Recieving free HD TV channels?

[Grand Dizzy]

Does anyone know if there are any free HD channels available, and how you can recieve them?

In particular:

1. Are there any free HD channels broadcast over the Internet?

2. Might I be able to recieve free satellite HD channels without a Sky subscription?

3. Any idea when HD comes to Freeview? (I believe that will be when analogue is switched off — but how long until it happens?).

Finally, I should add that it doesn't have to be UK-based, or even in English. I find foreign TV quite fascinating, actually. I really would just love to start watching a bit of HD content and seeing what it's like, (without having to pay a subscription for it). Is there any "free HD" yet that can be accessed in the UK?

Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. :D

[ndenbow]

Hi,

I am no expert but you can receive/watch free HD channels without subscribing to SkyHD, if you buy a SkyHD receiver from a reputable dealer and then call Sky to pair your existing card with the new box. This way you a) don't have to sign up for a new 12-month subscription or b) pay the extra £10 subs. You will get BBCHD and C4HD and probably ITVHD when launched.

Also freesat is worth looking at. This service is due to be launched in March/april. Uses the same Astra satellite as Sky. You can either use you existing dish or have one installed, but you only need to buy the receiver - no subscription. Aimed at HD content.

Hope that helps.

[Grand Dizzy]

Great info. Thanks a lot :D

[BrianF]

Originally Posted by ndenbow

Also freesat is worth looking at. This service is due to be launched in March/april. Uses the same Astra satellite as Sky. You can either use your existing dish or have one installed but you only need to buy the receiver - no subscription. Aimed at HD content.

Hope that helps.

Will existing FTA HD receivers work with Freesat? In other words, no card requirement.

[Starburst]

Originally Posted by BrianF

Will existing FTA HD receivers work with Freesat? In other words, no card requirement.

Yes in respect to not needing a smartcard for FTA channels.

However you may need a DVB-S2 receiver (mpeg4 is a given) because the BBC may not remain DVBS and given the benefits that spec has you would expect ITVHD use it and Freesat boxes HD boxes to support it.