Freeview Australia’s HbbTV service is supported by Switch Media’s MediaHQ online video platform, which provides support for HbbTV 2.0. One of the key user experience features is the service’s always-on “miniguide” and EPG, which replace traditional Smart TV built-in EPG guides with Freeview’s enhanced version. Viewers can not only navigate the broadcast schedule more easily but also seamlessly browse and search for thousands of VOD titles including entire TV series, made available by Freeview’s member FTA broadcasters, at no cost to the viewer.

The new launch is the first of four phases. Each phase will target groups of televisions based on the specific requirements of different operating systems and hardware specifications used across device manufacturers, which differ from year to year. By targeting selected groups of TVs across a phased rollout, Switch Media has enabled Freeview to launch the service faster across most devices with a smoother transition for viewers.

It’s not just viewers with new TVs that will have access to the new Freeview Australia HbbTV gateway; Switch Media has worked with Freeview to ensure the broadest possible device compatibility. MediaHQ’s application engine manages app features and displays across different power modes so that older TVs and devices get the best possible experience that their hardware can support.

www.switch.tv