written by jtaylor.jt34 on 27/02/2022
repeats of repeats, rubbish detective dramas constantly repeated probably on a loop, rubbish idiotic game shows, i have personally cancelled my tv licence direct debit payments, and informed tv licencing and received a written no licence fee required statement having disconnected all aerials from tv except VHS and DVD player, i cannot see any reason to reconnect at anytime in the future..!!!!..
written by ghall1610 on 26/03/2016
Freeview is great. The new guide online is awful - needs a lot of scrolling to see "my channels" and does not scroll. A lot of the screen cannot be used as it is filled with items that are not needed. I have deleted Freeview from my favourites and gone back to seeing what's on by using the EPG on my set top box.
written by ghall1610 on 26/03/2016
Freeview is great. The new guide online is awful - needs a lot of scrolling to see "my channels" and does not scroll. A lot of the screen cannot be used as it is filled with items that are not needed. I have deleted Freeview from my favourites and gone back to seeing what's on by using the EPG on my set top box.
written by max-sound on 19/01/2014
If your not a heavy tv watcher and basically simply need channels 1-5 with the choice of maybe " dave " or up to 60 other channels to choose from like sky news etc etc then free view is perfect and there are 4-5 main channels in HD as well but to be fair the picture on most channels wipe the floor with sky tv and free view is FREE FREE FREE ( unlike sky who want at least £30.00 a month ) and are as much use as a canoe with a hand brake lol .Quite simply if your not bothered to much about sports channels or documentary`s then free view or even free sat will do the job perfectly 100% and with all the new smart tv`s who needs sky for films as you can get 3 x times the amount of films on net flicks etc sooner than sky and for a 3rd of the cost at just £5.99 ! " eat my free view sky box lol "
written by sassuolo on 25/11/2013
I find freeview to be beneficial to me, it has just about enough channels to satisfy my viewing. I dont watch enough tv so freeview is good for me as its free and its there if I want to watch it. If I had Sky I feel I wouldn't get my moneys worth (well its crud its not worth the money they charge) I'm glad I dont have to worry about DD coming out of my bank to pay. I guess the only slight drawback is there are quite a few shopping channels and silly part time channels that seem to only open up on another channels downtime also it seems the screen quality can be a bit pony sometimes but its not as if its a greiny reception like in the analogue days. If you want freeview and dont watch that much telly, this is a good option.
written by on 19/09/2013
lastestFreeview is good has its moments...i spent 250 pounds installing new aerial system and wired up the whole house with 6 tv points using Labgear boosters and amps.. as my area is abit ropey with tv reception as i live in the valley. Its fine it works am happy with it.. as i am deaf i just wish more channels were subtitled. one thing i find very annoying is re tunes to get new stations... it can be a right pain at times!!! some latest freeview boxes DO re tune themself but not always the right transmitter in your area... if you know how to Manual tune then thats fine. I help out the OAP's to re tune their tv's or boxes free off charge won't say no to a cuppa tea. I had cable tv and sky tv... its too much money to pay out.. but i do have 2nd option freesat is just as good but alot more channels. I wish i knew which boxes does properly re tune new stations without me having to do it myself.
written by Simon_F1 on 16/06/2012
This is a awesome service compared to just the 5 terrestrial channels that we use to have. i think if only we could get more HD channels then i would be even more happy with it. i use a 1Tb Humax freeview + box and i can record 2 channels and watch a 3rd if its on the same multiplexer. I would be lost without freeview.
written by chriswp on 30/03/2012
We bought a new TV with Freeview and a Digital aerial but everyday we lose signal I thing its a total waste of time. There are channels I still can't get. I think we should have been given a choice as to whether we want to go Digital I for one would have chosen to stay terrestrial. I wouldn't have Sky because I think we pay enough through the TV licensing system, why can't the BBC get their revenue from Adverts like the other channels?
Written on: 11/06/2012
Sorry to hear that, what you describe is typical of poor cable which is picking up interference causing bad reception. If you check the signal quality measurement on your receiver is it poor or does it vary widely, both indicate cable issues.
