Freeview Announced

November 27th, 2008

Earlier this week the free-to-air digital TV Networks formally launched their new Freeview brand and united front in the battle against PayTV. The major free-to-air broadcasters will start collectively branding themselves under the Freeview brand and offer viewers access to 15 digital channels in early 2009.

According to the Freeview website (www.freeview.com.au), “Freeview was formed to assist in the promotion of digital television in Australia” and they will offer their own branded box to allow access to their channels. But of course any digital set-top-box, PVR, Media Centre or Mac TV Tuner device capable of receving a digital TV signal will be able to offer customers access to all 15 channels provided by the TV Networks, regardless of whether it is Freeview branded or not. So this may be a little confusing to existing free-to-air customers using devices such as a Topfield or Beyonwiz PVRs.

“We support the TV Networks’ initiative with their Freeview brand and intended marketing for 2009 to challenge that of Foxtel’s, as well as with their strong intentions to help drive the take-up of digital television in Australia. A similar Freeview branding exercise has been quite successfull in the U.K. As far as Freeview and the free-to-air digital experience goes in Australia, we see ourselves (IceTV) as being the icing on the cake… so to speak. That little bit of extra detail that makes the overall offering even nicer” said IceTV’s General Manager, Matt Kossatz.

IceTV will continue to provide our award winning and truly unique interactive electronic program guide service to devices that are capable of receiving all digital free-to-view channels and our service, offering customers added functionality and far greater control over their favourite Freeview content.

“Free-to-air viewers that enjoy the content available under the Freeview brand will love the extra functionality, access and control they get with IceTV Interactive. Regardless of whether you are at home, at work, on holidays or on the move… you can always get instant access to IceTV Interactive and manage what you watch and when”, said Kossatz.

Click here for a list of the 15 intended channels that will fall under the Freeview brand in your area. For more information on IceTV Interactive and the added control you can get over what, when and how you watch your favourite Freeview content, please visit the About pages of our website.

Want to find out more about products that will support all of the Freeview Channels, but give you access to IceTV’s EPG and IceTV Interactive? then please visit our Online Store & our Compatibility page.

While Network TEN has announced OneHD (a 24hr Sports Channel), we are waiting on the Seven & Nine Networks to announce their plans for 2009 as part of Freeview. We will keep everyone updated as soon as there is any new information available.

Regards,
IceTV

Posted in Corporate, Freeview, IceTV EPG, Interactive, Press Release, PVR, Service Announcement.