The amount of consumer interest generated by the new free to air Satellite service 'Freesat' has led to a shortage of set-top boxes, an essential item of kit required to connect to the new service.

Freesat's commercial development director, Richard Lindsey-Davis, has stated; "We have not been able to get enough set-top boxes and Freesat TVs to meet demand."

The problem has been exacerbated by poor quality standard definition picture on the first set-top boxes from the Alba Group  – the Bush BFSAT01HD, Goodmans GFSAT200HD, Grundig GUFSAT01HD which led to delays in their release.

They say every cloud has a silver lining and Panasonic have witnessed strong demand for their Freesat equipped PZ81 series of plasma TV's which are currently available in 42in, 46in and 50in sizes. Panasonic are planning to release a further three 'Freesat' equipped TV's later this year and other manufacturers are being encouraged to release their own 'Freesat' equipped TV's to alleviate supply problems.

Panasonic TH-42PZ81  

Panasonic TH-46PZ81  

Panasonic TH-50PZ81  

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