TVs with freeview

[Clarkvcr]

Is there any advantage of buying a TV with freeview built in, apart from the fact you don't need a seperate box. I have virgin media with all the usual crap channels so don't need freeview. I'm looking at new TVs and have seen some I like but without freeview. Advantages/disadvantage?
Cheers.

[Alanmelon]

The main thing that puts me off buying a set with built in freeview is the fact it limits upgradability in the future. At least with an stb you can replace it more cheaply and easily should technology change or advance (eg top up channels etc)

[Nikesh]

If you plan on always having Virgin Media (or Sky or whatever) then you don't need a TV with Freeview.

[ntluser]

Originally Posted by Clarkvcr

Is there any advantage of buying a TV with freeview built in, apart from the fact you don't need a seperate box. I have virgin media with all the usual crap channels so don't need freeview. I'm looking at new TVs and have seen some I like but without freeview. Advantages/disadvantage?
Cheers.

Ordinarily if your Sky or Virgin Cable are working properly then a TV with Freeview is not necessary.

However, it is useful if:-

a) Freeview have channels not on Virgin e.g. Sky Three
b) your Virgin or Sky breaks down and the channel you want to watch is on Freeview.
c) you replace your TV and move the existing Freeview one to another room where it's not connected to Virgin or Sky
d) you have to give up Virgin or Sky but couldn't stand going back to just 5 terrestrial channels.
e) the picture reception on Freeview is better than your local transmitter service

Hope this helps.

[awibble]

Originally Posted by Alanmelon

The main thing that puts me off buying a set with built in freeview is the fact it limits upgradability in the future. At least with an stb you can replace it more cheaply and easily should technology change or advance (eg top up channels etc)

How does it limit your upgrade ability?
All it means is while you have freeview, you dont need an extra STB for freeview, if freeview changes and you need a new STB, just plug one in.

having freeview built in just saves room IMO.

[altis]

...
f) you want to simultaneously watch and record two channels and one of them is on Freeview
g) saves scart mayhem if you want to add Freeview
h) analogue terrestrial broadcasts will cease in a very few years so the TV will become useless without some sort of STB.

[Itshim]

Have one ( it was an upgrade from Argos went in for one with out Free view) Anyway Have used it when Virgin was "off air". And in a way it stops me upgrading to V+ (I have a HardDrive/DVD recorder). So if I really want to record from V Box I can watch a free view channel. Haven`t found the need to yet!!!!