If your splitting your aerial feed, don't, unless you use a proper digital splitter (not the aerial y splitters of old)
Most faulty installations I`ve looked at resolved to cable/connection issues. One customer said can't be cable, it only goes around the room, that (cheap) cable was loosing 30dB, most of his signal.
Written on: 08/06/2012
My reponse to freeky I do have all the correct equipment how is it possible to have all the channels one minute and then the next day either no Chanel's or just a few most people here have sky but I begrudge paying yet another fee..
When we had the nice weather a few weeks ago it was much worse.
Christine wheeler parker
written by judylugg on 12/06/2010
FREEVIEW - the actual Freeview that is NOT not the channels available - they are ANOTHER story.
Because it is free does it mean it has to be rubbish? Sadly, I believe that to be the case here! Incidentally we do have up to date equipment and wiring so there is no problem with those.
We have had this 'service'(??) for several years and have been subjected to so many changes of channel - yes, it's there, oh no, it's not, yes,it's back, so many times we have lost count.
When we have researched (by the way - not often on the Freeview site, which is abysmal) there are so many convoluted remedies for problems that we have now give up and put up with it anyway because we refuse to pay anything to have most of TV's dreadful output, apart from the TV Licence Fee for BBC.
Did you know one of the recommended remedies for finding channels that have disappeared involves completely deleting the channels, going back to original set-up, UN-PLUGGING the main plug of the Freeview box for at least one minute and doing the original set-up all over again? Some advice gives leaving un-plugged for 24 hours!
In any event, we know that you can initialize and search for all the channels BUT, if they are not there, they are not there and ANYWAY they can only be picked up if they happen to be broadcasting at your search time.
We are told the transmitter has been changed, altered, pulled down, built back, fell over in the wind (some of this IS exaggeration but it matches the rest of the explanations) or we are out of the area, or even better we are in a 'bad area'. How is it possible then to have a channel that is OK then it's not the next day? I think someone just stands there and flips switches on and off as the mood dictates.
The actual signal varies from excellent to abysmal with freezing, pixillating and going completely off; best of all, when we open or close the freezer, the door-bell rings or a car goes by, the picture judders - absolutely wonderful, I don't think. Digital TV to me is worse than useless most of the time.
We had ITV4 for six years and now it has completely gone but we can obtain many, many others of quite awful content - who are these people who run this organization - a load of moronic idiots from where I am standing.
Actually my favourite channel for content is ITV3 BUT that is broadcast at a low sound level, you are deafened when the adverts appear. I believe that this is a deliberate policy.
Anyway, overall I think FREEVIEW is abysmal and we are taken for idiots and used and abused according to the nefarious whims of whomsoever is in charge of the so-called service.
Written on: 15/06/2010
Without you stating what equipment you are using & if your aerial system has been correctly updated to digital your tyrade against freeview is meaningless.
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<br/>Many fail to realise freeview requires a good wideband aerial & good quality cable/connections to work (like sky does). Also nearby plants & trees in line of site to the transmitter will affect reception, as can buildings.
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<br/>There are many freeview boxes, some work better than others (the sony is best) if you have a poor one, try others.
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<br/>Freeview is currently transmitted at low power to avoid conflicts with the analogue, once the analogue signals are switched off the power will increase (as well as channel numbers) so reception will improve.
Written on: 18/07/2010
WE DO HAVE ALL THE RELEVANT NECESSARY UP TO DATE EQUIPMENT - WE STILL CANNOT GET SOME OF THE CHANNELS. WHAT I HAVE SAID IN MY TIRADE (TYRADE???)IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE
written by Freeky on 24/09/2008
It may not have as many channels as sky, but it is continually expanding & will get a big boost after the 'switch off' Compared to sky it a dream to use and channel selection is much more natural.
There are many boxes available from under £20, though quality is not always good, however there are many 'integrated' tv sets now available, so getting set up is easy (most boxes set themselves up automatically on initial switch on.
Once have your aerial installation correctly set up you should need no further expense, so a true one off cost is all it takes to give a lifetimes service.
