More than five years after the free-to-air broadcasters flagged plans to introduce a catch-up service integrated with an enhanced EPG, Freeview Plus finally has a launch date: Tuesday September 2.
The broadband-delivered service will enable viewers to access all the FTA channels’ catch-up platforms from one place on TV screens for the first time.
Marketing body Free TV Australia tonight launches a TV teaser campaign showing celebrities enthusing about Freeview Plus and trailing its imminent launch.
That’s part of an extensive marketing campaign that will support retailers and manufacturers, aimed at boosting consumer awareness of the initiative.
“FreeviewPlus is one of the most important advances in free-to-air television in Australia since the introduction of digital TV so it’s important we start to generate a buzz about the new service among Australian viewers,” said Freeview general manager Liz Ross.
Manufacturers will release a range of FreeviewPlus receivers to coincide with the launch and the service will continue to be available through new connected receivers carrying the FreeviewPlus logo including panel TVs, set top boxes and recording devices.
Freeview reps all the FTA broadcasters except WIN Corp and Prime Media. “FreeviewPlus is all about giving Australians the best FTA TV experience, allowing viewers to find and watch their favourite shows when they want to watch them on their TV with the simple press of a button,” Ross said.
The service uses hybrid TV technology which combines broadband and broadcast TV. The technology will also enable the FTA networks to introduce a range of new broadband services.