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Freeview and Top Up TV Adapters and Set Top Boxes

Before buying any Freeview free-to-air digital TV or Top Up TV converter/set top box, you should first check to see if you can receive the Freeview / Top Up TV digital signal in your area by visiting using this coverage checker. You can also compare digital TV packages with local cable providers here.

Freeview gives you up to 30 free digital TV and radio channels for a one-off cost. The channels offered by Freeview include BBC3, BBC4, ITV2, Sky News, CBBC, CBeebies, UK History, ftn, and UK Bright Ideas. Top Up TV gives you access to all the Freeview channels, plus E4, Discovery, TCM, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and others. Top Up TV is a pay-as-you-go subscription method, a little like the system used on some mobile phones, so there's no contract - all you need to buy is a compatible box.

Set-top boxes for Freeview / Top Up TV typically cost less than £150 and are available from a range of suppliers.

Freeview / Top Up TV Adapters and PVRs

We've selected Freeview / Top Up TV adapters and Personal Video Recorders (PVRs)l from different suppliers and highlighted those that offer good value for money or are feature rich. Where a set top box is Top Up TV compatible, we've indicated this with a Yes in the appropriate column - you will also need a Top Up TV Starter Pack. You may also need a Top UP TV adapter (called a CAM), you can check to see if your existing adapter is compatible by checking here.

* Note that the Guide Price is the price quoted for the Freeview adapter or TV on 30/12/04 including VAT plus typical estimated carriage. Please note that prices vary over time and carriage costs may be more or less depending on what else may be ordered at the same time and any special delivery arrangements.

Used Freeview and ITV Digital/On Digital Adapters

Alternatively, you can buy a used Freeview or Digital TV adapter from eBay.co.uk. Note that the actual ownership of adapters belonging to ITV Digital/On Digital may be in dispute, so generally it's best to steer clear of these and look for later boxes. Many sellers on eBay only accept PayPal payments, so if you're interested in shopping for second hand Freeview boxes, it's probably worth registering first.

What are the key benefits of Freeview?

• Future-proofing: the UK government has indicated that it will want to "turn off" the old analogue television signals in a few years time. Freeview will guarantee that you'll still be able to get all your favourite channels, and more.
• Free-to-view: the service isn't called "Freeview" for nothing.. once you have paid for your set-top box, then all the Freeview channels are included in the price of your TV licence.
• Digital radio: your Freeview box doubles as a digital radio receiver, allowing you access to BBC Radio 6, Radio 7, Asian Network and even more digital-only radio channels.
• Great content: Freeview gives you free digital television channels from the BBC, ITV, Sky and more.
• Great backing: Freeview is backed by the BBC and Crown Castle Communications. Unlike ITV Digital, Freeview isn't sunk with paying huge fees sports fixtures - Freeview's aim is to provide the widest available appeal for everyone.

You can use Freeview either as your main digital TV box, or as a second (or third!) box for other televisions in your household. As long as you have an aerial capable of receiving the Freeview signal, you can have it wherever you want it.

What are the benefits of Top Up TV?

• More channels: Including E4, UKTV Gold, TCM, Discovery, Cartoon Network and Boomerang - all in addition to the standard Freeview channels. Note that some channels operate on limited hours - you can see the schedule here.
• No strings: There's no contract with Top Up TV, just a fee of £7.99 a month when you want to use the service.
• Flexible: Top UP TV can be received via most TV aerials with a good reception, so there's no need for cable or satellite TV installation.