BBC, ITV launch Freesat in U.K.
Service gives boost to digital, HD
The new U.K. digital platform, designed to reach those parts of the U.K. that are unable to receive a digital terrestrial signal, bowed Tuesday following several false starts.
The initiative’s managing director Emma Scott hailed the move as “a landmark day for digital TV in the U.K.,” not least because the new service, originally earmarked for launch in 2006, is designed to give a boost to Britain’s somewhat stagnant high definition TV market.
BBC director-general Mark Thompson said: “With the launch of Freesat, all the BBC's digital channels, including BBC HD, will now be available to all license fee payers wherever they live and however they choose to access them."
His opposite number at ITV, executive chairman Michael Grade, said Freesat’s arrival represented the “final piece” in Blighty’s digital jigsaw.
He added: “Now everyone in the U.K. can experience the benefits of digital television: more choice of channels, interactivity and the extraordinary picture quality of HD."
For an initial outlay of around $300 on hardware, Freesat provides more than 80 free digital channels in addition to HD offerings from the BBC and ITV, but they are more limited than the HD services available to BSkyB subscribers for a monthly payment.
The satcaster already operates its own Freesat service. It therefore remains to be seen if British consumers are confused by the new digital TV provider, also called Freesat.
