Freesat signs smart TV deal with Vestel

UK free-to-air satellite platform Freesat has signed a deal with TV manufacturer Vestel to offer its Freetime service on a range of new Vestel smart TVs and set top boxes.

Freetime is Freesat’s smart TV guide – which lets users scroll back through seven-days of programmes, access the on-demand services of the major UK terrestrial broadcasters and get programme recommendations.

Freesat said that its mobile companion app will also work in conjunction with the Vestel Freetime range, offering the ability to plan, record and manage programmes to watch and directly control the TV.

“We are extremely pleased to be able to announce today’s partnership with Vestel, which further builds on the strong momentum for our award-winning Freetime service,” said Freesat’s managing director, Emma Scott.

“This is an exciting time for us – we announced the Freetime Panasonic Viera TVs range last month and we look forward to extending our reach further with Vestel.”

Vestel claims to be the third largest TV manufacturer in the world, making sets for major Japanese and European brands as well as the own-brand TVs sold by UK retailers including Argos, Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury’s.