• Subscribe
  • Advertise
    • Media Info
    • Terms & Conditions for Advertisers
    • Mechanical Data

Broadband TV News

Independent. Since 2003

  • Home
  • News Line
    • Central & East Europe
    • People
  • TV
    • On Demand/VOD
    • IPTV
    • Cable
    • Satellite
    • Terrestrial
    • Distribution
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Columns
    • Chris Dziadul
    • Julian Clover
    • Robert Briel
  • Events
    • Events Diary
    • BTN Events
    • Events Coverage
    • Submit the details of your event
  • Features
  • Resources
    • White Papers

Clover’s Week: It’s subscription free, again

June 6, 2014 10.54 Europe/London By Julian Clover

Never let it be said that there isn’t competition in the UK television market. Where else would you have four free-to-air platforms all operated by the same set of broadcasters. 

The latest curiosity is the announced launch this week of ‘Freeview Connect’, a working title already familiar to anyone who has heard Freeview boss Ilse Howling speak over the last few years. Howling, who will head up the public broadcasters’ plan to ensure the latest innovation is not lost on those who opt not to have subscription TV, has publicly ignored the presence of YouView.

It is not surprising. Initially it was the view that in time YouView would replace Freeview as the platform for UK DTT, with its backwards EPG and connectivity with the internet and the rich video content that it brings.

But journalist shorthand for YouView has changed. Besides a seven-day backwards EPG is so last week. At its inception as Project Canvas we might have called in the PSB-led broadband platform. Today its association is very much with BT and TalkTalk, the two telcos who have seen their IPTV fortunes transformed by the YouView brand.

All along Freeview has been developing its own connected offer. The vast majority of Freeview HD boxes are connected through MHEG-5 IC – remember that – and of course the growth in smart TVs has given the iPlayer a further outlet.

When YouView emerged I remember asking why the venture hadn’t gone through Freeview – remember the telcos were only brought in later – to be told that would automatically bring Sky in as a partner. Still in Freeview, Sky may turn into the ultimate silent partner.

Then there is the role of the TV manufacturers. Will Freeview Connect get the manufacturers off the hook in the development of their own Smart TV platforms.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)

Related

Filed Under: Clover's Week Edited: 6 June 2014 10:59

Avatar photo

About Julian Clover

Julian Clover is a Media and Technology journalist based in Cambridge, UK. He works in online and printed media. Julian is also a voice on local radio. You can talk to Julian on Twitter @julianclover, on Facebook or by email at jclover@broadbandtvnews.com.

Latest News

  • Liberty Global launches Telenet takeover bid
  • Allente launches Google TV dongle powered by 3SS and SEI Robotics
  • New comms strategy for Russia
  • Boost for Dynamic Ad Insertion in Poland
  • Bedrock extends 6play max to more big screens

Free Ebook

Whitepaper: Why Wi-Fi 6 is Key for ISP Success

Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E client devices are entering the home in an unprecedented way, surpassing 50% market share since their introduction in 2019 (compared to four years for Wi-Fi 5). … [Download the eBook...]

Q & A

Q&A with Przemyslaw Frasunek, Redge Technologies

Broadband TV News speaks with Przemyslaw Frasunek, the CEO of Redge Technologies, about the CEE region OTT landscape and the most effective video security solutions.

Broadband TV News

  • Subscribe
  • About us
  • Contacts
  • Logos & Pictures
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Advertising

  • Media Info
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Mechanical Data
  • Video Services

News

  • Latest
  • Central & East Europe
  • TV
  • Tech
  • Streaming
  • Cable
  • Satellite
  • Terrestrial
  • IPTV
  • Business
  • People

Events

  • Events Diary
  • BTN Events
  • Submit the details of your event
  • Media Meet & Greet

Broadband TV News

PO Box 499
Cambridge
United Kingdom
CB1 0AH
news@broadbandtvnews.com

Connect with Us

 

Copyright © 2023 Broadband TV News LLP · Log in

 

Loading Comments...
 

    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OK