A much wider range of TVs that support Freeview replacement Freely are coming soon, with Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic and Metz launching compatible devices.
- Service allows users to access the main TV channels without an aerial; the full channel line-up still depends on an aerial connection.
- Panasonic’s 2024 range of 4K OLED, QLED and LED TVs will come with Freely built in
- Toshiba and Sharp announce new TV ranges that will support the hybrid platform.
Everyone TV – the organisation behind the UK’s free TV platforms Freeview, Freesat and Freely – has revealed multiple new smart TV brands are joining the Freely line-up with Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic and Metz all confirmed to offer the new streaming service backed by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The addition of these four new brands means Freely has confirmed six smart TV partners in total. Existing partners include Bush and Hisense, with Freely currently accessible on their 2024 4K smart TV models.
New 4K Freely models for 2024
Toshiba’s new Freely compatible TVs bring seamless QLED 4K immersive viewing paired with Dolby Atmos sound. Allowing users to relax and switch on Freely with just the touch of a button.
Sharp’s new range of smart TVs (GK4 4K and GM6 4K QLED models), integrated with Freely, will help consumers navigate the overwhelming array of streaming and linear content options through a simplified, universal discovery process, enhancing the user experience and driving TV demand and viewership.
Panasonic’s 2024 line-up of 4K OLED, QLED, and LED TVs will come with Freely built-in. Bringing together award-winning picture quality, the very best in gaming and smart content, with easy access to live and on demand TV.
Metz, one of Germany’s oldest TV brands, will be launching exciting new Freely compatible QLED+ TVs incorporating Dolby Vision and Atmos. These will be available in 43in, 50in, 55in and 65in screen sizes.
All of the above ranges will reach retailers in the coming months.
In the meantime, you can already buy Freely compatible TVs from China-based Hisense or Vestel-owned Bush TVs.
Recap: What can Freely do?
- Freely allows viewers to watch all the main channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, S4C and Channel 5 without needing an aerial or a dish.
- You’ll need to connect your Freely TV to your wi-fi network, or connect direct to your router using an ethernet cable.
- You’ll get a wider range of HD channels.
- 4K UHD is currently available on selected on-demand programmes via the iPlayer.
- However, you won’t receive a large range of channels this way. At the moment, you’ll still need to connect your TV to an aerial if you want to receive all the services you currently do on Freeview. So for example, you can’t watch Quest, Sky News or Talking Pictures if you go wi-fi only. More details here…
The broadcasters behind Freely aim to make this a long-term replacement for Freeview. As more channels become available via streaming and more users have full fibre broadband internet connections, the terrestrial network will become no more than a back-up for the main channels if your connection fails.
Since launching April, the service has had some gremlins. It had to apologise to viewers following problems that stopped some viewers from accessing live streams from ITV and Channel 5.
▶ What does this development mean when you’re upgrading from Freeview to Freely?
As Freely becomes built-in on new devices from the above manufacturers, this replaces support for Freeview Play.
So if you upgrade from, for example, a 2020 Panasonic to a 2024 4K Panasonic TV, you’ll find the channel numbering system will be different.
Your new TV will be able to play the main channels from the internet, so you may have more flexibility over where you place your TV. However, you’ll still need an aerial connected if you want all the channels.
The Accessible TV Guide on channel 555 continues to be available on Freely devices.
However, if your old TV supported old style Digital Text via the red button, you’ll lose this with the upgrade.
Corporate comment
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer, Everyone TV, said:
“Having recently brought Freely to market on new Hisense and Bush TVs, we’re delighted to be announcing increased availability of Freely with four new smart TV partners due to launch later this year. A joint venture between Britain’s leading broadcasters, Freely is built on collaboration and it is encouraging to see more of the industry coming together to contribute to the success of Freely, working together to secure the future of free TV.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Everyone TV