Saorview, Ireland's digital terrestrial TV platform is to launch a new connected TV product later this year, powered by a commercial version of Freesat's Freetime EPG.The new service, Saorview Connect, will combine Ireland's free-to-air terrestrial channels with online content, within a single box.
By connecting a Saorview Connect box to both broadband and a television aerial, users will be able to watch on demand and catch-up content alongside the Irish television channels. The new Saorview Connect set-top boxes will feature an easy-to-use programme guide, including a roll-back television guide providing one-click access to catch-up programming.
The new connected TV service will also contain a range of new features, including content recommendations, programme title search, enhanced recording capabilities, and a new standard Saorview remote control. Together with a forthcoming Saorview mobile application, Saorview Connect users will be able to remote record programmes from wherever they are.
Saorview Connect will be based on Freesat’s cloud-based connected television guide solution, Metaphor. Metaphor is offered to satellite, terrestrial and cable operators and is based on Freesat’s award-winning UK based Freetime service. Freesat will integrate the Metaphor platform, set-top box application and mobile applications with Saorview’s existing linear service to create the Saorview Connect offering. Freesat will provide the solution as a fully managed service.
In essence, viewers will get a hybrid TV service that works and looks similar to Freesat Freetime, but works off Ireland's terrestrial TV network rather than satellite.
A precise launch date hasn't yet been confirmed, but it will reach retailers later this year. The news comes just months after UK terrestrial TV service Freeview unveiled its connected TV service, Freeview Play.
http://www.a516digital.com/2016/01/irish-dtt-gets-connected-to-new-service.html
