Free-to-view
 | The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with Europe and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. (February 2024) |
Free-to-view (FTV) is a term used for audiovisual transmissions that are provided free without any form of continual subscription.
Free-to-view vs. free-to-air
The free-to-view system contrasts with
Services which charge a regular fee for reception can still be considered free-to-view, and not
Commercial restrictions and targeting
The free-to-view system allows for restricting access based on location of the viewer. For example, in the UK prior to the launch of
The launch of Astra 2D with a broadcast beam narrowly aimed only at the UK and Ireland enabled UK channels to switch from broadcasting free-to-view to free-to-air, while maintaining their UK exclusivity. The decline of UK free-to-view in favour of narrow-beamed free-to-air has been gradual:
- The BBC's eight digital channels were encrypted under the scheme from their launch on digital satellite until 14 July 2003, when they became free-to-air.
- Shortly after this, ITV stated its intentions to go free-to-air eventually, and launched their newest channel, ITV3, in the clear on 1 November 2004.
- This was followed up by ITV moving its Men & Motors channel to FTA in July 2005.
- This gradual conversion was completed on 1 November 2005, with ITV1 and ITV2 going FTA. ITV's latest channel, ITV4, was launched at the same time, also as a free-to-air service. All the BBC and ITV channels at this time could be viewed FTA without any subscription or purchase from Sky.
- However, in June 2008, some ITV regional channels were encrypted again due to one of their narrow beam transponder agreements ending.
- In April, 2011, high definition Channel 4 HDmoved from being a free-to-view channel to a free-to-air channel (when moving to a transponder on Eurobird).
- 1 December 2011, 5* and 5*+1 became free-to-air after moving to Astra 1N.
- 6 June 2012, Pick TVand Pick TV +1 became free-to-air.
- During October 2012, the final free-to-view regions of ITV1, ITV1 +1 and ITV1 HD became free-to-air.
- 25 March 2013, Vivawent free-to-air.
- 28 October 2013, Channel 5 HD switched from free-to-view became a subscription channel on the Sky digital satellite platform and is no longer a channel.
- LFC TV switched from free-to-view to Sky subscription only.
- 7 February 2017, 4Music became free-to-air, although it reverted to being free-to-view on 12 December 2018, but later became free-to-air again on 1 February 2022.
The remaining channel aimed exclusively at the UK that use the Astra satellites at 28.2°E with a Europe-wide beam and remain free-to-view and encrypted is regions STV HD (Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh), London Live and they can be viewed with a Sky Videoguard receiver and a Sky viewing card, either an inactive former Sky pay-TV card or one for the Freesat from Sky package, bought for a one-off fee.[4]
Free-to-view networks
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- Freesat from Sky
A UK satellite service from Sky (UK) offering 240 free-to-air and free-to-view TV channels and the Sky EPG, with a one-off payment for a Sky receiver, dish, installation and viewing card.
- disputed]
A package of 21 high definition digital satellite TV channels for German-speaking viewers and a subsidiary company of satellite owner
Australian satellite television platform providing digital TV and radio services to remote and rural areas, and terrestrial black spots. VAST is partly funded by the Australian Government and requires a certified set-top box and viewing card.
- Fransat
A package of mostly HD channels broadcast to residents of France who cannot receive the digital terrestrial TV channels. Can be received all over Europe on Eutelsat 5WA, historical position for French free TV. Viewing card does not expire.
Italian package of 68 free-to-air and free-to-view satellite channels for viewers unable to receive them on national terrestrial TV networks. Requires a Nagravision receiver and viewing card.
- TNTSAT
Same as Fransat, TNTSAT broadcasts the all-HD channels from French free digital terrestrial television. TNTSAT is issued by Canal + group on its main position, Astra 1. Viewing card has to be renewed every 4 years. TNTSAT compatible equipment is also compatible with CANALSAT pay TV.
Russian satellite TV service partly operating within the free-to-view model.
See also
- Free TV Alliance – European organisation promoting free-to-air and free-to-view TV
References
- ^ "A-Z of Satellite TV: F" What Satellite & Digital TV October 2012 pp37
- ^ Briel, Robert Kayser rebuffs critics of HD+ platform Broadband TV News 10 September 2009. Retrieved 30 November 2014
- ^ Bains, Geoff. "Flight of the Big Birds" What Satellite & Digital TV February 2012 pp29
- ^ List of Freesat from Sky channels. Retrieved 30 November 2014