Freesat is a digital satellite service from both the BBC & ITV. It is an alternative to SKY and is subscription free. All the main channels are offered and with the right receiver & TV, you can also access many high-definition channels. The service also offers a useful 8-day channel guide. Please see below for a selection of channels offered.
BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, Channel 4, More4, E4, Film4, Bubble Hits (music), Vault (music), Sky News etc. Along with the BBC & ITV channels, Channel 4 and Channel 5 are available in high-definition and Freesat also gives a large selection of the main UK radio channels. Other non-Freesat platform channels can also be added if they are available 'free to air' from the Astra 2 (28.2° east) satellite.
To view the full list of available channels, click here. One thing to be aware of is that the 'catch up' services like BBC iPlayer are not available. It may be possible to circumvent this with the use of a VPN, but this is not something we assist with.
A high-definition Freesat receiver is available along with a PVR (personal video recorder) version which allows you to record one channel whilst watching another. Recordings are stored on a hard-drive on the PVR ready for playback at a convenient time. Ideally, a PVR like this requires 2 cables to be run from the satellite dish.
You can view the most common Freesat receiver (though this one does NOT record) and even order it directly (with delivery to France) from Amazon UK by clicking the blue link below :
Please be aware though that Freesat is NOT the same as Freeview in the UK. Your Freeview box will not receive UK TV here in France and Freesat does not carry exactly the same suite of channels.
