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Digital entertainment platform Netgem TV has this morning announced the launch of their next generation IPTV box and service – PLEIO, which is also set to be bundled by broadband ISPs including WightFibre, Connect Fibre and Brsk. The new kit is both more powerful and features support for the new broadband-based live TV streaming service – Freely.
The set-top-boxes that Netgem have provided in the past – like the Netbox 4K (inc. HDR, Bluetooth pairing, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB and Dolby Atmos sound) – have been fine, if nothing particularly special. As usual, the new and perhaps oddly named PLEIO box (a circular “puck“) hopes to improve on that and includes access to all the usual on-demand apps (iPlayer, ITVX, Netflix, Amazon Prime, NOW, Disney+, Apple TV, YouTube etc.) via the Google Play Store.
However, the new kit replaces Freeview support in the UK with the new Freely platform for access to 55 live and on-demand TV channels (including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5) – all accessible via your home broadband connection instead of a TV aerial, alongside 150+ extra channels (premium); this makes it one of the first such set-top-boxes to do so.
One of the biggest roadblocks to adoption of Freely’s platform today remains its limited availability, and Netgem TV’s new kit may help to change that. In addition, Netgem have included access to their cloud gaming service, although this and their 150+ extra TV channels do require a separate Netgem PLEIO subscription (more on that later). But access to Freely does not require any subscription and is always free.
PLEIO Specifications
➤ Resolution – 4K UHD (Support 4k AV1/H.265/VP9 decoding), HDR10
➤ Connectivity – Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0
➤ Compatibility – Freely (Twelve on-demand apps including BBC iPlayer, ITV, Channel 4, 5, U, WATCH FREE UK + more all in one place), Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, NOW, etc
➤ Operating System – Android TV 14
➤ Audio Support – Dolby Atmos (passthrough), DTS-HD, 5.1 Surround Sound
➤ Voice Control – Built-in voice assistant
➤ Ports – HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0
➤ Power Supply – 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
➤ Dimensions – ⌀64mm x 14mm (⌀ x H)
➤ Weight – 40g
➤ PLEIO REMOTE – IR & Bluetooth (near field voice control), batteries included
➤ PLEIO GAMEPAD – Wireless Bluetooth, built-in 3.7V/600mAh lithium battery
On the surface, this looks quite reasonable, although it’s a little disappointing to see that they haven’t included a LAN (Ethernet) port for those who have access to and prefer the dependability of a wired link. Personally speaking, I’d also still like the option of an ariel connection, such as for watching live sports without delays and as a backup in case the broadband link goes down. But each to their own.
Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director of Netgem UK, said:
“After a decade of collaboration with national broadcasters and operators, we recognised the need for a simple, all-in-one platform and are proud to launch in the UK, as a first step of our product strategy. We built PLEIO as the answer to the fragmentation of the entertainment market.
PLEIO delivers a truly comprehensive viewing experience – Watch, Stream, and Play – that is ready for any Fibre broadband-connected home today. It represents a new approach for consumers and an unparalleled opportunity for operators to deliver both choice and exceptional value.”
PLEIO will be available in retail via Amazon, and bundled via ISPs as a fully managed white-label service. Netgem TV are launching with WightFibre, Connect Fibre and brsk, but more broadband providers are expected to follow in the near future.
The retail price will set you back £99, which includes the PLEIO Puck, PLEIO Voice Remote, PLEIO Gamepad and a 3-month trial of the Netgem PLEIO subscription. The subscription includes access to 250+ Cloud Games and 150+ extra channels. Afterwards, it’s an optional £9.99 monthly fee for these features.
However, customers who take the box via a bundle will typically pay just £9.99, which includes all the kit and covers their PLEIO subscription. The prices and bundles for this may vary a little bit between ISPs.