I have both sky & free view, but always prefer to use the free view service, enough said??
written by kier on 28/07/2008
I am so angry with the freeview service! needs to be sorted out. I have invested in over 200 pounds in products and arials to gain a average standard of tv viewing. The service will worsen when moped motorcycle drive past the road of the home, microwave is used (10metres away) and even general movement walking in the proximety of the arial. I believe digital tv at the moment is awful. I miss so much news conversation words because of such happenings and low coverage which is not acceptable, its outragous that a digital service is provided and cant be viewed properly, a digital service that has extinct the previous service. I believe if I have paid out on a service that service should give atleast 100% of its intended purpous otherwise should it even exsist... otherwise i think it should be declare a complete absolute waste of energy time and money all which cant be given back.
Written on: 24/09/2008
You clearly have problems with your aerial and/or down leads, its a digital service so any old areal/leads wont do. You may also need your aerial properly aligned for digital.
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<br/>The service is currently compromised as it has to 'fit' around the analogue, once that has gone it will be much better.
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<br/>Try a 'quality' receiver, like the Sony, many cheap receivers perform badly, you get what you pay for.
Written on: 12/06/2010
Oh how I agree - see my review
written by on 16/04/2008
I got Freeview and got rid of my cable as I wasn't watching it much. It was ok at first but lately its useless and the reception is awful
If anyone knows why this is please could you let us know.
Thanks
written by Ieuanfawr on 09/01/2007
Digital Terrestrial TV is coming of age.
Make sure you have a good signal -that often means a new "digital ready" aerial. I paid £65 - worth every penny - the difference was more than just noticeable, despite the fact the analogue pictures seemed OK. Recordings to DVD are indistinguishable from the original.
The range of features available, their ease of use and response time and updating can depend on the set top box or, as is now more common, the digital TV set.
EPG (Electronic programme guide) makes setting reminders or recordings almost a one touch operation. Some EPGs have annoying advertising for, for example, the Radio Times.
The bottom line is once digital Freeview is installed, you won't want to go back. The competiton is Cable or Satellite, and they seem far too expensive to me.
(I've rated Customer Service as 0 as there is no Freeview Customer service AFAIK.)
written by kiyawhite on 09/10/2005
I got FREEVIEW Digital TV over the holidays, and I can't say that it doesn't have it's problems, but it's still a great form of digital television!
I previously viewed the basic 5 analogue channels in a medium to weak digital signal area. Yes, a good reception for analogue, but not what I'd call a variety of channels. That's when I finally thought it was time for a change. I fitted FREEVIEW, a Samsung 2-scart Digital+ DV3 Terrestrial Receiver (worth almost £100), with my present 16 element outdoor aerial, which was installed not that long ago. I have to admit that my signal does have a great disadvantage due to the medium/weak signal area I'm in, and a blocky screen is often present at night! Along with that, the interactive services are even worse than dial-up internet access! I'm sure that would be resolved though if I just bought myself a new higher-gain aerial; maybe about 42 elements.
I admit that with Sky, you never have to truly worry about the digital signal strength in your area, and all you need to ensure when getting Cable television is that the cable covers your area, but I still think that Freeview is a better option than a flat-rate cable or digital satellite service.
All you need is your simple set-top box or digital TV, and a new, high-gain aerial if you live in a medium/weak signal area!
written by wilbur9 on 23/04/2005
We have just changed from NTL analogue. Freeview gives a much broader range of channels than terestrial analogue - FREE! and it's such good value. The Top-Up option gives as good a range as we had with NTL, but cheaper. The basic Freeview package provides a range of channels to suite the whole family. If you are looking for Sports or Film channels then this is probably not the best option.
.... And for £35 for a freeview box it's cheap enough to try it and see without breaking the bank!
written by vherbertsmith on 15/09/2004
We have just purchased Freeview after realising exactly how much we were spending a month on Sky Digital TV, whose prices seem to keep rising. We are very happy with it. You should be careful as a lot of the `free' channels are rubbish (shopping and auction channels mainly) but you do get `CBeebies' and `CBBC' which are a godsend if you have children, a couple of decent video music channels as well as `Sky Sports News', BBC3 and ITV2. You can pay extra to have channels such as UK Gold and E4 but the point of this is that it's free. If you are going to purchase a box ask your neighbours if they can receive a signal. We were told by Freeview that we couldn't and wouldn't be able to for quite a while but we get it as clear as crystal.
written by johnny123 on 06/05/2004
When I first heard of Freeview I thought, what a great idea. 30+ free channels of Digital TV which I can recieve for a one-off payment for the box. However, I find the majority of these channels completely useless, for example bid-up.tv. Take a look at the selection of channels they give you, and ask yourself, "How many will I actually watch?". I would recommend even the cheapest service from Sky. Trust me you wont be wasting your money there. If you do decide to buy a box then check out http://www.freeview.co.uk to see if you will be able to recieve in your area.
