How To Set Up Freeview
What is freeview?
Freeview is the UK’s subscription-free digital terrestrial TV service, which you receive through an aerial. Available on compatible TVs, set-top boxes and PVRs (personal video recorders), Freeview provides the most popular TV and radio channels.
Freeview is an ideal choice if you don’t want to be tied into a subscription package, or you’re on a budget and don’t want to pay a large monthly subscription fee for a package.
How do I receive Freeview?
Before you can receive Freeview you will need to ensure you have a digital compatible aerial, together with either a Freeview box or a Freeview-compatible TV. All televisions produced after 2010 will have built-in Freeview, so once you’ve unpacked the box and plugged your TV in you should be good to go.
If you don’t have a digital compatible aerial, we can help. With access to the latest digital aerial equipment, even if you are in a poor signal area, our expert team will be able to set up your Freeview service. Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Installing your Freeview box
If you choose to receive Freeview through a box, you will need to set this up before you can access your channels. This is quick and simple to do.
Your box should come complete with:
- A remote control and batteries
- A power lead
- A SCART lead or a HDMI cable
Before you start, ensure you have an aerial lead and a compatible digital aerial in place.
To set up your Freeview box:
- Plug your aerial lead into the circular aerial socket at the back of your Freeview box. This is often marked ‘aerial in’, ‘aerial’, ‘RF in’ or ‘antenna’
- Plug your SCART or HDMI cable into the respective sockets in your TV. Plug the other end of your lead into the socket named either AV1 (for SCART) or HDMI 1 (for HDMI)
- Turn your TV on using your TV remote control
- Switch your Freeview box on. Your TV should then detect the box automatically. If it doesn’t, switch to the AV1 or HDMI 1 channel using your remote control
- You’re now ready to start tuning. Once your box is tuned, you can store the channels you have found. Use your Freeview remote control to explore the full range of available channels.
How do you tune in Freeview channels?
Your Freeview box should be ready to begin tuning automatically but if this doesn’t happen, or if you are having technical issues, you may need to manually tune your Freeview.
- Select ‘Menu’ on your Freeview box or remote control
- Choose ‘set up’, ‘update’ or ‘installation’. If you’re asked for a password, the default option is always 1234 or 0000
- Select ‘first time installation’, ‘factory reset’, ‘full retune’ or a similar option. If your Freeview device asks if it’s okay to delete existing channels, select ‘yes’. This will delete old settings and make way for new channels and order. If asked, select ‘save your channels’.
What does it mean if I can't pick up any Freeview channels?
If you are having trouble receiving channels or tuning your Freeview device, you should check your aerial first as this may be the problem.
Ensure you install a good quality roof aerial, as they are best for picking up signal.
If you use Freeview with each of the televisions in your house, make sure that your aerial has a strong signal. The more TVs in the house the more times the signal will need to be split.
If you continue to have difficulties and need additional advice on installing Freeview, contact our team and we will be able to advise you further.
