By 2012 the UK will be watching TV digitally, meaning that everyone will be receiving TV signals via a digital receiver of some kind rather than through an analogue connection. This is known as the Digital Switchover.
Freeview's mix of Soaps, Comedy, Entertainment and Drama, children's channels, music, sport, news and radio is proving to be extremely popular and the service is now in 14 million homes.
Freeview is a regional service, so the channels you receive depend on where in the UK you live.
Over 40 TV channels, including Film4, E4, ITV2, BBC Three, Sky News and Cbeebies, are available for free from Freeview. To receive Freeview channels you need to buy a Freeview box (various models and makes are available), for a one-off cost. There is no monthly subscription, although you can subscribe to Top Up TV.
With Freeview you get over 40 free digital TV channels, over 20 free digital radio station and many interactive services at the press of a red button.
Use the Digital UK Postcode checker to find out if you can get Freeview in your area.
Even if you can't currently receive Freeview now, nearly everyone in the UK will be able to receive it after Digital Switchover.
