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The way we watch TV is currently undergoing something of a revolution. But are you and your customers staying ahead of the game in keeping up with all the latest freesat developments?
At freesat we share people’s passion for great TV with HD TV as our gold standard of viewing pleasure, Regardless of where your customers may live, freesat believes that everyone should be able to experience brilliant TV including HD subscription free. Ensuring that everybody can enjoy up to the minute digital TV, including free HD TV channels and that they continue to stay as up to date as possible as our technology evolves.
HD is the highest standard of television available in the UK and the greatest jump in television picture quality since the switch from black & white to colour television in the 1960s! And even better with freesat it’s all for free.
Of the 18 million HD ready TV sets in the UK only 20% of viewers are truly experiencing HD to its full potential. That’s over 15 million TV’s and customers that are missing out on freesat, as well as presenting a unique sales opportunity for retailers.
Ensuring consumers are aware that 'HD ready' is a label not an experience, the true selling point of HD is in the viewing experience.
High definition (HD) on freesat not only gives your customers that experience with up to five times more picture detail than standard TV meaning deeper, richer, more lifelike pictures plus stunning surround sound that puts them at the centre of the action; opening up a world of entertainment - all subscription free, wherever they live.
To enjoy it at its best, make your customers aware of the benefits of connecting their freesat digital box or TV with freesat HD built in to a surround-sound amplifier and speakers. For an even more immersive experience of 5.1 surround sound.
Putting your customers in control
Because freesat gives your customers over 140 digital TV and radio channels - all for free. So to help them make the most of this choice we've organized our channels into easy to use categories with the 8-day on-screen television programme guide. So with freesat you can find exactly what you want at the press of a button.
But how does freesat HD compare?
Unlike DTT freesat doesn’t suffer from capacity restrictions, allowing for many more channels and services in the future. Freesat’s HD offering also provides fantastic value for money, offering over 200 hours of HD programming per week without having to pay a subscription.
Freesat isn’t competing with premium content services. We’re offering something different, especially in comparison with expensive monthly subscriptions. Freesat is an attractive package of over 140 channels and services including free HD and catch up TV.
The average satellite HD subscription service customer will pay over £450 a year, freesat customers pay for the initial box and installation then pay nothing else.
Alternatively DTT viewers, depending on where they live in the UK may never be able to access an HD signal until 2012 because freesat sends its signals using geo-stationary satellites orbiting around 23,000 miles above. Regardless of where customers live, freesat HD is available with full UK wide coverage to everyone.
Freesat currently gives you two HD channels - so you can watch HD programmes from the BBC and ITV. All customers will need is a freesat HD or freesat + digital box connected to a HD Ready TV, or a TV with freesat HD built in.
What’s more the BBC are also launching a new HD channel, which will be coming to freesat later in 2010.
BBC One HD, which will simulcast a network version of the BBC One schedule for the first time, will see some of the BBC's most loved programmes including EastEnders, Holby City, The One Show, The Apprentice, The Weakest Link and QI move to HD by the end of the year. Plans are also underway for HD moves for Songs of Praise and Casualty, as well as A Question of Sport, and Blue Peter.
Freesat will therefore have three HD channels later in 2010: BBC HD, BBC One HD, and ITV1 HD.
Your customers HD questions answered
What HD format is freesat HD broadcast in?
HD TV uses two different formats, 720p and 1080i, because they use similar amounts of bandwidth but offer programme makers the ability to choose how to capture their subject matter. 720p is ideal for recording fast action, e.g. sports, while 1080i is better for programmes which benefit from showing an increased level of detail like natural history. Broadcasters are free to choose the format that best suits their mix of programmes, and freesat supports both 1080i and 720p – So you’ll always get the best positive picture
What equipment do I need to record HD programmes?
To record HD programmes in high definition customers will need freesat+ (freesat's HD digital television recorder) connected to your HD Ready TV with an HDMI cable. Freesat+ also gives retailers a fantastic sell up option when the key benefits are demonstrated.
In addition to freesat HD and freesat +, If you ever do forget to record your favourite programmes, catch up TV on freesat means you don’t have to miss out completely. Always ensuring customers are made aware of BBC iPlayer on freesat and the soon to launch ITV player allows viewers to realise the true potential of watching on demand programming via their main TV set with freesat.
