Finally, don’t forget the remote control. This is one area where budget Freeview and Freesat boxes consistently go wrong, and it can make a surprisingly big difference in everyday use, particularly if it’s uncomfortable with badly positioned buttons. Available for Apple iOS, Android and Fire OS devices, the Freesat App lets you take control via your smartphone or tablet. Make recordings whilst you’re away, plan your viewing wherever you are and set reminders for your favourite shows. With HDMI as standard, the Freesat PVR connects effortlessly to your TV. For an upgrade in sound, use the optical digital output to connect to your soundbar/base or home cinema system. Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 29th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) Freeview:Operated by Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK), a joint venture of the BBC, ITV Channel 4 and Channel 5, Freeview provides access to 100+ free, over-the-air channels and radio stations. To get it, you need an aerial – either one on your roof, or a cheap indoor aerial – and a Freeview tuner – either one built-into your TV, or a set-top box one which also offers recording capabilities. Read my full Freeview Guide right here.

Also, keep in mind that Humax no longer manufactures Freesat boxes – you might still find them in some stores, but they won’t get updated with some of Freesat’s newest features (so ITVX doesn’t work on them, for example). PVR And Recording Avoid the 500GB version – you will run short of recording space in no time – and go straight to at least the 1TB version, or the 2TB model if you can afford it. If you like to keep your favourite programmes stored for watching later, you will be glad of the extra capacity. With over 170 TV and radio channels to hand, there’s always entertainment to be had from Freesat. Make the most of your HD TV with one of over 20 stations available in High Definition on this PVR. These include BBC One, Two and Four, ITV, Channel 5 and regional TV such as STV (please note, regional variations exist with the UK).Some boxes support Freesat’s “Freetime” catch-up service, which lets you use the EPG to watch programmes that aired during the last 7 days (but only on specific channels). Additional Apps Some Freesat boxes come with a built-in hard drive, allowing you to record TV programmes for later viewing (and you can record one programme while watching another one on a different channel). Conveniently, you can also use the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) to choose future-programmes to record, so you’ll never miss your favourite shows. Dolby 5.1 surround sound is now standard, and Freesat’s own Freesat 4K TV boxes also support Dolby Atmos. As the name suggests, these units are also 4K-ready, and while there aren’t any 4K Freesat channels at the time of writing, you can watch 4K Netflix and YouTube content from your box.

For a step-up in picture quality, this PVR is also compatible with UHD 4K streaming services. Connect to your UHD 4K TV and see enhanced detail with a more natural picture than before. UHD 4K content is available via YouTube and Netflix. This recording model can record up to 4 programmes/channels at the same time (but you need a Wideband LNB dish), and has a wide range of smart recording features. You can also use the Freesat mobile app to set recordings from your mobile phone.Freesat’s own-brand STB has everything going for it, including a nicely compact design, built-in Wi-Fi and an optical out. It’s also more future-proof than previous Freesat receivers, with 4K output, Dolby Atmos audio and support for 4K Freesat broadcasts should they roll out in the future. Up until 2020, Humax ruled the Freesat world – but their boxes were becoming slow and obsolete, until they stopped making them. Additionally, someFreesat boxes also offer apps for the standard streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 – though you get these via your broadband connection, and not through the satellite (do note that older boxes don’t support ITV Hub’s replacement, ITVX). customers satisfied with Freesat as their TV provider: Based on an online YouGov Plc survey, total sample size was 8341 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th March 2022 - 15th February 2023. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). The number of hours you can record depends on the model you get: 500GB (Up to 250 hours), 1TB (Up to 500 hours) or 2TB (Up to 1,000 hours!).

As well as being able to record TV, you can access catch-up services via this Freesat PVR (Internet connection required). BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, My5, STV and UKTV are available (please note, regional variations exist with the UK). Otherwise, the main things to watch out for are picture quality and the EPG (electronic programme guide, or more simply, the menu). There are still a few older units out there running old-fashioned, clunky EPGs that look ugly and make finding a programme or setting a recording a real chore. What’s more, Freesat and the remaining Freesat box manufacturers have worked hard in the past few years to build much more stylish and functional EPGs with proper Now and Next views and additional sections where you might find a showcase of hit programmes or catch-up TV features.

Like their Freeview cousins, Freesat boxes have evolved to cover catch-up TV and streaming services, and the best boxes now include Ethernet or Wi-Fi. With the right services in place, you can scroll forwards through the EPG and set reminders or schedule recordings, but you can also scroll left and watch programmes that have already been broadcast. Not all channels or even programmes in a channel will be available for catch-up, but most of the time it’s a whole lot easier than switching between catch-up apps to find your favourite show.