Connect TV Delivers 45 OTT Channels to Freeview

LONDON: Connect TV has made its official debut in the U.K. with an initial lineup of 45 Internet-delivered channels, which viewers can access from the Freeview menu on existing set-top boxes and smart TVs.

Viewers can access the 45 channels directly from the Freeview menu or electronic programme guide (EPG). The service works on all compliant Freeview HD devices, currently available in up to 5.5 million U.K. households. The launch lineup includes Racing UK, Sports Tonight Live, CCTV and French, Greek, Polish and Turkish programming from the Vision TV Network. Channels using the Connect TV platform can choose to be pay-to-view, subscription or free.

“Connect TV responds to consumer desire for more content choice and increased interactivity at the touch of a button,” said Phil Walder, the managing director of Connect TV. "We are able to give consumers a wealth of extra free and paid content without forcing them to leave the familiar surroundings of their main TV screen and Freeview menu or buy new a TV service or device."

Walder added, “Through the Connect TV platform, broadcasters, content owners and consumer brands, can reach millions of Freeview viewers at low cost in a simple, powerful way. The economics of our delivery means that niche channels can be on the same menu as the U.K.’s most-watched TV channels. Connect TV provides exciting new business models for the financially challenged TV Industry by uniting Freeview and TV over broadband in an exciting and intuitive way.”