Freeview Australia deploys HbbTV 2.0

Freeview Australia has launched its new free enhanced HbbTV service.

The new Freeview solution combines 35 linear channels with access to an on demand library of more than 50,000 programmes. It is set to be rolled out on April 14, and will deliver content from ABC iview, SBS On Demand, 7plus, 9Now and 10 play.

Built on the latest HbbTV 2.0 standard, Freeview Australia joins the UK as the only other service in the world to make use of the latest technology. In order to ensure accessibility, the new HbbTV service will be fully backward compatible with all Freeview certified HbbTV 1.5 devices (dating back to 2014).

Helen Clifton, Freeview Chair and ABC’s Digital and Information Officer, said: “I am very excited about the new HbbTV powered Freeview service for connected TVs, which is an important advance in free-to-air television in Australia. Not only will it provide audiences with a streamlined way to search and discover content, but it also opens up access to the complete free-to-air on-demand catalogue – over 5,000 hours of content.

“Freeview’s role in Australian TV is critical as free-to-air is the best way of making more great content free, and universally accessible, to more people, connecting them across Australia’s vast landscape,” 

Freeview Australia’s CEO, Bridget Fair meanwhile said: “We are delivering a whole new Freeview experience by creating a gateway to the world of news and entertainment that’s free and easily accessible. We can now explore and discover content from last night or the last decade.

“With these announcements, Freeview continues to innovate and joins the ranks of leading global connected TV players harnessing the power of HbbTV. This new HbbTV technology is breaking ground as the leading delivery platform for DVB’s new targeted advertising specification and continues to set standards for broadcast television by transforming possibilities for viewers.”