I want to buy a freeview set top box to use with my analogue TV but I'm confused as the prices vary. The best price I've found is £25.
- Do all set top boxes offer the same range and number of channels?
- How can I be sure that freeview will work in my home? I've seen something about some homes needing an aeriel upgrade. Is that related to my TV or the antenna up on the roof?
Thanks!
2006-10-11 01:31:40 · 12 answers · asked by Thanks! 2 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Television
Go to freeview.co.uk it will tell you what you need to know plus if you can get it from your post code
2006-10-11 01:36:25 · answer #1 · answered by Missy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Currently on the market are three kinds of Freeview box
1. Standard. This will give you 80+ digital channels some of which are radio. All the BBC and ITV channels are on there.
2. Top up TV, which if you pay 7.99 a month will give you more channels but in a limited broadcasting time.
3 Top up TV anytime, the new service which gives you a lot more channels 24 hours. I don't know what the price is for that.
It's not as simple as buying a box. You need a wideband Aerial on your roof to receive digital TV, it doesn't work with normal ones. Prices to have a wideband Aerial fitted vary from 80 to 200 pounds depending how tricky it is. Check your aerial by borrowing somebodys box, fitting it in and seeing if it works.
Uk coverage is not yet total, any retailer selling you a box has to check your postcode to see if you can receive. Go to Comet, they're pretty up on this.Don't buy one on the internet as they aren't bound by this rule - if you buy a box you won't get your money back if you can't use it.
Hope that's useful.
2006-10-11 01:50:04 · answer #2 · answered by prakdrive 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To check weather you are in a freeview coverage area text your postcode to 83331 or call 08708809980. The Boxes are all different to what other features they have with them rather than the channels they provide, some you will find only have a now and next feature whilst others have a 7 day guide, some have 2 scart some have 1.
I have 2 of the £25 boxes one from Asda which is a Durabrand and another from Argos, both are excellent boxes and both of good quality.
2006-10-11 01:40:39 · answer #3 · answered by Jo. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A set top box for free view is a good idea,but,a lot of the channels are going off this winter As they are revamping.With top up tv its good,lots more channels but that goes up to £9.99 a month soon and you need a box at around £90 and yes you could need a high gain antenna,its best to anyway,Home Base or B&Q .The antenna can bee fitted in the loft space,mine is.That you can DIY.
2006-10-11 01:55:58 · answer #4 · answered by Andy P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've just got a Freeview box, it's really good. The picture is quality is better than I was getting with Sky. Got my digibox from John Lewis, it cost about £40, the staff were really helpful with info. There's a Freeview website, ( think it might be www.freeview.co.uk) where you can tap in your postcode and it will tell you if you can receive Freeview in your area, how strong the signal is, and whether you'd need to upgrade your aerial. Plus it answers most of the questions you've posed.
2006-10-11 01:39:16 · answer #5 · answered by yzigwenucanzag 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I extremely have been disillusioned with the freeview field as extremely some the programmes you suggested the two do not seem or wreck up, i'm interior the technique of having a sparkling cable equipped and doubtless a sparkling aerial by way of fact the copper connections tend to visit pot after extremely some years in my case 17 years.
2016-11-27 21:12:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy one of EBAY, they are as cheap as chips, I payed £13 for mine and its one of the most usfel things I bought for £13!! I dont watch a lot of tv, sky would be too much, but freeview is great and much better than just the crappy old 1,2,3,4 & 5, especially on the weekend when tv is BORING!!!
Oh and also, just a normal tv ariel will work of even if you have an external ariel that is even better... I use mine on a inside little house ariel and it works fine :) Go to a freeview website and check your postcode on their website and see if its available in your area.
2006-10-11 01:33:53 · answer #7 · answered by me_me 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you buy from Argos, they'll give you a number to ring or will ask for you postcode and will be able to tell you if you'll be able to receive digital.
If so, then just buy the box and USB cable and away you go.
Your aerial will probably be fine.
2006-10-11 01:34:10 · answer #8 · answered by lovelylexie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi..try logging on to www.freeview.co.uk It will give you all the vital info you are looking for including what you need, how to set it up, etc then you can even look where to get one from. Happy viewing!!
2006-10-11 01:36:57 · answer #9 · answered by widow_purple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it depends where you live to see if you need a ariel you would also pay round about £99.00 for a box go online put your postcode in and it will tell you
2006-10-11 01:35:45 · answer #10 · answered by dogfishwarrior69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