are available subscription-free for those users who buy a receiver.

Despite how similar both of these systems are, there are a number of differences which make them distinct. These differentiations are what can help you choose which option is the best one for you. So, Freeview or Freesat? The following are some point that might help you make your choice:

Coverage

This is easily a big difference. Freeview’s availability covers 98 percent of the United Kingdom. Freesat, however, has either almost total or actually total coverage. Having said that, some Freeview locations that count in their 98 percent are areas that can only get the Lite version, that is reduced. In those places, Freesat might be the better choice.

How Many Channels

We have to admit that the overall number of channels sits in a state of constant flux, although it’s usually a growing number of channels most of the time. At the time of writing, Freeview has more than 70 channels, including a number in HD, as well as roughly 20 radio stations. Alternatively, Freesat offers more than 200 channels between TV and radio. That higher number of channels might look rather impressive and alluring, but you should still look to see that the specific channels you’re particularly interested in happen to be included in each system’s lineup.

HD Versions

Freeview and Freesat both offer HD TV channels. So, you need not worry about this particular point given how there’s no variation between the two.

Initial Investment

Even though watching any of the TV channels is going to be free, you’re still going to have some initial investment costs because of installation expenses. For instance, the installation of a satellite dish might be a bit more costly to you since you’re going to need to buy a dish and pay for it to be installed. However, that cost does reward you with the tremendous variety of channels that you get to pick from.

Freeview only requires a digital TV and conventional TV aerial. If you don’t have a digital TV, you will have to get a cheap set to box, although non-recording versions don’t run more than £30. Most supermarkets sell them these days.

We are truly hopeful that after reading all of this information that you’re in a more educated position that helps you choose between Freeview or Freesat. Interested in finding out why you may be having signal issues? Click here