Tech Talk: There is a rival in the catch-up TV sector

The idea was that catch-up TV services like the BBC’s iPlayer were integrated into the main programme guide, so you could go back in time as well as forward to pick what you wanted to watch.

The service had a mixed reception at launch, but there has been a software update since then, plus increased marketing by its shareholders BT and TalkTalk, who are offering YouView boxes as part of broadband bundles.

It has also gained a rival – a second-generation set-top box known as Freetime, from the satellite service Freesat. So, which – if either – should you choose?

YouView and Freetime are both free-to-air services, so there are no premium sports or movie channels as standard. YouView carries all the Freeview channels, and for most viewers that’s more than Freesat. However, substantial parts of Yorkshire, including Scarborough and Wharfedale, can see only a handful of channels through normal means, and for them Freetime is the better choice.

Both have BBC and ITV catch-up services and YouView also has Channels 4 and 5 – both of which are “coming soon” to Freetime.

Both boxes need access to your home broadband network as well as your aerial (YouView) or satellite dish (Freetime) – but neither has wi-fi, so you will have to connect them to your router.

For non-broadcast viewing choices, Freetime has a clear lead, with YouTube built in and the ability to share media files across your home network or from memory sticks. YouView offers neither.

Both boxes can be bought on the high street or online, with prices between £250-£300, depending on hard disc size. But YouView is betting the farm on giving its boxes free to customers who take broadband packages from BT or TalkTalk. Both offer top-ups to add movies, sport and other premium content. YouView has the edge on available channels but the added value of YouTube puts the Freetime box ahead, in my view.