Freeview HD Box - Available Next Week!

Freeview HD receivers will be available for purchase next week, namely from Humax (who were the initial manufacturers of the Freesat SD, HD & PVR receivers) and Bush.

The new Freeview HD set top boxes will decode the new DVB T2 signal broadcasted from your local digital ready transmitter. Although currently, only viewers receiving Freeview from Winter Hill and Crystal Palace transmitters can receive the new Freeview HD signal, others will soon follow and the service will be rolled throughout the United Kingdom, with the entire country able to receive HD broadcasts by the end of 2012.

If you have already purchased a Freeview TV which is HD ready, you will also unfortunately need to purchase the new DVB-T2 compliant Freeview HD set top box to decode HD broadcast.

The Worlds First 3D Live TV Sporting Event

Sky have announced they will be showcasing their new Sky 3DTV channel throughout 9 public houses in the United Kingdom for the Manchester United vs Arsenal premier league game this sunday.

Those who have entry, will be able to watch their team in superb definition and clarity, with a greater feeling of depth throughout the live broadcast. Each pub has been specifically fitted with some of the first new 3D televisions to enter the market.

Sky have anticipated to have their new 3D TV service rolled out to the majority of public houses in the United Kingdom by April, and homeviewers by the end of 2010.

It is believed that customers who currently have a Sky+HD satellite receiver will be able to view the new Sky 3D channel providing they currently subscribe to one of Sky's top TV packages and HD pack.

Record 10m Television Sets Sold in 2009

2009 was a bumper year for purchases of new LCD or Plasma TV sets. Despite the recession, new television purchases set a record high in 2009 of over 10m sold.

Over 32m flat screen televisions have been sold over the five past years in the United Kingdom, and this is largely down to a number of factors, namely the enhancement of better digital viewing services, such as Freeview and High Definition, and now the stiff competition between manufacturers to produce quality televisions at prices customers can afford. Some 32" flat screen models can currently be purchased in the region of £300!

2010 looks to be equally as exciting as flat screen manufacturers are now keen to push 3D TV technology in their future models, to take full advantage of the new 3D service being offered from Sky TV. Although there is not a mainstream 3D model currently for purchase, it is expected that a variety of television sets will be available this year.

Freeview HD - When, How, What, Where?

Freeview have recently announced the next phase of their free viewing platform, by introducing HD (High Definition) content via it's free television service. However, there is alot of confusion among consumers on how and when they will be able to watch these HD broadcasts.

Freeview HD was initially be introduced to the Granada region, with the Crystal Palace transmitter being upgraded soon after, however, despite these regions now transmitting the High Definition signals, no-one can actually watch/decode these transmissions (except those with the right computer equipment).

Any Freeview receiver or TV will require a decoder with the new DVB-T2 Tuner that will process the newer signal - however there is no television or receiver that currently retails to do this. Furthermore, any television that has been purchased which has an integrated Freeview tuner, and HD capabilities, will still require a separate DVB-T2 Freeview receiver when available to watch the HD channels!

However, once available, consumers will have a choice of Free HD broadcasts from channels such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and eventually Five.

Although there are only currently 2 regions already transmitting Freeview HD, many regions will have to wait until the complete digital switchover has commenced in their area to receive the new higher definition broadcasts.

Common Problems - Digital Set Top Box Crashed?

A common yet easily rectifiable problem when watching your favourite digital television programmes, is for your pictures to freeze or not appear, and your digital set top box (which is used for either Sky, BBC Freesat or Freeview systems) to stop responding to any commands to change the channel or enter the menu.

Digital set top boxes (or satellite receivers in general) are like mini computers, and are prone to crashing which is where the software fails to operate as expected and cannot be operated by traditional methods.

The solution to rectify this problem, and return either your Freeview, Sky or BBC Freesat satellite receiver to a functional state, a reset of the box will be required.

We have outlined below the necessary procedure to perform a reset:

For BBC Freesat, Sky Digital & Freeview Receivers:

- Unplug the set top box from the power socket for approximately five minutes. This allows the receiver to power down and clear it's memory

- Reconnect the set top box and allow the software approximately one minute to load itself correctly

- Take the receiver off standby mode by pressing the power button on either the box or the remote control.

