What is Freely? The new TV service from BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5
THE makers of Freeview are launching a brand new TV service this year with a twist.
It’s called Freely and viewers can watch live channels via the internet and Wi-Fi, instead of an aerial, satellite or cable.
There have been a number of products like this already, such as Sky Glass, Sky Stream and Stream from Virgin Media, but this is the first free one.
So how does it work and when can you expect to have it in your living room?
Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Freely?
Freely is the name of Freeview’s eventual successor (though Freeview isn’t go anywhere anytime soon).
It’s backed by the UK’s main broadcasters, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
Freely will allow you to access channels with an internet connection, so you can technically do away with an aerial – and you don’t have to navigate between various apps to find live streams either.
The company behind it, Everyone TV, says it’ll be available as a “hybrid” model, so you can choose to access some channels via internet and others via digital aerial – this will probably be necessary to begin with as not all channels you see on Freeview will be ready from launch.
As well as watching live TV, you’ll be able to pause, rewind and access on-demand content.
Internet-based live TV has a number of advantages.
Firstly, it can host a limitless number of channels – unlike Freeview which is restricted by spectrum.
And if you’re just using Wi-Fi to connect to Freely it’ll be a lot easier to put your TV wherever you like in a room.
Broadband doesn’t struggle with the same connection problems an aerial or satellite TV service suffers with during really bad weather too.
But if your internet goes down or struggles with slow speeds it’ll be an issue.
What channels are on Freely?
The full list of channels haven't been confirmed for Freely yet but we do know some.
We can expect stations from the four main broadcasters attached to Freely, so:
- BBC One
- BBC Two
- BBC Three
- BBC Four
- CBeebies
- BBC News Channel
- BBC Parliament
- ITV1
- ITV2
- ITV3
- ITV4
- ITVBe
- Channel 4
- More4
- E4
- E4 Extra
- 4seven
- Channel 5
- 5USA
- 5STAR
- 5ACTION
- 5SELECT
Freely has revealed that it’s working with UKTV to bring their channels on board
Where can I buy a Freely TV or box?
Freely will be built into new smart TVs due to be released this year.
Hisense, Toshiba, Bush, and JVC have confirmed they’ll start including Freely in their kit.
There’s currently no talk of Freely being launched as a set top box that you can plug into your existing TV.
What features does Freely have?
Freely says its the first time ever that viewers will be able to switch seamlessly between live and on demand TV on a free service.
Users can pause, restart and will see instant links to more episodes of the show they’re looking at.
A MiniGuide appears as a pop-up interface each time you switch channels.
Pressing the Freely button on the remote will provide recommended live and on demand programming.
And a simple TV guide goes up to seven days ahead.
Freely says new features will be introduced as the software develops further.
When is Freely available?
Everyone TV says Freely will be available from Q2 this year, so that’s anytime from April to June.
