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Broadband-based live TV streaming service Freely, which is supported by major UK TV broadcasters (BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and 5 etc.) and is designed to be an evolution of the existing Freeview service (inc. Freeview Play and Freesat), has confirmed that they’re finally “considering” the development of a streaming media device.
Freeview Play is now a somewhat dated platform and one that remains centred around on-demand content, while Freely viewers will be able to easily browse and watch live UK TV channels together with on-demand content streamed straight to their smart TV via the internet (IPTV) – without the need for an aerial connection or new set-top-box (depending upon device support).
Just to be clear. Freely, which launched over a year ago (here), will not be replacing the Freeview and Freesat platforms and should, at least for now, be seen as more of a complement – a different kind of service that helps to make broadcast TV more accessible. The change is important because the age of traditional terrestrial TV signals, which came via the airwaves, is expected to gradually come to an end as gigabit-capable broadband nears almost universal UK coverage by 2030 (currently c.86%).
However, one of the biggest roadblocks to adoption of Freely’s platform today remains its limited availability, which has seen the new service deployed across a variety of new TV sets but not much else (some major TV manufacturers are also still missing from their supported device list). But customers of most existing internet-connected TVs, as well as popular TV streaming boxes and sticks, have all been excluded.
The good news is that yesterday’s speech by Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, at the Lowry Theatre in Salford, appeared to confirm that Freely was finally looking at the possibility of developing its own streaming box to support the service.
Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, said:
“At the BBC we have been working hard to build digital platforms and content to meet changing audience needs, enriching our offer and welcoming the possibilities of a post broadcast world.
We think now is the time to confirm an IP switchover in the 2030s, setting out the conditions and providing certainty to ensure success.
There are huge benefits, financially and socially, and we want to play our part, working with Government, with our sector and beyond to help – building trust that a digital world can work for all. The BBC can play a key role in innovating to ensure that the new world is inclusive and accessible.
To help, we want to double down on Freely as a universal free service to deliver live TV over broadband. And we are considering a streaming media device with Freely capabilities built in, with a radically simplified user interface specifically designed to help those yet to benefit from IP services.”
The big caveats above are Tim’s use of the word “considering” (not particularly definitive) and the fact that they seem to be looking at putting out their own streaming box, rather than talking about getting Freely on to existing TVs and streaming devices. Still, at least they’re talking about it now, which is a step in the right direction.