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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