How to unlock more free-to-air TV content
Freeview Australia has launched its free enhanced HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) service, providing Australians with a more seamless integration between broadcast and on-demand broadcast video on demand (BVOD) services.
The new Freeview product not only provides a more streamlined way to search and discover a world of free-to-air (FTA) entertainment across more than 35 channels, but also enables free and on demand access to a massive library of more than 50,000 individual programs and episodes, from back catalogue, to current programs and digital exclusives.
Freeview's new HbbTV service, which will be rolled out from April 14, 2021, will deliver a more simplified viewer experience.
The comprehensive search function will make content easier to discover as viewers will be able to search for content across ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 play without the need to download individual broadcaster apps.
Freeview Australia's HbbTV application is built using the latest HbbTV 2.0 standard and it joins the UK as the only other service in the world delivering an aggregated platform across multiple broadcasters on this latest standard.
The new service also provides a simple on-screen program guide that makes it easier than ever to see what's available across every Freeview broadcaster in Australia.
Helen Clifton, Freeview Chair and ABC's Digital and Information Officer, described the announcement as a strong and positive move for viewers.
"I am very excited about the new HbbTV powered Freeview service for connected TVs, which is an important advance in free-to-air television in Australia," Ms Clifton said. "Not only will it provide audiences with a streamlined way to search and discover content, but it also opens up access to the complete free-to-air on-demand catalogue - over 5000 hours of content.
"The launch of a new gateway for TV viewing also means Freeview can take advantage of the latest technologies and bring audiences an improved and richer interactive experience which will help drive the industry forward.
"Freeview's role in Australian TV is critical as free-to-air is the best way of making more great content free, and universally accessible, to more people, connecting them across Australia's vast landscape," she said.
Freeview Australia's CEO, Bridget Fair, said the announcement is an important evolution of the broadcast viewing experience.
"We are delivering a whole new Freeview experience by creating a gateway to the world of news and entertainment that's free and easily accessible," Ms Fair said. "We can now explore and discover content from last night or the last decade.
"More than 17 million of us watch FTA television every week, and with broadcast video on demand (BVOD) services enjoying a 38 per cent increase year on year, we have an insatiable appetite for great content.
"Our role at Freeview is to keep pace with this demand and ensure that we are constantly innovating to serve the millions of Australians who vote with their remotes every day."
Do you still watch mostly FTA TV content or do you watch more streaming services these days? Will this platform lure you back to using FTA television?
Ah, might be a help if a link to this magical new service was provided ! Unfortunately, it includes the advertisement saturated mongrel channels 7, 9 & 10 so I doubt it will be much use. We now watch maybe one hour of FTA TV per night, and that would be 80% ABC, 5% SBS and 15% Channel 7. Channels 9 and 10 don't even get a look in at our house. The rest of the night's viewing is either Netflix or Amazon Prime.