Review of Freeview Boxes
Free Television Anyone?

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Watching TV is a great way to relax after a day of chasing the kids around, or a great way to have some family time in the evenings. Freeview is not quite the average, run of the mill way in which to obtain your TV – it goes against the model used by Sky et al whereby we pay per month for extra channels; neither is it the standard 5 (analogue) channels that everyone in the UK (in theory) can watch. Instead it is a relatively new way in which to obtain digital TV. And it’s free.

What does the consumer get for free? Freeview offers up to 100 of the best television channels for your viewing pleasure. Did I mention that those channels are absolutely free? Additionally, freeview offers multiple music channels so you can enjoy music if you can’t find anything on TV. While it doesn’t claim to be an all-round media solution to cater for all your entertainment needs, it’s actually not too far off already.

With a great deal like this, maybe you are wondering what the catch is. Well, there is only one catch – you have to buy a digital TV, digital box, or digital TV recorder. With the purchase of the Freeview box, you get Freeview TV absolutely free with nothing else to buy ever – no strings attached.

While most people will enjoy simply installing the box directly to the TV and watching, a few people may need to take an additional step. While Freeview does offer an extensive coverage area, some people may find they need to adjust the rooftop aerial, but after a few brief adjustments, those few people will find they are ready to go. Websites can help you determine whether or not your area will adapt to freeview painlessly, or whether you’re going to need to take this additional step.

Maybe you are thinking a Freeview box has to be expensive, but nothing is farthest from the truth. Whilst initial release prices of the boxes was around the £100 mark, competition and volume has meant that the prices have plummet – all the better for us.

The Phillips DTR 200, for example, is reported to be a decent starting Freeview box starting as low as £29.99. For £29.99 the consumer gets Dolby Digital bitstream, Digital picture quality, the award winning interference reduction pulse killer chip, 2 scart leads, fast zapp, on screen display, widescreen signal detection, audio and manual channel searches, and more. Additionally, Phillips is a brand name many people trust.

Looking for something a bit more cost effective? The Alba STB 2 has shining reviews and starts at only £23. What does the consumer get for his or her £23? Imagine a terrestrial digital set top box, parental control, an ultra compact and slimine look, easy setup, 2 scart leads, digital interactivity, and much more.

For a mid-priced Freeview box, the average buyer will spend approximately £60. The Panasonic TUCT 41 is a good example of why Freeview boxes are so nice and only costs £59.99. Receive all the free-to-air terrestrial transmissions, record up to 8 programmes simultaneously, 2 scart leads, RF aerials in and out, and a complete 7 day electronic programme guide with this nicely priced and reasonably priced Freeview box. The name Panasonic almost guarantees a quality product, and the warranty backs the Panasonic name.

For something extra, the Goodsman GHD 178 DVBT 80GB Digital Recorder HDD Freeview box is superb. Imagine all the features of the other boxes but with an 80GB hard disc drive allowing for the recorder of series and favourite shows for later viewing. That is a mega 35 hours of recording time. The output devices are RCA, SCART, and coaxial compatible; and there are even JZoom capabilities. All of that and all the consumer pays is £59.99

Finally, the Topfield TF5800 PVR is the kind of Freeview boxes with a reputation to match. The consumer gets to choose from two different sizes of hard drive with up to 88 hours or recording time, receives an extended warranty, and has fill USB 2.0 support for direct PC interfacing. This popular Freeview box also has a time shift feature, a modulated RF outlet, and composite, S-video, SCART, and RGB support. Dolby Digital audio is also offered via S/PDIF. This Freeview box is considerably more than the other Freeview boxes at £229, but for the price, the consumer gets a gem among the other boxes, with a host of interesting and useful features.

Is a Freeview box worth the purchase? If you are like my family, television plays an important and large role in the household either as an educational or recreational tool. A one time fee means no strings attached and no surprises. However, before considering the purchase of any Freeview box, be sure to search only to guarantee you are in the proper region to receive coverage.