NZ: Freeview unveils new VoD platform, connected PVR
October 19, 2017
Freeview New Zealand has announced the launch of a new high-end recorder and a new Freeview On Demand platform combining Live TV and On Demand services on Smart TVs and set top boxes.
Expected to be in store in Q1 2018, the premium recorder – produced by local company Dish TV – will be the first device to combine Freeview Live TV, Freeview On Demand and Freeview Record capabilities in one unit, compatible with both UHF aerial and satellite dish.
The new Freeview recorder will give viewers On Demand content from Māori Television, TVNZ OnDemand and ThreeNow, and will also enable access to a range of popular local and international third-party VoD apps. Beyond this the recorder provides viewers with access to the Freeview TV Guide, ability to ‘live pause’, record live TV and play back stored content via an intuitive user interface. A new mobile app will also provide access to the Guide and allow the user to set recordings remotely.
CEO Jason Foden, commented: “There’s a great deal of change currently playing out across New Zealand’s TV landscape – viewers have more choice than ever. Freeview is offering viewers access to local and international VoD content on their terms while also keeping live TV at the heart of the viewing experience. Everything about the design of the new recorder is intended to deliver the content viewers want, where and when they want it. Combining the Live TV, On Demand and Record capabilities in one device is a big part of that – as is our decision to partner with external VoD services to make accessing content outside of the Freeview library even easier.”