Panasonic has been announced as the first TV maker to support the new internet connected Freeview Play service.
First announced last year, Freeview Play will offer easy access to catch-up content from iPlayer, 4oD and ITV Player from it’s ‘backwards’ programme guide.
The service, which will be free from subscription and compatible with all broadband providers, will be included as standard on Panasonic’s 2015 line-up of VIERA TVs.
Freeview has also confirmed that Channel 5’s Demand 5 service will also join the platform from launch, allowing it to offer all of the UK’s most popular free
catch-up players.
Ilse Howling, Managing Director, Connected TV at Digital UK, said: ‘It’s great news that Panasonic will be the first of many to bring TVs with Freeview Play to viewers.
“I’m also pleased that Demand 5 will be joining our line-up of great, free, on-demand players. Digital UK is working closely with manufacturers and broadcasters to develop our exciting new service and bring the benefits of connected TV to everyone, free from subscription.”
Guy North, Managing Director of Freeview, added: ‘We believe that Freeview Play will put viewers back in control and we’re delighted that Panasonic is our first TV launch partner.
“Freeview Play will be integrated into a number of TVs in the new VIERA range, giving people the freedom to choose across a range of price points. We look forward to welcoming more products from other partners later this year.”
In addition to Freeview Play TV’s Panasonic will offer recording set top boxes “at a later date” followed by devices from Vestel.
