Simple question: Freeview on new TVs

[Tommie38]

I’m looking at the Samsung 43” TV recommended by WhatHiFi.

The model is: UE43RU7470UXXU and it appears to only be sold by Currys.

My question is, how on earth do I tell if it comes with Freeview our of the box?

The last time I looked at this was about 10 years ago and back then, you could get TVs obviously with and without it.

[Hub]

There is no analogue TV anymore so they will all be digital 'Freeview'

Most are also 'smart' TVs with internet connection.

[Alucidnation]

To be fair, the specs only list Freesat HD and TVPLUS whatever that is, and no mention of Freeview.

[Tommie38]

Thanks both.

Maybe a different question: do they still sell TVs with Freeview?

If so, it makes me think that there are still two types of TV, one with Freeview and one without.

[Tommie38]

From the Which? Website:

How can I get Freeview? TV: All new TVs (those made since 2010) have a built-in Freeview tuner, meaning you can access all the Freeview channels without needing extra equipment. More expensive TVs have Freeview HD tuners, meaning you can get the HD networks listed above, too. Otherwise, you'll need a Freeview HD set-top box or PVR.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/tv-providers-and-s... - Which?

[Mr Pointy]

Well there's a thread about it here:
https://www.avforums.com/threads/samsung-ue43ru747...

Richer Sounds have the allegedly better-reviewed 7400 for £429 but even they don't say if it's a freeview HD tuner.
https://www.richersounds.com/tv-projectors/samsung...

For £30 I'd go to the nearest Richer Sounds & have a look at what they have. If this is your main veiwing device & you don't have an external recorder I'd look for a TV with at least twin tuners so you can record one programme while watching a second.

[Sheepshanks]

Mr Pointy said:

Richer Sounds have the allegedly better-reviewed 7400 for £429 but even they don't say if it's a freeview HD tuner.
https://www.richersounds.com/tv-projectors/samsung...

The spec says it has an analogue tuner, which seems unlikely.

[Digger]

“Analogue aerial” (standard analogue cable) will feed a digital freeview tuner in this instance. It is commonplace.

Edited by Digger on Sunday 19th January 23:31

[Sheepshanks]

Digger said:

“Analogue aerial” (standard analogue cable) will feed a digital freeview tuner in this instance. It is commonplace.

It doesn’t say “Analogue aerial” though. It says “Analogue tuner”.

[anonymous-user]

Samsung site says it has DVB-T2 which is Freeview.

[Mr Pointy]

garyhun said:

Samsung site says it has DVB-T2 which is Freeview.

Indeed, although I can't find any explicit reference to Freeview HD, although it should be ok. A single tuner would put me off anyway.

[Digger]

[boyse7en]

Mr Pointy said:

If this is your main veiwing device & you don't have an external recorder I'd look for a TV with at least twin tuners so you can record one programme while watching a second.

How does that work? Without an external recorder, what stores the recording?

[Digger]

Depending on tv will probably use Record to USB (HDD or possibly memory stick).

[Mr Pointy]

boyse7en said:

Mr Pointy said:

If this is your main veiwing device & you don't have an external recorder I'd look for a TV with at least twin tuners so you can record one programme while watching a second.

How does that work? Without an external recorder, what stores the recording?

A USB hard drive you plug into one of the USB ports on the back of the TV. There's usually a compatibility list for your TV though so it not just any old drive you have lying around. I wouldn't call it a substitute for a proper recorder like a Humax though.

[anonymous-user]

Mr Pointy said:

garyhun said:

Samsung site says it has DVB-T2 which is Freeview.

Indeed, although I can't find any explicit reference to Freeview HD, although it should be ok. A single tuner would put me off anyway.

In the UK, DVB-T2 includes Freeview HD according to Wikipedia.