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Best TVs with a Freeview HD tuner

An elderly neighbour of mine had her cataracts removed, and after the operation, she thought her home had been redecorated by relatives because everything looked so much sharper. Switching to HD after years of watching standard-definition broadcasts can have the same effect -- the jump in image quality is that dramatic.

When they first emerged, TVs with built-in Freeview HD tuners came at a significant price premium over models with plain old Freeview tuners. Those days are long gone and now it's increasingly rare to find models with only standard-definition tuners.

Freeview HD relies on a new broadcast technology called DVB-T2, which is an upgrade from the older DVB-T system initially used to transmit Freeview in the UK. The DVB-T2 system is backwards-compatible with DVB-T, so you can still receive standard-definition channels if your TV has a Freeview HD tuner.

In the UK, there are currently four HD channels widely available via Freeview HD -- BBC One HD, BBC HD, Channel 4 HD and ITV1 HD (STV 1 HD in Scotland). Viewers in Wales also get S4C Clirlun HD -- the channel for Welsh speakers.

Channel 5 was due to launch an HD channel in 2010 but it ditched its plans because of the costs involved. The bandwidth that was reserved for this service is now controlled by the BBC. It uses it for special events such as the extra HD channel that will be accessible via the red button -- or on channel 304 -- during the Olympics.

As Freeview HD was a big hit with viewers, the technology quickly became ubiquitous, so the vast majority of sets on the market today have Freeview HD tuners on board. Helpfully, TVs with Freeview HD tuners carry the Freeview HD logo, so they're easy to spot in the shops. Also, Freeview HD tuners are available in sets that use different display technologies such as LCD, LED and plasma. You've got plenty of choice when you're buying a new Freeview HD-compatible TV.

The exception is smaller sets, as tellies with screen sizes of 26 inches or lower often only have standard-definition Freeview tuners. I wouldn't obsess over having a Freeview HD tuner on a TV smaller than 32 inches as the difference between HD and SD isn't all that noticeable. However, the larger the screen, the bigger the hike in quality you'll notice between HD and SD broadcasts. Certainly, on TVs over 46 inches, the benefits of HD channels are hugely apparent.

Crisper HD pictures aren't the only advantages of Freeview HD as high-definition channels on the service also broadcast with multi-channel surround sound. Of course, to enjoy the improved audio, you'll have to connect your TV to a suitable surround sound amp and speaker kit via either an HDMI cable or the TV's optical or coax digital audio output.

If you're thinking of buying a new TV with a Freeview HD tuner, check out some of our favourite models listed below.

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LG 55LM660T

Despite a few minor flaws, the LG 55LM660T is a very impressive TV. Its no-bezel design looks gorgeous, 2D and 3D images are cracking and there's a wealth of features and smart TV apps. If you're in the market for a 55-inch LED TV, then this should be high on your list. Read more

£1,600

Reviewed on 11 June 2012

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Finlux 32F6030-T

It's far from perfect, but the 32-inch Finlux 32F6030-T offers a lot of features for a modest outlay and its picture performance is better than I would have expected at this price. If your budget is tight, it's a solid option for £250. Read more

£240

Reviewed on 20 April 2012

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Panasonic TX-L47E5B

Audio quality and black levels could be slightly better, but on the whole, the 47-inch Panasonic TX-L47E5B is a good entry-level set that delivers rich, contrasty pictures and has impressive online features. Read more

£800

Reviewed on 18 April 2012

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Panasonic TX-P42ST50B

The Panasonic TX-P42ST50B delivers truly excellent picture quality for standard-definition, HD and 3D material, with stunningly deep black levels, impressive brightness and natural colour tones. Potential buyers might want to see what the upcoming GT50 has to offer though before making a purchase. Read more

£950

Reviewed on 29 March 2012

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Sony 55HX853

The 55-inch Sony 55HX853 is the best TV from Sony in a long time. It produces gorgeous pictures in both 2D and 3D, has impressive sound quality and a very strong line-up of video-on-demand services. The styling will split opinions and its inability to stream common digital video formats is annoying, but overall, this is a very convincing high-end TV. Read more

£1,800

Reviewed on 21 May 2012

Comments 3

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anonymous's avatar

anonymous 30 April, 2011 07:45

Just an update on this old article the best tv with h.d freeview or best t.v you can acutally buy is the sony kdl-55hx923 which has arelease date of may 2011 and has awsome features like internet/netflick(streaming movie downloads)3D and lots more .

Rusell's avatar

Rusell 18 August, 2011 03:26

The best Freeview HD tuner card for watching freeview on PC?

TBS 6220 DVB T2 single tuner TV card--£77
TBS 6280 DVB T2 twin tuner TV card-£103

anonymous's avatar

anonymous 15 February, 2013 21:14

"I wouldn't obsess over having a Freeview HD tuner on a TV smaller than 32 inches as the difference between HD and SD isn't all that noticeable. "

Er, yes that's what reviewers keep telling us. But its actually codswallop.

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