A couple of weeks ago I purchased a Freeview set top box. It is a really handy little device, that allows you to receive the complete range of Freeview services, that includes 30 odd channels and almost as much radio channels. The key thing here is, there are no subscriptions costs, i.e, it is FREE!!!! Although, you should already have a TV license, as the Freeview set top box allows you to pick up BB3 etc, which most hopes have anyway.

I am writing this article to hopefully educate you with your purchase. For the record, you can easily pick up a quite adequate Freeview box from most retailers for around £30. However, some companies, like Sony and Humax have some really net kit, allowing you to pause and record live tv, similar to the functionality provided by Skyplus. The Humax PVR-9200T also has a duel receiver, which basically means you can record one channel while viewing another.

Please do make sure your TV set comes complete with a SCART adaptor, otherwise you will need to but a Freeview box with an inbuilt modulator, allowing you to view the signal through the tv aerial. This is definitely the right time to buy a Freeview set top box, as more and more channels will be joining the Freeview network.

For example, this autumn will see Five US and Five life added to the existing channels. Five US will be launched as a "peak-time channel" and is expected to broadcast shows from the USA, including CSI and Everybody hates Chris. Five life will be aimed at the younger audience, and will feature an extended version of the popular 'milkshake' program.

I actually bought my Freeview console from a the internet and in the process saved 15% of the RRP. There are many online shopping sites worth looking into, and please don't worry about buying off the Internet, as it is actually very safe!

Thanks
John