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PRESS: Freeviews: HbbTV-TA helping FTAs create personalised ads & rich interactive viewing experience – APB+

Proud service provider for the new Freeview FV website

Proud service provider for the AWARD WINNING Freeview Plus app!

As proud OTT service provider for Freeview AU, Switch Media is thrilled to have facilitated end-to-end delivery of the award-winning Freeview Plus service upgrade.

Winning Best TV/Video Upgrade or Launch at the international 2018 Connies Awards in London, the upgrade was designed to make content discovery easier than ever before, with a simplified user experience, additional features and a fresh look and feel.

Having worked with Freeview to deliver the world-first Freeview FV mobile app, Switch Media was best placed to facilitate the Freeview Plus service upgrade which launched on June 21st 2017, delivering to more than 2.2 million Freeview Plus-enabled TVs across Australia.

 

“The Freeview Plus upgrade is a significant one and we are excited to deliver the next level in content discovery and choice for Australia’s free-to-air TV programming. Australian broadcasters are truly leading the world in innovation and providing a complete TV experience. With this upgrade and our recently launched Freeview FV mobile app, viewers not only have great convenience but also a fantastic choice of how, when and where they watch their favourite content – for free.”
– Liz Ross, CEO, Freeview Australia

 

READ FREEVIEW MEDIA RELEASE, 8 May 2018

Freeview Plus awarded top honour at international Connies Awards

 

Freeview has won Best TV/Video Upgrade or Launch for its Freeview Plus service upgrade at the prestigious Connies Awards, announced overnight in London.

The only Australian company to win an award, this marks the third win for Freeview in the category, winning in 2015^ for the launch of Freeview Plus and again in 2017 for Freeview FV, the world-first free-toair industry TV live streaming and catch-up mobile app.

The Connies Awards recognise innovation and best practices from all sectors of the media landscape around the world. The awards showcase initiatives that meet the needs of leading media businesses and practitioners in delivering value to the ever-more connected consumer.

“This is a great tribute to the amazing team effort behind the significant Freeview Plus upgrade,” said Freeview CEO Elizabeth Ross.

“With this upgrade and the world-first Freeview FV mobile app, viewers not only have great convenience but also a fantastic choice of how, when and where they watch their favourite content – for free.”

Key to the Freeview Plus upgrade was the implementation of world’s best practice interface design which features image-based browsing and the introduction of the Explore TV function.

Explore TV presents viewers with image-based carousels including personalised recommendations and favourites along with live TV, catch up and genre-based browsing.

The Freeview Plus upgrade features also include an easy-to-use guide with backwards navigation to catch-up content and a simplified Mini Guide for quick program discovery.

Freeview Plus is a hybrid digital television service that provides access to catch-up free-to-air programming on TVs and has led the world since it launched in 2014, consistently winning local and international accolades for its ground-breaking technology and user interface.

ENDS

About Freeview
Launched in 2008, Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia which presents and promotes free-to-air channels and content to all Australians. Freeview encourages Australians to watch free-to-air content across various platforms by promoting benefits that include more than 25 channels and catch-up services for free. Freeview’s mission is to deliver the free-to-air content to all Australians where, when and on whatever device they choose.

^ Previously the Videonet Connected TV Awards

Proud end-to-end service provider for the Freeview FV roll out to Apple TV

Switch Media is excited to have provided end-to-end development and delivery of the Freeview FV app roll out to the Apple TV and Apple TV 4K platforms. Delivery included app development, user experience and interface design, the provision of flexible API with support for complex business rules, Electronic Program Guide using Gracenote data, 3rd party player integration and OzTAM VPM analytics integration.

Now for the first time, viewers can stream all free-to-air TV in one place from the comfort of their home without the need for an antenna or traditional broadcast receiver. The FV Apple TV app delivers one of the most user-friendly Free-To-Air EPG’s in the market, enabling viewers to easily see what is coming up for the next 7 days, set favourites, and receive recommendations.

 

Read Freeview press release:

 

Freeview FV now available on the App Store for Apple TV

Watching your favourite TV programs is now even easier with Freeview FV, as the world-first free-to-air
TV live streaming app is now available on Apple TV 4K and Apple TV.

Freeview FV delivers live streaming from 20 free-to-air channels and catch-up content from all free-to-air
TV channels. The app also includes a TV guide, allows users to browse and search across all free-to-air TV,
set favourites, and provides show recommendations.

Freeview CEO Liz Ross said the addition of Freeview FV for Apple TV 4K and Apple TV was the latest
development for the platform and offers viewers even more choice in live and catch-up programs from the
comfort of their own homes on their TV.

