Freeview is now the main TV service in 10m UK homes

Freeview has announced that it is now the main TV service in 10 million UK homes.

It said that its recent growth has been boosted by the recent switchover of thousands of homes from analogue to digital TV, with the vast majority opting for Freeview as their main set.

In the West Country, which completed its switch to digital TV in September this year, 80% of analogue homes chose Freeview for their main set, compared to 12% for Sky and 8% for Virgin, Freeview said in a statement.

Today also sees the technical launch of Freeview HD, with signals going live in London and Manchester. Freeview expects 50% of UK households to be able to access Freeview HD by the World Cup in June 2010, with the first new Freeview HD receivers will go on sale from early 2010.

Ilse Howling, Freeview managing director, said: “Becoming the main digital TV service in 10 million homes is a great way to end the year and a fabulous early Christmas present. Freeview is a British success story, and it is a testament to both the simplicity of the service and the hard work of the team that we have hit 10 million so soon.

“With over 50 channels Freeview already offers great choice and quality – but we have bold plans for 2010, with the launch of Freeview HD and Freeview+HD, bringing high definition to millions of homes by the time of the World Cup.”