What are on-air downloads (OADs)?
Freeview set-top boxes contain a computer, which decodes the digital signal. It also handles all the operations associated with MHEG, the digital text system. Each manufacturer uses different software for their set-top box computer. Being software, there is a constant need for updates, also called patches or bug fixes. These are transmitted on-air as part of the overall digital television system. They include a “signature” so that a set-top box will only install an update which is intended for it specifically. Freeview boxes should always be set to automatically download and install on-air software updates. The schedule for Freeview set-top box on-air software update downloads can be found at http://www.dtg.org.uk/retailer/download_schedule.pl (external link verified May-06) or on Teletext (Freeview channel 100) > Welcome > last sub-page. In addition, a few set-top boxes (notably the Goodmans GDB2 and GDB3) have an RS-232 socket. A software update for these boxes can be downloaded via
