- TiVo to offer Freely on new range of smart TVs to launch this summer.
- First time all four main public broadcasters have collaborated on a streaming platform
A day after Freely’s launch details were revealed, public broadcasters have hailed the new platform, saying it will “futureproof live TV”.
Freely will allow smart TV users to watch live TV without an aerial or dish – but as we revealed yesterday, at launch relatively few channels are available. At present, you’ll still need to plug in an aerial to receive the full range of channels including Talking Pictures, GB News and Quest.
The main channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5 are available without an aerial. In addition, services from STV and S4C are also available via streaming in their normal broadcast areas. However, with an aerial, Freely TVs will take the existing Freeview signal and insert extra channels on to its own TV guide, which has its own channel numbering system. In time, more services will be available via streaming, meaning the aerial will become redundant.
Hisense TVs with Freely will be available at retailers including Currys, Argos, AO and Very. Further device manufacturers will launch their Freely products soon.
As Freely will sit alongside other apps installed by the smart TV manufacturer, viewers will be less likely to need separate streaming boxes. As Freely devices roll out, Freeview Play will be gradually phased out, although existing TVs will continue to be supported.
▶ Freely interface: in pictures
TiVo joins in
In a new development, it has also been announced that TiVo – a subsidiary of Xperi Inc. – will be offering Freely as part of its TiVo OS platform.
Freely will run on smart TVs powered by TiVo, providing consumers with choice and a simple navigation to discover content quickly and efficiently without the burden of walled gardens.
Initially Freely will be available via Vestel smart TVs Powered by TiVo, launching in the coming weeks. Vestel produces a range of premium and budget TVs, sold under a variety of sub-brands, including Bush and Hitachi.
A new attempt at collaboration after many failures
The new service marks the first time all four of Britain’s public service broadcasters have come together to launch a streaming proposition.
Some of the broadcasters have attempted before: a combined video-on-demand service under the name ‘Project Kangaroo’ was shot down by regulators 15 years ago. Then in 2012, they joined forces with major internet service providers (ISPs) to launch YouView. That ended up being dominated by the ISPs. Freely sees the broadcasters go it alone to offer a service that can easily be used with any ISP.
In 2021, Channel 5 finally joined Digital UK, now known as Everyone TV, the platform operator behind both Freeview and Freely. 19 years after the launch of Freeview, all UK-wide public service broadcasters were finally on board.
Corporate comments
Kieran Clifton, Director, BBC Distribution & Business Development, says:
“The launch of Freely is a historic moment for UK television. Collaboration between the UK PSBs is critical to connecting and protecting all audiences as we transition towards the streaming era – and delivering live TV over broadband for free is a ground-breaking innovation that will futureproof public service broadcasting.”
Martin Goswami, ITV Group Strategic Partnerships and Distribution Director, says:
“The success and impact of programmes like ITV’s Mr Bates vs the Post Office shows the importance of UK PSBs and ITV is proud to be part of this exciting new chapter for free TV in this country with Freely. Bringing live streamed channels and on demand content together in Freely gives viewers the opportunity to access the very best in British content as easily as possible, from live and recent programmes to a wealth of on-demand options.”
Grace Boswood, Technology & Distribution Director, Channel 4, says:
“Freely will deliver the best of Britain’s world-leading public service content seamlessly and for free. It further supports Channel 4’s Fast Forward strategy as we accelerate our transformation into the streaming age, ensuring our trusted, brand-safe content is available to everyone.”
James Tatam, SVP Business & Revenue for Channel 5, says:
“We’re delighted to be part of Freely, which will ensure UK audiences can continue to easily discover and enjoy original, high quality British programmes from Channel 5 and the other public service broadcasters – live and on-demand, for free.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Everyone TV