Freely, the UK’s newest free TV streaming service, launched back in April and comes with the backing of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It’s owned by Everyone TV who also runs Freeview, but Freely is different. It is an internet-based way to stream live broadcast television over your broadband connection rather than a traditional aerial or satellite dish. The catch is, just like Sky’s impressive Glass telly, Freely comes built into screens so you have to buy a new TV if you want to access it.
When it arrived in the spring, the number of manufacturers releasing Freely-powered screens was limited to just two but that’s now changing with the announcement that a swathe of new models are coming to stores.
Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba and German brand Metz are all joining the Freely revolution with new TVs that include 4K technology.
These devices, which use broadband to beam content to the big screen, will also feature recommendations, a full TV guide plus the ability to pause live TV. It’s a lot like Sky Glass although Freely screens don’t get full personalisation, access to premium channels or features such as Playlists which lets them store shows to be watched at a later date.
“Having recently brought Freely to market on new Hisense and Bush TVs, we’re delighted to be announcing increased availability of Freely with four new smart TV partners due to launch later this year,” said Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer, Everyone TV.
“A joint venture between Britain’s leading broadcasters, Freely is built on collaboration and it is encouraging to see more of the industry coming together to contribute to the success of Freely, working together to secure the future of free TV.”
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Pricing is not yet available, but it looks as though the new TVs will span budget to high-end. Freely said the Toshiba sets are all QLED 4K resolution and pack in Dolby Atmos sound, which suggests they will be a little expensive. Their remote controls will all have a dedicated Freely button to fire up your favourite shows quickly.
Sharp is introducing its GK4 4K and GM6 4K QLED models with built-in Freely and will have a discovery interface that sounds like what the Apple TV provides, where you can view all your streaming services and linear broadcast content options to decide what you want to watch.
For a wider choice, Panasonic will offer 4K OLED, QLED and cheaper LED TVs, while Metz will stock Freely tellies with QLED+ resolution with Dolby Vision and Atmos support in 43-inch, 450-inch, 55-inch and 65-inch models.
Freely hasn’t said when these TVs are coming but if you want to invest now, high street retailers Currys, Argos, AO and Very stock Bush and Hisense TVs with Freely built in both in-store and online.