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Proud end-to-end service provider for the new Freeview On Demand NZ platform
Switch Media is excited to have provided end-to-end development and delivery of the Freeview On Demand platform. Read Freeview Limited press release below to find out more.
“Freeview NZ is pleased to have partnered with OTT service provider Switch Media to deliver the new Freeview On Demand platform. Switch Media provided a flexible and innovative framework for easy on-boarding of participating broadcaster content, compatible with a range of popular Smart TVs in the NZ market. The viewer-centric approach taken in its development means viewers can now enjoy easier access to On Demand and a more seamless viewing experience.” – Freeview CEO, Jason Foden
Freeview launches new On Demand Experience
Source: PRESS RELEASE | FREEVIEW LIMITED | Tuesday 3 July 2018
Freeview has commenced roll-out of a new On Demand TV Platform to replace the existing FreeviewPlus service. The new Freeview On Demand provides a more seamless experience and easier access to free shows and movies you can watch any time, directly on your TV. Implemented in collaboration with leading New Zealand broadcasters (TVNZ, MediaWorks, Māori Television and RNZ), the new platform supersedes the broadcasters’ own TVNZ OnDemand, ThreeNow and Māori Television On Demand apps previously linked to FreeviewPlus. By combining shows across all participating broadcasters into a single content library and streaming them all within the new Freeview On Demand platform, it greatly improves content discovery and access.
Viewers are free to browse by genre, catch up by channel or locate specific titles through the search feature.
And rather than being sent to a show page on a linked broadcaster app, the show or movie selected by the viewer in the Freeview On Demand library will now play straight
away. Viewers will be asked to register for a new Freeview account when they stream their first show, so they won’t need to register for multiple accounts as more content partners are added. Signing up to a new Freeview account can also provide viewing history and deliver personalisation features in the future.
Freeview CEO, Jason Foden, says the platform has been designed with the viewer at the heart of the experience.
“Everything about the upgraded platform is designed to give our viewers the best experience possible. Its simple design and streamlined playback help to improve performance, a simpler mini guide points to a compelling On Demand library, the TV Guide provides more information at a glance, it’s easier to use and remains free.
“I’m confident the simplicity of the new platform and its visually-compelling interface will give Kiwis a greater viewing experience.” Foden concludes.
The new Freeview On Demand is available now on selected Smart TVs and will roll out over the coming week to all Smart TVs released since July 2015, as well as connected
set-top boxes and recorders.
Viewers who already have access to On Demand content through Freeview (or FreeviewPlus) will get an automatic upgrade. Those who do not currently access Freeview On Demand, but have fairly new Smart TV (2015-2017) can get it by simply connecting to a working TV antenna and broadband.
And yes, as with everything from Freeview, the new Freeview On Demand platform, its full suite of features and content are all free to access.
Find out more about the New Freeview On Demand here.
New Freeview On Demand – key changes:
- Replaces FreeviewPlus and its linked broadcaster apps
- Easier access to On Demand and Catch Up TV
- Introducing a new Freeview account
- Simpler Mini Guide
- TV Guide provides more channels at a glance
- Universal search by title, genre or channel
- Browse by genres or by channel
- Featured and Popular bands highlight the latest and greatest TV
About Freeview www.freeviewnz.tv
For more details please contact: Sophie Wills One Plus One Communications
09 951 3947 | 021 889 362 | sophie.wills@oneplusonegroup.co.nz
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
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.
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
