Exclusive: Manual tune for Alba Freesat boxes soon

Alba is planning to make a manual tune function accessible on its Freesat set-top boxes by the end of the month.

The confirmation comes after a method of accessing a "hidden" manual tune window was revealed on the Digital Spy forums. Users of Bush, Goodmans and Grundig equipment - all made by Alba - can press 2846 while viewing the boxes' Settings menu.

However, Alba warned the function would not work correctly at present. "I am currently testing the finished manual scan option that will be available end of this month," said a representative.

"After the update you will need to select from the settings menu 'show non Freesat channels' before the channels stored will be shown in the channel list (not EPG). Please do not expect the hidden menu to work correctly."

The change will allow users to access hundreds of services that are broadcast free-to-air on satellite but not listed in the Freesat electronic programme guide. They include Sky News and radio station Planet Rock.

Alba revealed it had started work on a public manual tune function following complaints from Digital Spy forum members. Some believe the receivers must be capable of viewing all FTA satellite broadcasts under European law.