Video: A first look at Freesat

We’ve been playing with Freesat all morning, and we’re besotted. It’s everything we’ve been promised: a satellite alternative to Freeview, delivering HD TV without any extra payments.

But there are a few surprises in store. As well as delivering HDTV from the BBC and ITV, each Freesat box is equipped with an ethernet connection, and while it’s not used for anything at the moment, in the future you’ll see on-demand TV shovelled through it.

Apparently, Freesat’s already considering following Virgin Media to allow the BBC’s iPlayer through its set top boxes, and promises tons of interactive features too.

Even more exciting is the news that new TVs will come with Freesat built in. Panasonic are amongst the first manufacturers to offer it, and it’ll mean up to 200 channels will be available without any extra equipment and HD TV gratis.

Not enough good news for you? How about if we tell you getting Freesat installed will be easier than even we expected. A network of installation companies are poised to fit the kit already, and will call you after you buy a box from almost any high street store. However, if you’re a Sky customer, you can simply plug the existing dish in and revel in the savings you’ll be making.

Take a look at Freesat in our video below. We’re seriously impressed, and we hope you are too. Give us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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