Written on: 06/08/2004
Even the cheapest service from Sky?.. No ITV2 for starters and how about having to wade through all that free-to-air dross ..the biblepunchers etc. If you thought that "bid-up Tv" was bad then what about all the selling garbage on Sky? 100's of'em!!!
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<br>Freeview is really good value for money when all you pay for is the box -ONCE! Get full value for your licence fee! See the channel line up on the Freebview website.
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<br>Picture quality is the best you can get on RGB ..Sky only went wide-screen after Freeview arrived!
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<br>The radio channels have a higher bit-rate than DAB. The best digital-audio sound..stereo, of course.
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<br>No: Freeview is first class - the best thing to come to British TV since colour.
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<br>If you haven't got Sky then don't bother!... get a Freeview box ..Philips, Sony or Panasonic are the best. If you have a relatively new telly then get a box of the same make - the remote will operate your TV as well as the Freeview box.
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<br>Late News!!! Disney ABC1 and ITV3 channels coming to Freeview in the Autumn.
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<br>http://www.freeview.co.uk/index.html
Written on: 07/06/2012
I have Sky and Freeview (necessary as an engineer) and most of the time just watch Freeview, Sky does have more channels but most are just junk so not worth paying any extra for.
I also find Freeview channel navigation much more intuitive than Sky with a better faster EPG (though that does vary by box)
I feel Sky far overpriced at any package and you can tell their money grabbing by their phone alone, insisting everyone uses their expensive numbers as they get extra revenue from the long calls you have to make.
Written on: 12/06/2010
I found this review very helpful because I agree, Freeview is ABYSMAL - see my review on it!
Written on: 10/10/2005
Utter twaddle ..Freeview is fantastic value for money....NOTHING on Sky could equal it and that is why Freeview has grown phenomenally while Sky is peddling like hell to stop loosing subscribers and spending a fortune on advertising to do it.
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<br>Freeview has gone from strength to strength and the sales of 5million+ boxes since October 2002 prove it!
Written on: 09/10/2005
Yeah, you've got it all wrong. FREEVIEW is a lot better than you make it out to be. Not only can you get quite a lot of extra digital channels and a better RGB picture quality, but if you have a good, high-gain aerial, interactive tele is pretty instant too!
Written on: 20/05/2005
Freeview is a perfectly good service for people who aren't avid TV watchers but want a few extra channels. Yes, it doesn't have everything, but it does have BBC3, BBC4, the two BBC childrens channels, BBC News 24, ITV News Channel, Sky News, Sky Sports News, ITV2, ITV3, soon to have E4 - all of which have decent stuff on from time to time, and it costs nothing but the cost of the box (around £50)
No, it's not got as much as "even the cheapest" Sky package - but the cheapest sky package costs £19.50 per month. £234 a year. For me that's far too much money to spend on television, given that I'm already paying for a TV license. I think freeview offers the best value for people who aren't particularly interested in movies or sport, but just want to have a little bit more flexibility and future-proofing than you get with the 5 analogue channels. Plus, freeview is the only way I can get decent channel 5 reception here.
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Freeky's Response to chriswp's Review
Written on: 07/06/2012
That sounds like you simply have problems with your Aerial equipment, remember the right aerial (correctly aligned) is not sufficient, if your still using your old analogue cable it most likely is loosing you much of the digital signal, the old cheap cable is no good for digital, replace with quality double screened cable.
Switching off analogue is a great boon as it increases the number of possible channels and allows the digital signal to be boosted so allowing those with previously limited reception to benefit too,
I think it would be awful if the BBC had to rely on adverts, there are plenty of channels that do that already, we don't want all the same. Plus don't you get fed up of 5mins of adverts for every 10 mins of program!!