UK - Freesat Reaches 100,000 Sales Within Five Months Of Launching

Monday, September 29th, 2008
Freesat logo

Strong sales performance in tough economic climate; Free HD offer driving sales; Live high definition sport on BBC HD and ITV HD proving hugely popular with viewers; Free HD Christmas schedule expected to be biggest ever

Freesat, the joint venture between the BBC and ITV offering free, digital satellite television has reached 100,000 sales within just five months of launching on 6 May 2008, having maintained strong, steady growth throughout what has been a tough summer for high street retailers.

High Definition

Sales of high definition Freesat boxes have been helped by a summer of major sporting events in HD such as Euro 2008, Wimbledon and Olympic Games, as well as the likes of The Proms, Poirot, Harley Street and movie blockbusters such as King Kong.

With an autumn schedule boasting UEFA Champions League, England World Cup qualifiers and FA Cup football on ITV HD exclusive to Freesat, and first class dramas and entertainment including Heroes and Strictly Come Dancing from BBC HD, strong sales are set to continue.

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Emma Scott, MD of Freesat commented, “There’s no denying how much people enjoy watching in high definition once they see it for themselves and the success of Freesat proves that. Unfortunately there are still a lot of people out there who think they’re already watching in HD because they have an HD ready TV – but they aren’t.”

“We want to help everyone understand that HD Ready is not the same thing as HD now. Without an HD digital receiver connected to an HD Ready TV or an integrated TV with Freesat HD built in you can’t watch an HD TV programme. It needn’t be complicated or costly. For those people that already have a satellite dish installed, they may simply be able to take their Freesat digital box or integrated TV home and plug it straight in.”

As well as the range of Freesat HD digital receivers, Freesat standard definition digital boxes are available for under £50 – a cost-effective option for a second room and homes that cannot receive Freeview.

In the future

Looking forward, Freesat is continuing to improve its offer and distribution including:

  • Introducing Freesat+, a digital television recorder (DTR), in November
  • Increasing its number of manufacturers and retailers
  • Launching more exciting new channels and services every month

“We’ve done a great job so far, and we’re delighted that so many people are now satisfied Freesat homes. We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners to build on our success for Christmas and into 2009,” said Scott.