For all you lucky enough to catch onto the idea of HD instead of blue ray, there is a new satellite based television provider coming onto the scene. Free Sat is (basically) a HD version of Free view, running similar to Sky except it is practically free (At the moment the system is integrated within new HD TVs, but I assume a box version will be available in the future). There are no monthly subscriptions for the package and they also include programs that you would normally pay for. For the full list of features go to the Free Sat website located HERE.
They are also finalising the design for Free Sat +, the equivalent of Sky + (enables the user to record/rewind/pause live TV).
This new system really shows how quickly high definition has taken off within our culture. More and more we are seeing HD replacements, HDDVD, Sky HD, ext. Entertainment systems like the Xbox 360 now give users the chance to experience gaming in high definition.
At this time however, Free Sat probably won’t make a huge impact within society. Unfortunately for the technology, a lot of homes don’t have high definition sets, they cannot afford to upgrade, especially with the credit crisis affecting today’s market. This is definitely an idea we will see in the near future, as it’s the next general step to upgrading everyone’s television to a digital high def signal. The full digital switchover is likely to be completed in 2012, unless your area has been already, meaning the complete halt of television analogue signals throughout the UK. It is probable that some time after, the switchover between normal and high def will occur.
I believe this will be a bigger success in the near future (within 5-10 years)... As more people will have upgraded to a higher definition by then. As I have a HD Monitor though, I will be taking advantage of this new technology to the fullest.
