Rapid TV News

Freesat tops 100,000 units

Chris Forrester ©RapidTVNews | 28-09-2008

UK free-to-air satellite service has sold 100,000 boxes, with free HDTV claimed to be one of the key drivers. Freesat, a service backed by the UK’s BBC and ITV public broadcasters, was launched five months ago in May 2008.

A statement said sales have been helped by a summer of major sporting events in HD such as Euro 2008, Wimbledon and Olympic Games, as well as the likes of The Proms and movie blockbusters such as King Kong being shown in HD. With an autumn schedule boasting UEFA Champions’ League, England World Cup qualifiers and FA Cup football on ITV HD exclusive to Freesat, and first class dramas and entertainment including Heroes and Strictly Come Dancing from BBC HD, strong sales are set to continue.

Emma Scott, MD of Freesat commented, “There’s no denying how much people enjoy watching in high definition once they see it for themselves and the success of Freesat proves that. Unfortunately there are still a lot of people out there who think they’re already watching in HD because they have an HD ready TV - but they aren’t.”

“We want to help everyone understand that HD Ready is not the same thing as HD now. Without an HD digital receiver connected to an HD Ready TV or an integrated TV with Freesat HD built in you can’t watch an HD TV programme. It needn’t be complicated or costly. For those people that already have a satellite dish installed, they may simply be able to take their Freesat digital box or integrated TV home and plug it straight in.”

© Rapid TV News 2008