Which freeview decoder

Yes, if you have a Freesat PVR. This gives you access to the Freesat channels but also functions as a personal video recorder that lets you pause and rewind live TV, as well as record programmes onto a built-in hard drive.

Read our what is Freesat? Boxes are available from manufacturers such as Humax, Goodmans and Panasonic. Take a look at the Freeview TV guide to get an idea of what's available. This gives you access to the Freeview channels but also functions as a personal video recorder that lets you pause and rewind live TV, as well as record programmes. Everything you need to know about digital terrestrial TV with our what is Freeview?

Now you know what you're after, go to our PVR and set-top box reviews for more details. The majority of Freesat set-top boxes on the market let you scroll backwards and forwards through the programme guide and quickly access shows on catch-up TV services. Some only give you access to SD quality.

TV streaming services: Some set-top boxes let you stream online TV shows without the need for an extra device, but you will need an internet connection.

Internet connection: Most set-top boxes have an ethernet port so you can run a cable between your router and the box. However, if your router is in another room, you may need to trail cables through the house.

Some of the best TV set-top boxes come with wifi, so you can place them away from the router, but check before you buy. The Good Housekeeping Institute has assessed the performance, ease of use and design of eight models to find the best TV set-top boxes. We try out all the functions, including pausing and rewinding live TV.

We experiment with recording programmes, noting how many you can record and watch at the same time, and monitor how user-friendly the interface is to navigate. We check how easy it is to access catch-up services and smartphone apps and note which ones are available. If you want subscription-free TV through a satellite dish, this is the best set-top box you can buy.

On test, we found it was quick to load programme guides, menus and on-demand players. Read the full Freesat 4K recordable TV box review. This is the top Freeview option.

Note that some receivers now include recording features, enabling you to record programmes from the EPG to an external hard disk. Luckily, most now include built-in Wi-Fi. Mainstream TV providers, including the BBC, have so far only run 4K programmes over internet streaming services, and that looks set to continue into the foreseeable future. Nearly all support basic Dolby Digital 5. It has three HD tuners, enabling you to watch one channel while recording two or even — with a little multiplex magic — record up to four programmes simultaneously.

Install the Humax Live TV iOS or Android app and you can also schedule recordings and set reminders from your phone, or stream live or recorded programmes to the smaller screen. Buy now from John Lewis. Crafted with 3 tuners, it enables you to record up to 4 programmes at a time while watching the 5th one.

With this recorder, you can watch over 70 channels, including 15 ones in high definition. In addition to built-in Wi-Fi, the unit has an Ethernet port ensuring a more stable Internet connection. This top-notch device is virtually loaded with beneficial features. In particular, it has the series record function that lets you create series links. This means that you will not have to manually pick each episode for recording but, instead, the device will do that automatically.

The Scroll Back TV feature is designed to play shows aired up to a week ago. With the powerful Smart Search function, you can find anything whatever you want, be it your recordings, live TV or on-demand programmes. There is a more feature-rich option from this brand, though.

Although this model has a lower storage capacity, up to 1TB, it has plenty of other advantages. Made with built-in Chromecast, the recorder allows you to stream content from your smartphone, tablet, or another device. With this box, you can access Google Assistant to control your smart home devices.

Just press the respective button on the remote and ask Google. This product is particularly good for families with children as it brings together the most popular programmes for children on one screen. The Humax Aura app will not only let you stream live TV and recordings but also download them to your device. So how much are Freeview recorders? The major advantage of the Manhattan T3-R is that it can give you TV in 4K quality, with incredible colours and sharpness.