German DTT platform operator Freenet TV has introduced a hybrid HDMI stick that combines terrestrial television (DVB-T2) with streaming.
Around 40 TV channels in Full HD quality (1080p) can be received with the stick via DTT, while additional TV channels as well as catch-up services and streaming apps, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube, can be accessed via the internet. Interactive functions such as recording, pause and restart allow flexible TV use when streaming.
With the stick, Freenet TV is also targeting cable customers in rented appartements, where the cable TV subscription can no longer be automatically billed via the ancillary costs from July 1, 2024. Tenants are then no longer tied to cable TV and can freely choose their TV reception method, e.g. DTT, satellite, IPTV or streaming.
The Android TV-based Freenet TV stick can be ordered online at www.freenet.tv and will soon also be available at Media Markt, Saturn and other consumer electronics retailers. The recommended retail price (RRP) is €129 including 12 months of access to Freenet TV. After that, Freenet TV costs €7.99 per month, 12-month access costs €99.
As a special introductory offer, the stick costs just €99. Besides 12 months access to Freenet TV, new customers also receive 12 months of access to the streaming service of Freenet TV sister waipu.tv. The stick is connected to the TV set via an HDMI port and to the internet via Wi-Fi. Freenet TV also requires a DVB-T2 indoor or outdoor aerial, which is not included in the package.
Sister service waipu.tv has also added the hybrid HDMI stick to its hardware portfolio. The target group are viewers who want to continue receiving TV in the traditional way via antenna (DVB-T2) or cable (DVB-C) and at the same time access additional channels and interactive features via streaming. The waipu.tv stick can be purchased for €89.99 (RRP) from Amazon and Freenet shops. However, it does not include 12 months access to Freenet TV worth €99, but – for new customers – one month of waipu.tv Perfect Plus worth €12.99.
