Freeview is to restrict its Trade Mark Licence to HD products alone from the end of 2016. From then on the Freeview logo will not be permitted to appear on SD products.
Digital UK, which has been working alongside the DTG, said the move was expected to give a major boost to the sale of HD products.
“Freeview HD gives consumers the best possible picture quality without a subscription. By moving all Freeview products to HD, we are ensuring that our viewers get the full range of channels available to them on the platform and the best possible quality. The company has been working closely with manufacturers, retailers, government and other industry stakeholders to future-proof the platform,” said Digital UK’s managing director Guy North.
The new Freeview Play, which combines catch-up TV, on-demand services and live television without a subscription, will launch next month. All Freeview Play technology will be built to the HD standard, specified in the DTG D-Book 8.
Richard Lindsay-Davies, CEO of the DTG, said: “The industry has given unanimous support, through its collaboration in the DTG, to Freeview’s move to ensure all their viewers enjoy the rich experience of high definition TV with the reliable experience to which they have become accustomed from the world’s greatest industry-defined and open digital TV platform.”
From 1 January 2016, new Freeview TVs above 32 inches will need to be HD to carry the Freeview trademark brand. All new Freeview equipment will need to be HD after 31 December 2016.
