Online TV streaming service FilmOn.com has introduced a dongle containing a digital terrestrial receiver for receiving DTT signals in the UK on smart phones.
The newly introduced device, called FilmOn Air, enables local television reception of BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and other European TV channels broadcasting via DTT networks using the DVB-T transmission standard.
FilmOn will be shipping the device for free to all its UK and European based subscribers with an annual paid subscription, so they can watch local network television on their computers and mobile devices.
The device has already been available in the USA since January, because broadcasters stopped FilmOn from streaming their signals via its web portal.
Last November, an US federal court has issued a temporary restraining order shutting down FilmOn.com, a site offering free streams of network television programming. The four major broadcast networks, ABC, CBS,NBC and Fox, sued the service for copyright infringement, arguing the service was making unauthorised online retransmissions of their broadcasts.
“In addition to the reception of over the air channels, FilmOn has licensed over 120 online television channels and has even launched its own college sports and live soccer channels ,” according to a press release by the company.
FilmOn Air is free with every annual UK and world TV based subscription to FilmOn which costs £149.95 (€180) for the basic package. For others, FilmOn Air retails for £95.95, allowing users to watch or record their favourite TV shows.
