There are special 'Freesat extensions' to MHEG which allow richer services that can take advantage of the extra bandwidth on satellite and the greater processing power of today's set-top boxes.

'A fantastic achievement,' boasts satcasterFreesat MD Emma Scott says that the service has now doubled its install base to 600,000 households over the past year. "To achieve this level of sales ...

"Freesat retailer staff have been instructed that purchasing an installation package with a Freesat box is not compulsory, but for the vast majority of customers it will be the most appropriate ...

"Customers looking to purchase Freesat boxes, which are available from Currys and Currys.digital stores, can do so without any installation services attached whatsoever," he said.