Manhattan TV has joined the list of manufacturers that will manufacture product for Freeview Play.
The UK-owned company will offer a standalone receiver (T3) and two digital recorders (T3-R), providing 500GB and 1TB hard drive options. All products will include Wi-Fi connectivity as standard and be available through major electrical retailers, as well as supermarkets, in Q1 2016. Prices have yet to be confirmed.
Freeview Play, backed by Digital UK and the PSBs, plans to combine linear and on demand viewing away from subscription services.
Digital UK is leading on the technical development of the new platform, which will see Freeview’s biggest ever marketing campaign.
Guy North, managing director of Freeview, said: ‘The availability of a Manhattan range of Freeview Play receivers, including a set-top box and two Freeview Play recorders, is excellent news and will give consumers even more choice of Freeview Play products to buy.’
Abbas Arbab-Zadeh, chairman and CEO of Manhattan TV, added: ‘We strongly believe the combination of on-demand services and live programming will put the viewer in full control of their TV. We plan to launch a receiver and two recorders at competitive price points, and all with Wi-fi built in. These devices will put Manhattan TV at the cutting edge of the UK television industry.’
Manhattan TV joins Freeview Play launch partners Panasonic, which has already launched a range of TVs designed to support the new service, and Humax, which will offer digital recorders. Multi-brand manufacturer Vestel will follow with a range of Freeview Play products.
