RTE partners with Freesat on Irish connected TV platform

Irish public broadcaster RTE has partnered with UK-based Freesat to develop a new connected TV service for Ireland’s Ireland’s free digital television platform Saorview.

Saorview Connect will let viewers access on-demand content as well as TV channels from a new set-top box that will have “a range of additional features”.

These include content recommendations, programme title search, enhanced recording capabilities, and a new Saorview remote control.

Saorview Connect viewers will also be able to record programmes remotely via a forthcoming Saorview mobile application.

“Saorview has come a long way since digital switchover just a few years ago: it is now the largest television platform in Ireland,” said RTÉ director general, Noel Curran. “Saorview Connect will offer viewers a richer experience and, by connecting a Saorview Connect box to broadband, viewers will be able to access a wider range of content.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Freesat, who have successfully run their connected service in the UK for the last three years. We hope to achieve the same success with Saorview Connect.”

Saorview Connect will be based on Metaphor, Freesat’s cloud-based connected TV guide that was launched in 2015 and is based on Freesat’s connected Freetime platform.

Freesat managing director Alistair Thom said: “Through Metaphor, we have been able to take our experience of operating a successful integrated television service to help other platforms integrate their own broadband services. We are delighted that Irish viewers will be able to enjoy our technology through Saorview Connect.”