Freely, the UK’s ambitious free-to-stream TV platform is expanding its reach with the announcement that four major Smart TV brands will soon offer Freely on their devices.
Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, and Metz are set to join Hisense and Bush in the Freely lineup, potentially bringing the streaming service to many more UK households – as long as they’re willing to buy a new TV.
This expansion marks another important step in Freely’s bid to become the digital successor to Freeview and Freesat, offering viewers a single platform for both live and on-demand content without the need for an aerial or satellite dish.
Launched with the backing of the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, Freely’s journey began earlier this year with its debut on Hisense Smart TVs.
The platform, created by Everyone TV (the body behind Freeview and Freesat), aims to provide a unified experience where viewers can access both over-the-air TV channels and broadband-based, on-demand content, all within the same Electronic Programmes Guide (EPG).
However, the initial launch was met with some limitations.
The platform’s channel lineup was restricted, featuring only streaming channels from the five main broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and STV.
This selection fell short of the extensive range currently available with an aerial on traditional Freeview devices (or on Freesat, with a satellite dish).
Device compatibility was another hurdle, with Freely initially available only on select 2024 Hisense TV models.
This limited accessibility raised concerns about the platform’s ability to reach a wide audience – but now, Freely is taking another step towards wider compatibility.
Freely Coming To More TVs
Earlier this month, Freely saw its first expansion beyond Hisense with the introduction of compatible Bush TVs at Argos. These models, ranging from 43″ to 65″, offered a more affordable entry point into the Freely ecosystem.
Today, Everyone TV has confirmed four new Smart TV partners for Freely:
Toshiba: Will offer Freely-compatible QLED 4K TVs with Dolby Atmos sound.
Sharp: Will integrate Freely into their GK4 4K and GM6 4K QLED models.
Panasonic: The entire 2024 lineup of 4K OLED, QLED, and LED TVs will come with Freely built-in.
Metz: One of Germany’s oldest TV brands will launch new Freely-compatible QLED+ TVs with Dolby Vision and Atmos, available in sizes from 43″ to 65″.
Toshiba and Sharp TVs are manufactured by Vestel – which also manufactures Bush TVs – so today’s announcement effectively brings two new Vestel-made brands to Freely, along with two new manufacturers: Panasonic and Metz.
Deep Halder, Chief Commercial Officer at Everyone TV, commented on the expansion: “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.”
While this expansion marks an important step for Freely, it’s worth noting that the platform still doesn’t support older TVs, set-top boxes, or streaming sticks.
Even the brand new Manhattan T4 and T4-R Freeview boxes, do not support Freely at this time.
The new Smart TV models from Toshiba, Sharp, Panasonic, and Metz are expected to roll out over the coming months.
Meanwhile, Hisense and Bush Freely TVs are already available in stores across the UK.
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How can Freely possibly replace Freeview when it means buying a new TV from a limited range of TV manufacturers?
My LG TV cost £1200, I have no plans to replace it in the near future, except eventually with an OLED TV from a top manufacturer.
What about people without Broadband e.g. living in rented property, caravan sites, or holiday/static caravans/touring caravans?
I have yet to see any mention of picture/sound quality on Freely. Is there any point in owning an HD/UHD TV? Is the picture quality HD, UHD, or are we now reverting to SD?
The sooner they allow access to all other streaming devices the better it will get .
At present it seems the company are going the route of the c5 good idea very poorly executed.
Why buy a new Tv just for a poorer selection of channels , not doing any favours for e waste either
I have a set of televisions with years of life left in them and I do not wish to be dictated to about which brand I should choose (none of my current TVs are from these early adopter brands).
Surely the answer to successful adoption is to release the app for Firestick and Chromecast for Google TV – what’s wrong with this approach?
Why can’t you get freely as a app so you can stream on a firestick or android box?. It would save people money going out and buying new tv’s in the middle of a cost of living crisis and speed up freelys expansion.
I would love to buy a Freely TV for a room that has no Aerial but I don’t have room for a 32inch+ TV. When will smaller TVs be available??
If people need to buy a new TV to get Freely it’ll be a slow progression.
Can you go back 7 days in the guide like Freeview Play?
Is the search only for streaming shows or upcoming as well?
Thanks