Freesat Recordable 4K TV Box 1TB

Product Information

Some Freesat boxes come with a built-in hard drive, allowing you to record TV programmes for later viewing (and you can record one programme while watching another one on a different channel). Conveniently, you can also use the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) to choose future-programmes to record, so you’ll never miss your favourite shows.

Setting this box up is a breeze once you connect it to your satellite dish, and the Freesat EPG is a joy to use. It also offers a 7-day catch-up service – you select programmes that aired during that time, via the EPG, and you get to magically watch them – it’s like your very own PVR in the cloud (but only for 7 days, and only on 26 channels at this time.) Like their Freeview cousins, Freesat boxes have evolved to cover catch-up TV and streaming services, and the best boxes now include Ethernet or Wi-Fi. With the right services in place, you can scroll forwards through the EPG and set reminders or schedule recordings, but you can also scroll left and watch programmes that have already been broadcast. Not all channels or even programmes in a channel will be available for catch-up, but most of the time it’s a whole lot easier than switching between catch-up apps to find your favourite show. Additionally, someFreesat boxes also offer apps for the standard streaming services such as BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 – though you get these via your broadband connection, and not through the satellite (do note that older boxes don’t support ITV Hub’s replacement, ITVX). As well as being able to record TV, you can access catch-up services via this Freesat PVR (Internet connection required). BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, My5, STV and UKTV are available (please note, regional variations exist with the UK).Right now, it’s a great receiver, with excellent picture quality and a snappy, no-nonsense user interface focused on helping you find and watch your favourite programmes. It’s intuitive and easy to use, and even the remote control is up to scratch. Freeview:Operated by Everyone TV (formerly Digital UK), a joint venture of the BBC, ITV Channel 4 and Channel 5, Freeview provides access to 100+ free, over-the-air channels and radio stations. To get it, you need an aerial – either one on your roof, or a cheap indoor aerial – and a Freeview tuner – either one built-into your TV, or a set-top box one which also offers recording capabilities. Read my full Freeview Guide right here. With HDMI as standard, the Freesat PVR connects effortlessly to your TV. For an upgrade in sound, use the optical digital output to connect to your soundbar/base or home cinema system.

The number of hours you can record depends on the model you get: 500GB (Up to 250 hours), 1TB (Up to 500 hours) or 2TB (Up to 1,000 hours!). Otherwise, the main things to watch out for are picture quality and the EPG (electronic programme guide, or more simply, the menu). There are still a few older units out there running old-fashioned, clunky EPGs that look ugly and make finding a programme or setting a recording a real chore. What’s more, Freesat and the remaining Freesat box manufacturers have worked hard in the past few years to build much more stylish and functional EPGs with proper Now and Next views and additional sections where you might find a showcase of hit programmes or catch-up TV features.

Freesat Receivers

customers satisfied with Freesat as their TV provider: Based on an online YouGov Plc survey, total sample size was 8341 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 28th March 2022 - 15th February 2023. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+). I’ve mentioned Freeview already, but there’s also YouView, and they’re both different from Freesat… Confused? Don’t be.

Freesat started as a joint venture between the BBC and ITV, and has been around since 2008. It offers more than 200 free-to-air TV channels and radio stations, all transmitted via digital satellite. Freesat HD lets you keep your existing satellite dish and access a wide range of channels, without monthly subscription charges. Ideal for homes with poor aerial reception or where a satellite dish is already fitted, Freesat HD gives you all the advantages of Freeview, but with a dish instead of an aerial. While the selection of Freesat boxes out there isn’t very big – there are still distinct differences between the ones that are available – both in features and cost.Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 29th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.) Finally, don’t forget the remote control. This is one area where budget Freeview and Freesat boxes consistently go wrong, and it can make a surprisingly big difference in everyday use, particularly if it’s uncomfortable with badly positioned buttons.

Avoid the 500GB version – you will run short of recording space in no time – and go straight to at least the 1TB version, or the 2TB model if you can afford it. If you like to keep your favourite programmes stored for watching later, you will be glad of the extra capacity. Freesat’s own-brand STB has everything going for it, including a nicely compact design, built-in Wi-Fi and an optical out. It’s also more future-proof than previous Freesat receivers, with 4K output, Dolby Atmos audio and support for 4K Freesat broadcasts should they roll out in the future. With over 170 TV and radio channels to hand, there’s always entertainment to be had from Freesat. Make the most of your HD TV with one of over 20 stations available in High Definition on this PVR. These include BBC One, Two and Four, ITV, Channel 5 and regional TV such as STV (please note, regional variations exist with the UK). If you mostly use the streaming TV apps (such as BBC iPlayer and ITVX), you might not need a recording box – but keep in mind that some of the UK streaming apps are catch-up services, and the programmes expire after a set number of days.Keep in mind, there are no 4K broadcasts on Freesat (at least for now) – so you’ll only be able to use that feature when streaming content from Netflix (provided you have the 4K plan), Prime Video and YouTube (and the occasional BBC iPlayer 4K ‘test’). Dolby 5.1 surround sound is now standard, and Freesat’s own Freesat 4K TV boxes also support Dolby Atmos. As the name suggests, these units are also 4K-ready, and while there aren’t any 4K Freesat channels at the time of writing, you can watch 4K Netflix and YouTube content from your box. This recording model can record up to 4 programmes/channels at the same time (but you need a Wideband LNB dish), and has a wide range of smart recording features. You can also use the Freesat mobile app to set recordings from your mobile phone. Up until 2020, Humax ruled the Freesat world – but their boxes were becoming slow and obsolete, until they stopped making them.