Saorview launches new hybrid connected service

Soarview (Freeview), Ireland’s digital terrestrial television service, has launched Soarview Connect, which is the result of a collaboration with Freesat and its EPG system Metaphor.
The first set top box supporting the service is going on sale at leading Irish electrical retailers this week. Existing Soarview users can upgrade by purchasing one of the new boxes.

From the new EPG, users of the service can see what is on now, next or catch-up on programmes via on-demand. The service offers a selection of weekly TV highlights and allows a search of the last or next 7 day listings to find a programme. The EPG is available in English and Irish.

A new universal remote control and mobile app provide users with additional control – although some functions such as remote record, won’t be added until mid-2018.

To view the service, viewers need a TV aerial for access to the Irish free-to-air channels, a broadband internet connection for the on-demand services, such as the RTÉ Player.
The new Saorview Connect product going on sale this week also includes a free-to-air satellite tuner. This optional extra allows those users with a satellite dish pointed at the Astra 2 satellites at 28.2° East to access to additional channels, mostly from the UK.