Panasonic first with Freesat HDTV

Freesat was launched on 6 May by the BBC and ITV, and hot on its heels Panasonic has announced HD TVs with integrated Freesat tuners.

Panasonic’s PZ81 series will include 42, 46 and 50 inch Freesat-enabled sets, which will be available from June.

The TVs can also receive the Freeview service through an aerial, and have an Ethernet connection in preparation for when Freesat shows become available online.

The new Freesat service makes HD television available to 98% of the UK’s population.

There is no subscription fee, but a satellite dish and either a Freesat set-top-box, or a TV with a built in Freesat tuner, are required to receive the service.