Freeview has announced it’ll stop set top box and TV makers from using its brand on any non-HD devices next year.
The UK’s largest free-to-air TV platform doesn’t make its own devices but instead allows authorised manufacturers to use its logo on equipment which meets a minimum technical standard.
It’s now announced that only devices which can receive and display the services bundle of High Definition channels will be approved to use the Freeview brand and logo “from the end of 2016”.
Freeview says the move will “give a major boost to sales of HD products” and help “deliver the best viewing experience for consumers and a more efficient technical standard.”
Bosses have already announced that all devices for new Freeview Play service, which combines catch-up TV, on-demand services and live television, will support HD.
Guy North, Managing Director of Freeview, said: “By moving all Freeview products to HD, we are ensuring that our viewers get the full range of channels available to them on the platform and the best possible quality.
“The company has been working closely with manufacturers, retailers, government and other industry stakeholders to future-proof the platform.”
