Freesat, the UK based subscription free satellite TV service, now offer its connected TV guide solution to terrestrial, cable and satellite TV operators and CE manufacturers outside of the UK.

Freesat has applied its years of experience of operating a successful hybrid TV service to the creation of Metaphor, a smart TV guide solution for terrestrial, satellite and cable operators, who are looking to integrate broadband on-demand services into their existing linear broadcast offering. Metaphor is based on the Freetime service in the UK and driven by Freetime’s evolving roadmap.

Freesat first launched its connected TV Guide in the UK in 2012. Since then, the service has seen rapid customer adoption across TVs and set-top boxes through manufacturing partnerships with Humax, Panasonic, Vestel and Manhattan. Freesat has continually evolved its product, content offering and features based on live customer feedback and insight to meet customer needs. The underlying solution is now available for use internationally.

The first commercial agreement has been finalised with Italian free satellite operator tivùsat, for its new OTT service, tivùon!. The tivùsat deal demonstrates the hybrid approach of the business to sell customised design and technical specifications based on the needs and requirements of each commercial partner.

Metaphor includes a companion application available across iOS and Android that can be integrated with the TV service, recognising the importance of companion apps in our smartphone society.

 Matthew Huntington, Freesat’s chief technology officer, commented: “I’m delighted and proud to offer Freesat’s connected TV Guide solution beyond the UK to terrestrial, cable and satellite TV operators and manufacturers. It has proven to deliver a fantastic user experience for our customers in the UK and I’m looking forward to offering manufacturers and operators the unique opportunity to take advantage of this award winning innovation.”

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