freesat hd channels

[rock15]

hi everyon, why is it taking so long to get the free to air hd channels on freesat like 4 hd and 5 hd these channels go on sky immediatly, but freesat has to wait ages, i thought they used the same sat .

 

[sonycentre]

The reason is that sky/virgin are pay tv services,freesat is just that free.so why should freesat users get the same amount of free hd content as sky or virgin.it cost's a lot of money for broardcasters to film,produce and out put hd.Free sat simply do not have the funds to compete with the likes of sky and virgin.So thats why freesat does not have the same amount of content.If you want more chioce you have to pay for it.

 

[Dave_]

The reason is that sky/virgin are pay tv services,freesat is just that free.so why should freesat users get the same amount of free hd content as sky or virgin.it cost's a lot of money for broardcasters to film,produce and out put hd.Free sat simply do not have the funds to compete with the likes of sky and virgin.So thats why freesat does not have the same amount of content.If you want more chioce you have to pay for it.

Freesat is an EPG provider and nothing more, it's entirely upto the broadcaster whether they decide to pay for inclusion on Freesats EPG or not (or any other platforms for that matter).

For the record 4 HD launches on Freesat this month, and 5 HD is currently hidden behind Skys paywall (because the subscription model currenty suits them), but other broadcasters, such as NHK World will launch on both platforms at the same time, so isn't because of some elitist nonsense that people who are subscribing should get channels first, but more down to broadcasters seeing any value/being financially viable to go FTA

 

[sonycentre]

Freesat is a free-to-air digital satellite television joint venture between the BBC and ITV plc, serving the United Kingdom.[1] The service was marketed from 6 May 2008 and offers a satellite alternative to the Freeview service on digital terrestrial television, with a selection of channels available without subscription for users purchasing a receiver. The service also makes use of the additional capacity available on digital satellite broadcasting to offer a selection of high-definition programming from the BBC and ITV.I think that covers things.

 

[hammill]

It is not a question of how much HD content costs, it is whether the broadcaster thinks they can make more money by either higher advertising revenue if they are free to air or a combination of subscription money and lower advertising value if they behind Sky and/or Virgins
pay wall.

 

[strapped for cash]

And when will 4HD become part of the Freesat EPG? We're told this month, but an actual date is still to be announced and we're half way through April.

Granted, it's not a huge problem, since most can manually tune into 4HD in its current trial format, but it would be good to know when the channel will officially be part of the Freesat roster.

Dave, as you're the man in the know on such matters, any news?

 

[Anonymous]

digitalspy is ur friend for this sort of information.

 

[landzw]

NHK World HD ( news channel ) is coming to freesat , Shame its not bloomberg for the GT1 Racing

 

[karlmc]

Channel 4HD is now on the Freesat EPG. Channel 126.

 

[karlmc]

 

[rock15]

hi thanks for all the replys,whilst i accept we should not expect to receive hd channels free, you do pay more for a hd freeveiw or hd freesat box, i was just lucky my panny came with a built in freesat hd tuner .