Next-gen Freeview Play devices unveiled
UK free-to-air digital terrestrial TV platform Freeview and CE vendor Panasonic have unveiled the next generation of Freeview Play devices . The new range of Panasonic TVs will feature the first implementation of Freeview Play ’ s 2017 specification . The new Search and Recommendations features will make it even easier for viewers to find content to enjoy subscription-free .
A new Quick Look Guide which is exclusive to Panasonic Freeview Play devices will give viewers a visually rich overview of what ’ s on at a glance , showcasing the best of live TV and catch-up .
Freeview Play Search : For the first time , Freeview Play users will be able to search the library of catchup content . Easily accessible from the Freeview Play side bar or via the BLUE button in the Freeview Play TV guide , Search will help people quickly find their favourite TV programmes .
Freeview Play Recommendations : Recommendations will showcase the very best catch-up content across the range of supported channels . Viewers will be able to scroll through a variety of genres to find something to suit their mood . The new feature will help viewers discover hidden gems across the thousands of shows available on the platform . Recommendations can be found in the Freeview Play Quick Look Guide or in the
Recommended section accessible from the Freeview Play side bar .
“ I ’ m really pleased to see the next generation of Freeview Play in Panasonic TVs ,” commented Guy North , managing director of Freeview . “ Panasonic have been a great partner since the launch of Freeview Play , so it made sense for these features to be showcased in their new range of TVs . 2017 is set to be
a big year for Freeview Play with many new partners coming on-board and further product enhancements planned ,” he revealed .
“ We are pleased to be able to work with a partner such as Freeview to develop new and unique features and functionalities for our 2017 TV range ,” added Andrew Denham , managing director , Panasonic UK . “ In 2015 , we were the first TV manufacturer to offer Freeview Play to our customers and this year we have introduced new search and recommendation features as well as developing an innovative ‘ Quick Look Guide ’ specific to the Panasonic user interface . We are looking forward to our continued work together in the future .”
Freeview confirmed in March that sales of its connected TV service Freeview Play TVs and set-top boxes had surpassed one million , with Freeview Play TVs now accounting for one in three ( 34 %) of Smart HD TVs sold in the UK . Freeview Play is already supported by over 20 leading brands , which Freeview says makes it the most widely adopted service by manufacturers for catch-up TV in the UK , with further major announcements and product developments scheduled for later in 2017 .
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