[quote user="bobbys"]Any one know much about it? Will i be able to record hd programs to my sony 970 hdd ?[/quote]
I suggest this:
http://www.freesat.co.uk/help.php
I am looking forward to freesat (note the lower case "f"). I used to have Sky+ installed so I can literally plug a HD dual-tuner freesat PVR in and that's it, instant HD on the main channels for free!
About 80 channels have signed up to the new EPG, so you'll get freeview like EPG data. I guess you can receieve any of the 200 or so FTA satellite channels on the box too, you just won't get any EPG data for them because they haven't paid to be listed in the channel line-up.
As far as HD broadcast is concered the unconfirmed line up is BBC HD, ITV HD and Lux HD. Channel 4 (also in HD) are expected to join freesat "soon", they are tied into a Sky contract. Channel 5 is unknown at this time, would be a bummer if they don't join freesat soon'ish.
The rumour is that the new Argos catalogue will have a freesat box in their end of January edition. Humax and Philips are rumoured to be manufacturers and there was also mention of Sagem. A Humax PVR has been unofficially confirmed as being tested for the service.
There will be a package you can buy to have freesat installed if you wish. Only a few outlets have been chosen, such as Tesco, John Lewis, Argos etc.
I should point out that any satellite receiver will get freesat, but only the freesat ones will receive the EPG data, so don't rush out and get any old receiver just yet.
The launch is very close (March?) but details are really sketchy and rumours are rife!
Personally if I was Sky I would be afraid of the impact this will have on their subscriptions. At the moment Sky is the only way to get this sort of service (complete with EPG data and a descent PVR).