Freeview passes three million HD viewers

British digital terrestrial television service Freeview has over three million high definition users, latest figures have revealed.

Freeview, the organisation that operates the country’s free-to-air digital television service, has seen 3.1 million television sets and set-top boxes sold since it launched its high definition service in March 2010.

The HD service operates four HD channels – BBC One HD, BBC HD, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD with a fifth channel due to launch in April 2012. The numbers, which cover the period until the end of September, also show that there are 18 million homes receiving Freeview with 10.2 million of these on their main television set.

Ilse Howling, managing director, Freeview, said: “Breaking through the three million sales barrier is huge achievement for Freeview HD. We’re seeing a shift in what viewers want from their TV provider.  The ability to access high definition has become something people expect as normal when buying a new television. Also, most Freeview HDTVs and some Freeview+ HD recorders now offer smart features giving viewers access to more entertainment such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Facebook.”