A digital satellite television service from broadcasters ITV and the BBC, called Freesat, launched across Britain on Tuesday. It offers high definition programming and more than 80 channels for no monthly fee.

Freesat will be available in 98 percent of households. It requires a satellite receiver and settop box. Set-top box prices will start from 49 pounds ($96.25), with a high definition box available from 120 pounds, plus installation costs from around 80 pounds.

High definition had only previously been available for those with satellite or cable packages from BSkyB and Virgin Media.

The hugely popular Freeview digital service, which is in more than 15 million homes, plans to carry HD channels from 2009 or 2010.

“The launch of Freesat is the final piece in the digital jigsaw and will ensure that all viewers in the UK have access to free-to-air digital and high definition television,” ITV Executive Chairman Michael Grade said in a statement.

The channels initially available will be from the BBC, including BBC HD, ITV, Channel 4, Al-Jazeera English and digital radio. The ITV HD channel will launch exclusively on Freesat shortly.

Original Source: dailywireless.org