Toshiba, the renowned electronics brand, has officially entered the Freely arena this week with its first range of compatible TVs now available for purchase in the UK.
For now, consumers can find these new models only at Argos (though that may change), offering another option for those looking to embrace the new broadband-based successor to Freeview and Freesat.
The new 4K TVs, part of Toshiba’s UV2F series, are available in four sizes (from 43″ to 65″) and start at £239 (see more details below).
This is another step in Freely’s hardware expansion – although you still have to buy a brand new TV to get Freely, as it’s not available on set-top boxes or standalone streaming devices.
What is Freely?
For those not yet familiar with Freely, it’s the UK’s new free-to-stream TV platform that aims to change the way Britons consume TV.
Launched earlier this year, Freely is designed to be the broadband-based heir to Freeview and Freesat, offering viewers a unified platform for both live and on-demand content without the need for an aerial or satellite dish.
Developed by Everyone TV (the organisation behind Freeview and Freesat), Freely provides an experience where viewers can access both over-the-air TV channels and broadband-based, on-demand content within the same Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).
However, it’s worth noting that Freely’s initial channel lineup remains limited.
The platform still only features streaming channels from the five main broadcasters – BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and STV.
This selection falls short of the extensive range currently available on traditional Freeview or Freesat devices, and even Freeview Play devices have a wider selection of UK streaming apps.
Surprisingly, this lineup hasn’t expanded since the platform’s launch, which may disappoint some potential adopters.
However, one of the key advantages of Freely is its ability to work with both broadband and aerial connections.
This means that connecting an aerial to a Freely TV will provide access to all the over-the-air channels currently available on Freeview, in addition to the broadband-based channels.
But some advanced features like Live Pause or programme restart are not available for over-the-air content.
Freely TVs Already Available in the UK
For now, Freely is only available on new (2024) Smart TVs from a limited selection of manufacturers. It’s not available on older TVs or on any set-top boxes or streaming sticks, which significantly limits its accessibility.
This restriction to new TVs may be a barrier for many consumers who aren’t in the market for a new television.
Prior to Toshiba’s entry, Freely was already available on select TV models from other manufacturers:
- Hisense was the first to bring Freely Compatible TVs to the UK market, with its 2024 range including the U8N, U7N, U6N, and E7N PRO series.
- Bush TVs, available at Argos, joined the Freely lineup in June 2024.
- Panasonic entered the market with its W60AE series, offering four size options ranging from 43″ to 65″.
Toshiba’s New Freely-Compatible Models
Now, Toshiba has joined the fray with its UV2F series – which is manufactured by Turkish electronics giant Vestel (which also manufactures the Bush TVs).
The new Toshiba series comes in four size options to suit various living spaces and budgets:
- 43″ model (£239)
- 50″ model (£329, currently on offer for £299)
- 55″ model (£329)
- 65″ model (£399)
It’s worth noting the unusual pricing structure, with the 55″ model currently listed at the same price as the 50″ when not on offer.
As of this writing, these models are only available from Argos.
Key features of the Toshiba UV2F series include:
- 4K Ultra HD Resolution (3840 x 2160p)
- HDR support, including Dolby Vision, HDR10
- Dolby Atmos sound processing
- Three HDMI sockets
- Built-in WiFi and Ethernet connectivity
- Bluetooth
- The Freely digital tuner (so no aerial required for the streamed channels)
- VIDAA Smart OS operating system
- Voice control compatibility with Alexa, Google Home, and VIDAA Voice
The UV2F series offers a range of smart TV services, including the Freely connected catch-up apps (BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and My5) and the popular streaming services, such as Amazon’s Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube.
For gamers, the inclusion of a 2100PQI motion rate promises smooth action, although the company hasn’t specified the actual refresh rate, so 120Hz (which is useful for the PS5) is likely not supported.
As Freely continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether it can expand its offerings and device compatibility to genuinely rival the established Freeview and Freesat platforms.
For now, those interested in Freely should carefully consider their viewing habits and existing equipment before investing in a new TV – particularly since you still need aerial reception for most of the “smaller” channels.
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Is Toshiba still “renowned” these days? I am far from certain.
Why is it only Argos that seems to sell and stock these Freely TVs? Would it not stand more of a chance of taking off faster if more places stocked it so there is also a chance of lower prices? Limiting a new service to only specific new TVs and not having a set top box is bad enough but also limiting it to a single retailer won’t exactly help.
The service isn’t fit for purpose as of yet anyway so it begs the question why have they launched it so early when these TVs will probably have out of date hardware and software by the time the service is properly up and running?
I would imagine that Freely tv being sourced via the Internet means the likes of itv2, itv3 etc would be streamed in HD format, rather than the SD used for over the air received via your aerial and the current Freeview format, would I be correct?
Freely only seems to be available on the cheap and nasty end of the TV markey. Why no Samsung, LG or Sony? I wouldn’t dream of buying a TV from these minor brands.