Digital TV News

Get a Freeview+ HD set-top box for less at Tesco

Friday 4 June, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

The UK’s first Freeview+ high-definition set-top box has gone on sale, letting users watch and record programmes shown on many channels, all for just £200.

The Freeview+ HD SmartBox, the UK’s first Freeview high-definition (HD) digital recorder, is now on sale for £200 in Tesco Extra stores and on the Tesco Direct website.

The new set-top box, designed by internet TV broadcaster IP Vision, lets customers watch their favourite BBC, ITV and Channel 4 (or S4/C in Wales) shows in super sharp high-definition, providing they live in an area that can receive Freeview HD, and comes with a built-in PVR, to record, pause and rewind programmes.

If you have the box, you can also access on-demand TV programmes via the integrated FetchTV platform by connecting the box to their broadband modem.

Eddie Abrams, IP Vision’s CEO, said: “The box not only allows users to view fantastic high-definition channels delivered by Freeview, it also offers users access to over 2,000 hours of incredible content without the need for tied-in subscriptions.”

The SmartBox also comes with access to satellite TV provider Sky's (www.sky.co.uk) catch-up service, the Sky Player. Users will be able to watch content from over 40 channels including Sky 1, Living, Bravo, Sky Movies and Sky Sports. The Sky Player also offers a selection of pay-per-view programmes and films.

The Freeview HD box, which is manufactured by Technika, is available from Tesco Extra stores and online at www.tescodirect.com for just £200, making it an affordable option for anyone looking to switch to a subscription-free HD service.

The box can also be connected wirelessly to any computer or laptop to deliver music, films, photographs and other content directly to the TV screen.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “Freeview HD is available across approximately 50% of the country now, with other areas following from now until the digital switchover is complete in 2012. Visit the Freeview HD website to check whether Freeview HD is available in your area yet.”