We’ve heard from a number of site visitors confused by the fact that their existing Freeview TV set or Freeview box can’t get the new Freeview HD services. Here’s some information that clarifies this:
Why can’t my existing Freeview receiver get HD?
The technical format for Freeview HD, known as DVB-T2, was only agreed and finalised in late 2009. The receiver hardware needed for Freeview HD is different to that used in boxes created before 2010, and so existing Freeview boxes and Freeview TV sets can’t be upgraded to support Freeview HD.
Why do I have to buy a new Freeview box to get HD?
It is not compulsory to upgrade to Freeview HD. The existing standard definitions will continue to be broadcast. You’ll only need to get a new Freeview receiver if you want to get BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five’s programmes in HD.
Why wasn’t I told about this?
Freeview has been around since 2002, and Freeview HD has only been around since December 2009. It is a fairly new development, and so the general public are only now becoming aware of it.
If you have bought a Freeview receiver and were told that it supported Freeview HD, but now you find it doesn’t, you may have a case for being mis-sold, and should consider taking this up with the retailer in question.
My HD-Ready TV set has Freeview built-in – why can’t this get Freeview HD?
A common misunderstanding. An HD-Ready TV set means that it is capable of showing HD content when connected to an HD source – such as a Sky+ HD box, a Virgin V+ box, a Freesat HD box, a Blu Ray player or a Freeview HD box. Being “HD-ready” does not mean that it has a Sky, Freeview or cable HD receiver built-in.
If you have an HD-ready TV, you will need to buy an HD receiver to watch HD broadcast TV content.
does a 1080p freeview receiver contain internal circuitry to recieve hd transmissions other than using a external hd box?
There’s no such thing as a 1080p Freeview receiver. I’m assuming you mean a 1080p TV with Freeview built-in.
Standard Freeview receivers use DVB-T technology, and Freeview HD receivers use DVB-T2.
If you have a 1080p “HD Ready” TV with Freeview, it won’t have the required DVB-T2 built-in for Freeview HD – you’ll need a Freeview HD box.
If you want Freeview HD without a box, you need a Freeview HD TV (in other words, with DVB-T2 built-in)
do built-in “freeview hd/freesat hd” tv’s already have the required receivers
as in current panasonic tv’s ??
I have a HD ready tv, do I need to get a HD ready freeview box for normal freeview?
You can check here to see if you can receive HD Freeview in your area.
I have a HD full tv with Freeview built in. Will I receive HD channels after switchover or do I need to purchase a HD Freeview box and if so how do I get it to override the built in Freeview ( which is by the way always freezing!”).
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou!
Dawn – Some HD TV sets have Freeview built-in, and some have Freeview HD built in. If yours does not have Freeview HD built-in, you will need a Freeview HD box to get Freeview HD