The dominance of Freeview in the realm of free TV viewing remains unquestionable, boasting a wide array of over 100 channels accessible through a standard rooftop aerial. While Freeview has been a staple for entertainment in numerous UK households, its prevalence may be on the decline.
An increasing number of individuals are transitioning from traditional TV watching methods to streaming services. Sky’s successful offerings, such as the Stream box and Glass TV, which deliver live shows, sports, and movies through internet connectivity, have become top sellers. Another player on the scene is Freely, a service owned by the same group behind Freeview, which has been steadily enhancing its features and integration into various screen models.
Recent developments suggest that Freely may soon introduce a dedicated set-top box, addressing the current limitation of requiring a new TV purchase for access. However, some major manufacturers like LG and Samsung have yet to embrace Freely, missing out on offering screens with the service pre-installed.
The potential launch of a standalone set-top box by Freely could resolve these issues and make the service more appealing to a broader audience. Industry insights from BBC’s Tim Davie indicate a shift towards digital platforms and content to cater to evolving audience preferences, with plans to transition to IP-based services in the 2030s.
In parallel, TiVo has hinted at the possibility of entering the UK market with a Freely-powered set-top box, challenging Sky Stream’s smart content hub offerings. While specifics are still forthcoming, the competition in the streaming landscape is set to intensify. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving TV technology landscape.