UK subscription-free satellite TV platform Freesat is seeking proposals from manufacturers to develop a set-top box for its next generation consumer product. The new product will give manufacturers a significant opportunity to develop a new range of innovative set-top-boxes at scale for subscription-free satellite TV customers across the UK.

The product requirements will be based on an open technical specification set by the Free TV Alliance, which is a collaboration between four major European digital satellite television broadcasters: Fransat (France), HD Plus (Germany), TivùSat (Italy) and Freesat (UK). The RFP signals the ongoing commitment of the Free TV Alliance to create common standards for free-to-view satellite TV services and technologies across Europe for the benefit of viewers, manufacturers and broadcasters.

• Freesat have defined a number of customer-focused features, which it says will be key to delivering a market-leading smart TV device, and include:
• An ultra-high-definition ready device for encrypted broadcast and IP to meet the consumer demand for UHD
• In-home multiscreen streaming allowing users to watch TV across multiple set-top-boxes in the home
• Additional tuners to help customers plan their recordings and avoid programme clashes
• Fast channel change for better usability
• Supports HBBTV 2.0.1 applications

“We’re thrilled to announce plans for Freesat’s next generation product,” declared Alistair Thom, Managing Director of Freesat. “The requirements for our set-top box have been developed with the customer in mind and our aim is to continue to bring UK audiences the best subscription free TV service, and a fantastic alternative to pay-TV.”

“Furthermore, developing an open technical specification signals our ongoing commitment to expand beyond the UK through our collaboration with the Free TV Alliance and partnerships with international TV companies through our Metaphor business.”

Freesat will announce manufacturing partners in the autumn with a view to bringing a next generation set-top box to market as soon as possible.

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