- If successful, your digital television channels should be ok and watchable, and you should be able to change channel as expected.

If you have a Sky Digital satellite receiver and the above method didn't cure your problems, you may need to perform a 'system download' to force the box to download the latest software and channels.

To perform a system download for Sky, follow the instructions below:

- Unplug/Turn off the power supply powering the Sky digital(Sky, Sky+ or Sky HD) receiver.

- Hold you finger down on the 'backup' button located on the front of the receiver (Please note, holding the backup button on the remote control will not work)

- Reconnect the receiver or turn the power back on at the supply, whilst pressing down the backup button

- After approximately 15 seconds, lights should appear on the front of your Sky digital receiver, and a message on screen explaining a download is in process - DO NOT SWITCH OFF THE RECEIVER!

- Allow this process upto 15 minutes to perform fully. Once completed, the Sky digital receiver will automatically go to standby mode by default.

- Press the power button on your remote control, and your Sky digital viewing service should be resumed!

If the above procedures do not cure your home viewing problems, there may be something else in your digital system which could be causing a disruption to your service, such as, the satellite dish or aerial, cabling or even slight mis-alignment or your satellite dish or TV aerial. A visit from an highly trained Aerialforce engineer can help fully diagnose the fault, and implement a remedial course of action.

Multiroom - Home Entertainment Distribution

Multiroom is a fantastic way to provide your property with a complete home entertainment solution in every room!

With the installation of a Multiroom system, you could watch your TV/Satellite/DVD/VHS or other digital television service throughout your property, and furthermore, each could be independently controlled, allowing you, your children, or other members of the family to watch different channels at the same time, without causing any interruption into each others viewing.

Your multiroom system can be completely tailored and installed to your specification. Furthermore, you could have installed a digital radio system, fully configured with your multiroom home distribution system, and have this signal supplied to every room in the property, providing digital radio on demand, controlled via independently from each room. Multiroom provides superb flexibility to your needs.

You could even have your CCTV home security system fully configured to work alongside your multiroom system, providing you instant access of your camera hotspots, all through your television!

Aerialforce are multiroom installation specialists, and can tailor make a multiroom setup specific to your requirements. Aerialforce can also supply and install suitable digital compatible systems such as tv aerials and satellite systems, to fully complement your multiroom installation.

BBC Freesat With High Definition

BBC Freesat was launched in spring 2008, and was set to provide the UK with a greater variety and choice of superb digital television channels.

BBC Freesat, launched by both the BBC and ITV, is available to approximately 95% of the United Kingdom, via a mini satellite dish installed at your home. Currently, the BBC Freesat service provides around 80 digital tv and radio channels, and it has been announced, that by the year 2009, there will be upto 200 free digital channels available. The service surpasses the channel line-up available from Freeview, and will be in direct competition with the Sky Freesat service, which has been available for numerous years.

Like most digital television services, the BBC Freesat system will provide increased user interaction, allowing viewers to take part in interactive TV shows. The system also comes complete with a digital channel guide, providing you with instant access to find out when your favourite shows are being shown!

One of the most exciting features, and one of the many reasons why it is fast becoming the United Kingdoms choice for digital TV, is the addition of FREE HIGH DEFINITION channels. Providing you have a High Definition, (HD) compatible BBC Freesat receiver, and HD television, you will be able to receive your shows in glorious high definition, with increased picture quality, crispier images, and more, vibrant colours. Furthermore, unlike the Sky Digital High Definition service, HD from BBC Freesat is and will remain FREE, forever. There are no monthly subscriptions and no hidden charges!

But it doesn't end there! Available from November 2008, will be the new BBC Freesat HD PVR digital receiver, allowing home viewers to pause, rewind, fast forward live TV, very much like the Sky+ Service already available. You will also be able to record any channel available, direct to your Freesat receiver. Again, there are no plans that there will be any charge or fee for this service.

If you are looking to receive digital tv, want a broad channel line up, and are interested in receiving high definition channels, then the service provided by BBC Freesat could well be the answer!

Aerialforce are experts are supplying and installing BBC Freesat satellite systems. We also specialise in Digital Aerials, Sky, Sky+, Sky HD and Multiroom, European & Motorised satellite systems. For further information, or free advice, please do not hesitate to contact us on 0800 0224420.