28 January 2009
Freeview has said that sales of its Freeview+ boxes have increased as consumers seek out more home-based entertainment during the economic downturn.
The company said sales rose by 118% between December 2007 and the same month in 2008, according to the Digital TV Group.
Some 26% of Freeview+ sales were achieved in the final quarter of the year, with more than two boxes being purchased every minute in December.
Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview, said: "During a downturn, TV viewing naturally increases as people choose to stay in and watch TV as a form of free entertainment."
He said that more than half of viewers who have bought a Freeview+ box claim they could not live without the device.
Freeview does not manufacturer Freeview+ boxes itself but awards the brand logo to makers of digital TV recorders that meet a number of specifications.
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