All of Freeview’s IP channels now support HbbTV, meaning users of newer Freeview Play TVs can now access all services.
Last week, Vision TV on Freeview channel 264 became the final service to upgrade its portal of channels to the newer broadcast standard.
Vision TV offers access to group of international and specialist channels, including CGTN, DW-TV, Newsmax and Sporty Stuff TV, the home of evening Greyhound racing coverage.
All Freeview Play devices support HbbTV (hybrid broadcast broadband TV), while many no longer support the older MHEG standard previously used to broadcast such services. As a result, some viewers were not able to access the service until HbbTV support became available.
IP or streaming channels are found above Freeview channel 260, except children’s streaming service Yaaas and Ketchup TV, which are located in the children’s section of the channel list.
Last year, Channelbox (channel 271), On-demand 365 (265), Yaaas (212) and Ketchup TV (211) launched HbbTV compatible services. Arise News (channel 269) and Sonlife (channel 263) have also recently added HbbTV data.
The old MHEG-based apps will continue to run side-by-side to allow older devices to access the service. This includes most Freeview HD TVs built from 2013 or later, prior to the introduction of Freeview Play.