BBC launches digital TV platform

Freeview, the new digital television service, has launched today.

The service, launched by the BBC, Sky and transmitter company Crown Castle, is a replacement for ITV Digital, which collapsed owing to financial problems in May this year.

Viewers can watch 30 channels, including BBC Choice, ITV1, Sky News, Cbeebies and The Music Factory. There are also two new channels, Ftn and UK Home Style.

Freeview is available via a set-top box costing 99. Former ITV Digital customers can access the service using their old set-top boxes.

But a quarter of UK households will need to get an aerial upgrade, costing approximately 90, while others will be unable to get it at all because of where they live.