About Freely
For the first time for free, British viewers will be able to easily browse and watch live TV channels together with on demand content streamed straight to their smart TV via the internet.
It’s an evolution that puts the distribution of free TV at the centre of the streaming age. The new service will provide millions of broadband-only homes with easy access to a single consistent experience for live free TV over IP. Viewers will be able to seamlessly browse channels through a modern and intuitive programme guide, and use innovative functionality designed to make it easier to find and explore new shows directly from live TV.
Launched in 2024, the new service, called Freely, is built-in to the next generation of smart TVs and feature a line-up of public service broadcaster content and other free-to-air channels. It will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, currently used in 16m homes.
As viewers increasingly consume content online, this next phase for free TV is about the distribution and availability of the PSBs’ live channels for a streaming age. It will help ensure the availability of PSB services into the future and complement the new provisions for on demand and streaming prominence, set out in the draft Media Bill.
Freely is being developed by Everyone TV, the organisation which runs free TV (Freeview and Freesat) in the UK and is jointly owned by the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
The new TV service will replicate the terrestrial TV experience, building on the heritage and popularity of the Freeview TV platform, which is currently used in 16 million homes.
Viewers will be able to browse channels through a modern programme guide and use innovative functionality designed to make it easier to find and explore new shows directly from live TV.
Freely is based on HbbTV Operator Application specifications. It has not been publicly stated by Freely whether the streams originate from in-house servers or directly from each broadcaster’s servers.
Website: www.freely.co.uk
Key Features
- Live TV and On-Demand: Stream live broadcasts from top channels such as BBC One, ITV, and Channel 4, 5, UKTV, alongside on-demand content.
- Wi-Fi Enabled: No need for traditional aerials; just connect to Wi-Fi or Ehernet to stream.
- User-Friendly Interface: Viewers can pause, restart, or access more episodes seamlessly.
- Wide Channel Range: Includes popular free-to-air channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, anf UKTV along with access to radio stations.
- Supported Devices: Available on specific 2024 smart TVs from Hisense and other manufacturers
How to Access Freely
Smart TV
To access Freely, the UK’s free-to-air streaming service from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, you primarily need a compatible device and a stable internet connection.
Freely-Enabled Smart TVs: Many new 2024 and 2025 models from brands like Hisense, Bush, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Sharp have Freely built-in as the default TV guide.
Freely TV App
There are no official Freely TV apps available for download on Android or iOS mobile devices. Freely is primarily designed as a built-in platform for smart TVs and dedicated streaming hardware.
Major manufacturers like LG and Samsung have confirmed they will not natively support the Freely service in their televisions.
Freely Set-top boxes
Netgem 4K PLEIO
Netgem 4K PLEIO Streaming Device with Freely Live TV Catch-up Apps over WiFi Extra Channels Cloud Gaming Gamepad Voice Remote Netflix Prime Video Youtube and more with your Netgem PLEIO 12 Month Subscription.
Watch live channels from the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, 5 and more. Restart live TV, pause, and access on-demand shows seamlessly. Note: No subscription required to access Freely. Freely is always free and included and continues to work forever.
The Netgem PLEIO with Freely is only available at present from Amazon.
Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer
Aero brings Freely to any TV over Wi-Fi, or via an Ethernet cable, so you can enjoy live and on-demand TV from the UK’s top broadcasters, all for free. And with TiVo OS built in, you get all your favourite apps and 400+ free streaming channels too.
The Manhattan Aero 4K TV Streamer is available from Amazon and Currys.
Freely Streaming & Technical Specifications
Freely uses standardised internet protocols to deliver its broadcast-grade experience.
- Delivery Format: Streams are delivered via DVB-DASH (Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP) for IP delivery.
- Content Protection: Secured using Studio DRM configurations approved by the Freely platform.
- Video Quality: Resolution: Supports up to 4K UHD (2160p).
- HDR Standards: Supports HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma).
- Codecs: Hardware typically supports AV1 and H.265 (HEVC).
- Audio Quality: Formats: Supports Dolby Atmos (via passthrough), DTS-HD, and 5.1 Surround Sound (Dolby Digital Plus).
- Operating Systems: Freely is integrated with platforms like TiVo OS, Titan OS, and VIDAA.