“We are thrilled to have Freeview FV now available in the App Store for Apple TV, making live streaming
more accessible than ever. “We want everyone in every household to be able to watch free-to-air TV on their terms, where and when
they choose,” said Ross.

Launched in November 2016, Freeview FV is also available on iOS and Android mobile and tablets with

Chromecast and Apple TV support delivering TV straight into viewers’ hands.

Freeview FV delivers live streaming of 20 free-to-air TV channels and the catch-up content from all
networks with just one click. Available channels include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, ELEVEN,
ABC COMEDY, ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC NEWS, SBS VICELAND, Food Network, NITV, 7TWO, 7Mate,
7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life.

Source: Freeview FV now available on the App Store for Apple TV, Freeview, 1 March 2018

 

 

 

 

Freeview FV update brings Chromecast support to Android and iOS; stream live TV to your TV now!

As service provider for Freeview FV, Switch Media are proud to have assisted Freeview to add Chromecast functionality to their Android & iOS Freeview FV apps, so viewers can now stream live TV to their TVs without an antenna!

“Freeview Australia has partnered with Switch Media, a leader in the development of high quality technology solutions for the television industry.  Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative approach to the integration of our FTA network’s live streams and catch up assets resulting in a seamless Freeview FV user experience. ” – Liz Ross, CEO, Freeview Australia.

 

READ MEDIA RELEASE (ausdriod.net, 19 May 2017)

 

Freeview’s FV live TV streaming app sees a major update today with the addition of Chromecast to both the Android and iOS versions of its app.

The addition of Chromecast puts a neat bow on Freeview’s live TV streaming functionality – you can finally put live TV on a TV set without an antenna.

Freeview FV first launched late last year, and has seen a number of bugfixes and updates since. The app has also picked up some international recognition at the Connie Awards earlier this month taking out both the International Grand Prix and Best TV/Video Service Update or Launch awards.

If you haven’t used Freeview FV yet, you’re missing out on live streaming of every Australian free-to-air TV network – you don’t need to miss your favourite programs because you’re not near a TV any more, as FV works anywhere, anytime.

The updates for both the Android and iOS versions of Freeview FV are now available in Google Play and Apple’s App Store. We haven’t heard anything official from Freeview yet, but a press release can’t be too far away and we’ll update with news of other changes when we hear it. Download the updates now:

 

Link to press release (ausdriod.net, 19/05/17): Freeview FV update brings Chromecast support to Android and iOS; stream live TV to your TV now!

 

Another award for Switch Media built app – Freeview FV!

As end-to-end service provider for the Freeview FV app Switch Media is excited that it has won the International Grand Prix Award and Best TV/Video Service Update or Launch Award at the Connie Awards!

With vast experience in delivering a range of end-to-end video solutions for major Australian broadcasters including Foxtel, Network Ten and SBS, Switch Media were well positioned to assist Freeview with their requirements.

Switch Media’s role was to provide end-to-end development and delivery of the Freeview FV app rolled out to iPhone, iPad, Android phone and tablet, including Chromecast support for all platforms.

“Freeview Australia has partnered with Switch Media, a leader in the development of high quality technology solutions for the television industry.  Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative approach to the integration of our FTA network’s live streams and catch up assets resulting in a seamless Freeview FV user experience. ”
– Liz Ross, CEO, Freeview Australia

 

FREEVIEW MEDIA RELEASE 04 May 2017

Freeview FV takes out top honour at international Connie Awards

Freeview’s world-first Freeview FV mobile app has won the International Grand Prix Award and Best TV/Video Service Update or Launch Award at the Connie Awards, announced overnight in London.

Freeview was the only Australian company to win an award.

Freeview FV was awarded the top honour by the international awards that recognise innovation and the emerging best practice from across all sectors of the media landscape around the world.

“These awards are a true honour, particularly given the incredible depth and range of other award entries in the Connies. To be acknowledged at this level on the international stage is once again great testament to successful collaboration,” said Freeview CEO Elizabeth Ross.

“The vision, design and user experience were developed through great teamwork which brought together the best and brightest digital experts from within our broadcasters and our Freeview staff,” said Ross.

Earlier in the week, Freeview FV was also announced as a finalist for the AIMIA’s 23rd annual AMY Award in the entertainment and media smart phone or tablet application category and just last month Freeview won the Gold Stevie for innovation in the entertainment apps category at the international Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards.

Launched in November 2016, Freeview FV is available on iOS and Android mobile and tablets, delivering TV straight into viewers’ hands.

