Freeview HD - High Definition Is Here.
Freeview now offers four high definition TV channels.

Here, you'll find details of the new HD service from Freeview, plus details of how to get HD.

What is HD Freeview?

In April 2008, UK Regulator OfCom announced we can expect up to four high-definition digital TV channels to be delivered via a TV aerial on Freeview.

 
What HD channels are available on Freeview?

The following HD channels are, or will be, available on Freeview in parts of the UK:
•    BBC HD (now)
•    ITV 1 HD (now)
•    Channel 4 HD (now)
•    BBC One HD (Expected Autumn 2010)

Five HD: This was set to launch by the end of 2010, but their licence was withdrawn by Ofcom in March 2010.

 
When will Freeview HD channels become available?

Freeview HD is live in the areas that we cover. “It’s already available”. Freeview HD services started from the 2nd of December 2009 in the Granada TV region and in the London area, with the rest of the UK getting Freeview HD gradually between 2010 and 2012 in parallel with the Digital Switchover rollout.
 

How do I get Freeview HD?

To get Freeview's high definition channels, you'll first need to wait until they're available in your area. In most cases the areas that we cover its already available. As with Freeview, Freeview HD will be received via a TV aerial.

Will my existing box or TV get Freeview HD?

Freeview HD uses the DVB-T2 High Definition standard and MPEG-4 coding. These require a special Freeview HD receiver:
TV set with Freeview HD:
•    If you have an HD TV set with a built-in Freeview receiver, this will NOT be able to receive Freeview HD. You will need to buy a Freeview HD set-top box (with DVB-T2) and connect it to your existing HD TV set.
•    TV sets with built-in Freeview HD receivers started to appear in Spring 2010.
 

Don't want to wait for Freeview HD?

 Consider Freesat (offering HD via a dish), or Sky+ HD. The HD Alternatives?

You may have dismissed the Sky satellite TV option (as it's not subscription-free), but if you want to make the most of your HD TV set, here's why you may wish to think again:
•    Channels: 4 times more channels than Freeview, and 40 HD channels
•    Price: Sky is currently offering a free Sky+ HD receiver / recorder - there's a £10 a month subscription for HD channels - free Sky+HD box offer.

Full details and pricing info on Sky's HD site