Freeview Play to launch next month

UK digital-terrestrial TV provider Freeview has confirmed that its new connected TV offering, Freeview Play, will launch next month on Panasonic TVs.

The service will launch first on Panasonic’s new 2015 line-up of Viera TVs and will then be available on a range of other Panasonic products, including three Blu-ray recorders and two digital recorders.

Humax has also signed up to launch Freeview Play digital recorders, with Manhattan TV and Vestel also due to launch ranges of Freeview Play products, though dates for these have yet to be confirmed. Freeview said that major TV manufacturers will follow.

“The launch of Freeview Play is a landmark moment for UK television. Our aim is to make watching the best free broadcast and catch up TV easy for everyone,” said Caroline Thomson, chair of Digital UK, which provides operational support for the Freeview platform.

Freeview and Digital UK announced plans to launch Freeview Play last year. The service combines catch-up TV from the UK terrestrial broadcasters – the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 – on-demand services and live television.

The subscription-free offering works with all existing broadband services and a TV ad campaign to support the launch of Freeview Play is due to run in the UK.

“By teaming up with Freeview Play, we are bringing better television to homes across the UK. Our partnership means that we can not only provide outstanding picture quality, but a much wider selection of programmes and viewing flexibility to Panasonic customers in the UK,” said Andrew Denham, managing director, Panasonic UK.