AV zombie

The UK broadcast landscape changes again today with the official unveiling of Freesat, the BBC/ITV joint venture that aims to bring redefine standard and high definition TV services. Unlike Sky, once installed Freesat viewers will have unlimited access to around 80 free-to-air channels. This number is expected to double by the end of the year.
From today, high definition receivers are available from 120 pounds with standard definition models priced at 50 pounds, plus 80 pound dish installation. All receivers are made by the Alba Group, and are for sale under the Bush, Goodman and Alba brands. The service begins with one high definition channel from the BBC, but ITV is expected to offer HD when it joins the platform in a matter of weeks.
Confidence in the system seems high. Freesat’s Commercial Director Richard Lindsay-Davies, says: “This is a supercharged platform in comparison to Freeview and there are some nine million HD-ready TVs out there in the UK that are currently not receiving any HD content. That’s a big potential market.”