The latest Roku smart TVs will include Freely, as another TV manufacturer adds support to the streaming platform, which is intended to ultimately replace Freeview.
Everyone TV, the organisation tasked at safeguarding free TV services in the UK, has struck a deal with streaming company Roku to bring Freely to more smart TVs.
Starting with the latest models, new smart TVs powered by Roku will include full support for Freely.
That means new Roku smart TVs, made by companies including Sharp and JVC for the UK, will have the Freely channel list built-in, instead of Freeview.
As a result, the Freely guide will become the default TV Guide on additional Sharp, JVC, and METZ models, and introducing Polaroid TVs with Freely for the first time.
What does mean for viewers?
Until now, a Sharp TV may either support Freeview or Freely, depending on which operating system it’s running on.
If you buy a new 2025 model Sharp TV using the Roku operating system, you’ll now get Freely instead, further phasing out Freeview. The same is true for other manufacturers covered by this announcement.
How does this affect how I watch TV if I buy a new TV?
- A TV that includes the Freeview Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) receives all major free-to-air channels via an aerial. Your TV channel list will include ITV3 on channel 10, HD channels from channel 101 and children’s channels from 201. If your TV is not connected to an aerial, you won’t receive any channels.
- A TV that includes the Freely EPG by default will try to receive as many channels as possible through your internet connection (wi-fi/ethernet) and stream in HD by default. Your TV channel list will be in a different order to Freeview. It will include ITV3 on channel 7 and children’s channels from 351. If a channel isn’t available as a Freely stream, then it will it access the channel through your TV’s connection to your aerial. If your TV is not connected to an aerial, you won’t receive that channel. If your TV loses its internet connection, it should fall back to the terrestrial signal (through your aerial).
Is Freeview being phased out?
Slowly but surely, starting with new TV models. As more and more new TVs include Freely by default instead of Freeview, if you’re buying a new TV you may find little option but to switch to a Freely TV.
There’s no change at this stage for users of existing Freeview TVs (this includes original Freeview and more recent Freeview Play TVs.)
However, the future of digital terrestrial TV (DTT), the technology platform that underpins Freeview is uncertain beyond the end of 2034. The Departure for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) is working with broadcasters on the future scope of DTT. This may include a reduction of channels broadcast on DTT and available on Freeview TVs.
As a result, Freely is effectively a long-term replacement for Freeview.
Roku powered TVs will join the list of Freely partners including:
- Amazon Fire TVs,
- Bush,
- Hisense,
- JVC,
- METZ,
- Panasonic,
- Philips,
- Sharp,
- TCL,
- Titan OS,
- TiVo,
- Toshiba
- VIDAA.
However, the biggest two TV manufacturers in terms of UK market share haven’t joined in. LG and Samsung include Freeview channels, plus their own streaming platforms, which includes all the main streaming apps.
Corporate comment
Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV commented:
“Offering Freely on the Roku operating system is a major milestone for us, as we continue to expand reach for the free streaming platform. We’re delighted that as a huge global player, Roku has recognised the importance of easy and seamless access to public service broadcast content for UK audiences and I look forward to seeing Freely smart TVs with Roku in market this summer.”
Richard Halton, UK Country Manager, Roku added:
“Roku believes that all TV will be streamed. We are excited to partner with Freely and continue our collaboration with UK broadcasters. Together we will bring the best content discovery experience to viewers across the UK. We look forward to unveiling our new Roku TV models with Freely built-in, which will be available from UK retailers this summer.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Everyone TV