Off to college? Make sure you take Freeview with you

24 September 2010

So you are no longer an Inbetweener (now on E4): as a fully fledged student at the start of a new term and a new chapter in your life, you have enough to think about this month - what with moving, student loans, making new friends and the overabundance of student nights you’ll have to attend.

TV should be the last of your worries. But once the dust has settled and you want a break from your studies/nights out TV may be just what the doctor ordered.That's where Freeview comes in: set yourself up with a TV with Freeview built-in or get Freeview on your laptop and you can have TV subscription free hence our guide to getting Freeview.

What's more we have championed a great selection of shows for you to keep a look out for on those nights in, all you’ll have to do is worry about the hangovers.

First things first: if you’re bringing your TV to your new digs or thinking of getting a new one, you will need to check there is a decent aerial. This will ensure best picture quality and the full Freeview channel line-up available to you . If your new abode is without an external aerial, there are powered indoor aerials that will pick up Freeview signals depending on your location and these can be purchased from as little as £10.

Secondly, you’ll need to make sure that your property or room is covered by a TV Licence. It’s the law, even if you watch or record live TV through your laptop, and the licence can be paid for monthly, quarterly or yearly. Find out more details on from TV Licensing on TV Licence and student policies .

Getting a TV

If your humble screen from home is not moving with you or you don’t have a set in your new gaff, you’ll need to invest in a TV. If you want a budget option try eBay as this can be great for finding small TVs on a budget.

If Freeview is not built into your TV you will need a Freeview box to receive your channels. Recently, Freeview set top boxes have popped up on the market for as little as £18 and can be found in Argos, Tesco and Asda.

If you have a bit more to spend then a decent small flat screen with Freeview built-in eradicates the need for a set top box. You’ll get your Freeview channels on an LCD screen that can fit on a wall for around £130 upwards.

It’s not all about television sets these days. Your laptop or desktop can double up as your TV by using a trusty USB TV Tuner. Simply plug it in and connect an aerial to watch TV and record Freeview channels on your computer’s hard drive. Although external aerials will always produce the best digital picture, some USB tuners come with a mini-aerial that can pick up TV signal (results may vary depending on location). USB TV Tuners can be purchased for very happy price of £25 upwards.

Coming up...

Lastly, and most importantly, let’s talk about the super shows you can watch now you have Freeview.

Channel 4 and E4 has both classic TV and new series coming up this season including The Simpsons, PhoneShop, T he Big Bang Theory and comedy King of the Hill. The new reality show Seven Days will fill the void that Big Brother left behind whilst Come Dine With Me & Ramsay’s Best Restaurant will deliver some food for thought. There is also a new series of Coach Trip and current affairs are covered each episode on Dispatches.

Soap fans will be able to catch up with Eastenders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks and Neighbours whilst comedy fans can feast on BBC One, Two and Three shows such as The Rob Brydon Show, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and One Non Blonde.

As well as classic shows such as Police, Camera, Action, Road Wars and Top Gear across ITV, Sky3 and BBC, The Apprentice will return to BBC One in October for a sixth series. Plus, reality super-shows, Strictly Comes Dancing and The X Factor will be airing up until Christmas alongside I’m a Celebrity get Me Out Of Here.

For a complete schedule and to plan your unmissable TV, check out Freeview’s TV guide or download the Freeview HD TV Guide app from the iTunes store.