Freeview FV delivers live streaming of 20 free-to-air TV channels and the catch-up content from all broadcasters with just one click. Available channels include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, Eleven ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, SBS VICELAND, Food Network, NITV, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

 

Link to article: Freeview FV takes out top honour at international Connie Awards

Freeview FV announced as Gold Stevie Winner

As end-to-end service provider for the Freeview FV app Switch Media are overjoyed that it has WON the Gold Stevie for innovation in the entertainment apps category! Read press release below.

 

FREEVIEW MEDIA RELEASE 20 April 2017 

Freeview FV announced as Gold Stevie Winner Freeview’s world-first free-to-air TV live streaming and catch-up mobile app Freeview FV has won Gold at the international 2017 Asia-Pacific
Stevie Awards. The international Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are open to 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific region and focus on recognising innovation in all its forms.

Freeview FV won the Gold Stevie for innovation in the entertainment apps category, recognising Freeview FV’s world-first collaboration that revolutionises the free-to-air TV viewing experience for all Australians.

“Freeview FV is a truly innovative and user-friendly service that gives Australians access to TV on the go and we’re delighted to see it recognised alongside some of the best at an international level. “This award is a credit to the Australian FTA industry and the collaboration of all the broadcasters which resulted in the creation of a world-leading TV experience,” said Freeview CEO Elizabeth Ross. Freeview FV is also the only Australian company to be shortlisted for the international Connie Awards, with winners to be announced on May 3, 2017.

Launched in November 2016, Freeview FV is available on iOS and Android mobile and tablets, delivering TV straight into viewers’ hands. Freeview FV delivers live streaming of 20 free-to-air TV channels and the catch-up content from all broadcasters with just one click. Available channels include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, Eleven ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, SBS VICELAND, Food Network, NITV, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

 

About Freeview

Launched in 2008, Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia which presents and promotes free-to-air channels and content to all Australians. Freeview encourages Australians to watch free-to-air content across various platforms by promoting benefits that include more than 25 channels and catch-up services for free. Freeview’s mission is to deliver the free-to-air content to all Australians where, when and on whatever device they choose.

Link to article Freeview FV announced as Gold Stevie Winner

 

Switch Media – Proud service provider for world first Freeview FV App

“Freeview partnered with Switch Media, a leader in the development of high quality technology solutions for the television industry.  Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative approach to the integration of our FTA network’s live streams and catch up assets resulting in a seamless Freeview FV user experience.”  – Liz Ross, Freeview CEO.

 

FREEVIEW PRESS RELEASE, 07 NOVEMBER 2016

Freeview FV Mobile App Launches

 

freeview-fv3

In an exciting world first, Freeview has launched a new mobile app, Freeview FV, allowing Australian viewers to watch live streaming of 16TV channels and catch-up content from the free to air networks on the go, with just one click.

Live-streaming channels available at launch include: ABC, SBS, Seven, Channel 9, TEN, ONE, ABC2/ABC KIDS, ABC ME, ABC News 24, 7TWO, 7Mate, 7Flix, Racing.com, 9Gem, 9Go! and 9Life. More live channels will be added as they become available.

Consumers will have access to catch-up content from all the free-to-air networks including SBS On Demand, ABC iview, PLUS7, 9Now, and tenplay.

Developed by Freeview, the new Freeview FV app is available on iOS iPhone, iPad, and Android phones. In addition to live streaming and catch up, the simple-to-use Freeview FV app offers other great features including:

    • browse and search all free-to-air programs
    • a free-to-air TV guide
    • favourites and reminders functions

 

Freeview CEO Liz Ross said the app was ground-breaking for TV viewing and gave viewers more choice and convenience than ever before.

“This is a fantastic new way for people to enjoy TV on their terms and never miss a thing, especially when they’re on the go. It’s great news for viewers and we’ve worked hard to create a powerful, simple and user-friendly experience,” said Ross.

Ross added that Freeview anticipated strong pick up, particularly among commuters, and believed the app will have a positive effect on summer TV viewing and beyond as it meets consumer expectations of convenience.

For live sport, Freeview FV mirrors the networks’ sporting rights agreements.

The mobile app can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play. Freeview FV will also be able to mirror to Apple TV using AirPlay.

 

freeview-device-image

About Freeview

Launched in 2008, Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia which presents and promotes free-to-air channels and content to all Australians. Freeview encourages Australians to watch free-to-air content across various platforms by promoting benefits that include more than 25 channels and catch-up services for free. Freeview’s mission is to deliver the free-to-air content to all Australians where, when and on whatever device they choose.

 

Link to Freeview news article (07/11/16): Freeview FV Mobile App Launches