Eutelsat and Vestel have announced the commercial launch of the first Smart TV supporting the enhanced UX features of Sat.tv Connect.
The new range of Smart TVs from Vestel incorporates both the DVB-I and HbbTV standards.
An advanced EPG can display hundreds of free-to-air TV channels available from Hotbird 13° East and Eutelsat-Nilesat 7/8° West satellite TV hot spots.
Designed for TV markets across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Vestel’s new generation of Smart TVs with integrated satellite tuner eliminates the need for an external set-top box and offers instant access to a wide range of FTA satellite channels.
Jean-Luc Deroudilhe, SVP Advanced TV Services at Eutelsat, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity to bring the Sat.tv service directly into Vestel’s Connected TV. With native support for DVB-I and HbbTV, users can enjoy a very large choice of free satellite channels with a truly enhanced experience and without the need for an external set-top box.”
Developed by Eutelsat, Sat.tv Connect uses the DVB-I standard to deliver a seamless and unified content discovery experience, with an enhanced EPG that significantly improves user engagement.
Atınç Öğüt, Deputy General Manager of Vestel Consumer Electronics Product Management representing Vestel, emphasized: “Our strategic partnership with Eutelsat to integrate Sat.tv into Vestel Smart TVs reinforces our commitment to innovation. By pioneering native support for DVB-I, Vestel is not only enhancing the viewing experience, but also shaping the future of television.”
The standards-based solution redefines the presentation of FTA channels on Eutelsat’s satellites, offering over 30 Sat.tv channel lists, presenting channels sorted by country or language; simplified channel installation via Instant Tuning and LCN Range functions, which allow direct access to TV and radio channels without the time-consuming pre-scanning of frequencies.
The EPG is enhanced with channel logos, thumbnails and detailed programme information, seamlessly integrated with the native TV interface, zapping banner and TV guide.
A hybrid approach that combines traditional FTA satellite channels with FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) services to expand the content offering.
Vestel Smart TV with Sat.tv Connect will be available across Europe and MENA markets from Q3/2025 on brands such as Vestel, Telefunken.
