Freesat 4k boxes get new Guide design
From today (15th October 2024) a brand-new user interface has started to be rolled out for Freesat 4k Set Top box users.
The update is automatic, and when downloaded and installed, your Freesat 4k box will reboot to the new interface. This will be done during the “early hours” of the morning, when the box performs daily “housekeeping”.
Freesat says that some of the enhancements include:
More space to showcase our editorial team’s TV recommendations.
A modern, customisable TV Guide – you can now see more of what’s on at a glance, and use the List button on your remote control to favourite channels or view programmes with Audio Description and/or Subtitles.
You’ll find all of our apps and on demand recommendations under the On Demand menu.
For our 4K Recordable boxes, all of your recording options remain.
Just a note, but one of my Freesat 4K Set Top boxes got stuck in a reboot loop after this upgrade. Every minute, the Freesat 4K Set Top box closed down and rebooted. I went into the Picture and Sound settings, and turned off the HDMI CEC option. I also went into the system settings, and turned off the auto power down option. I rebooted the Freesat 4K Set Top box again, and it has stayed turned on ever since.
Old Freesat Guide Layout
Freesat TV Guide
New Freesat Guide Layout
The new guide looks a lot sleeker.
More channels per page on the guide.
Current programmes and length are highlighted, making it easier to see any overlaps
And options along the top of the screen rather than on the left of the screen.
About the Freesat 4k Set Top Box
The Freesat 4K set-top box is a feature-rich device that allows users to access free-to-air satellite TV channels in stunning HD quality. 4K Ultra HD quality is available on some of the apps preinstalled on the 4k set top box. Offering over 150 channels, including popular entertainment, news, and sports networks, the box also provides access to on-demand services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Netflix (with subscription). With built-in recording capabilities (in selected models), users can record, pause, and rewind live TV. The Freesat 4K box supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) for enhanced picture quality and is easy to set up, providing an affordable alternative to pay-TV services, without a subscription.
The new interface looks smart. Have they improved the number of key presses to delete a program? When you backed out from watching a recording you had to work your way back down the list again to find and delete the program – it was really cumbersome.