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LG blasting Freeview Play on WebOS 3.0 smart TVs

LG smart TVs running WebOS 3.0 will be able to tap into Freeview Play’s integrated catch-up library, giving buyers the choice of two on-demand libraries. 

Like YouView before it, Freeview Play combines traditional digital terrestrial TV channels with web-based catch-up services. This gives you the power to quickly load any shows you’ve missed, as well as tapping into the wider range of on-demand content available on services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and Demand 5. 

Currently, Freeview Play’s suite of catch-up services is limited to just these four, but buyers of WebOS-powered LG TVs will also be able to access subscription services like Netflix, Now TV, Amazon Prime Video and Google Play through a separate menu. 

While having two separate menus for catch-up and on-demand services might appear confusing, the WebOS menu boasts an elegant layout that’s easily accessible from the remote. 

Accessing catch-up content on Freeview Play doesn’t necessarily see you having to dive into a sub menu of on-demand players either; if you’ve missed a show that’s been recently broadcast on a BBC, ITV, Channel 4 or Channel 5 channel, you’ll be able to scroll backwards through the programme guide and find it that way instead. 

Andrew Mackay, chief operating officer for LG Electronics UK and Nordics, said: “We recognise that as part of our efforts to deliver the best overall premium viewing experience we need to offer our customer’s choice; the choice to watch what they want when they want it. 

“We’re delighted to partner with Freeview Play as it enables LG to offer customers the best content, the best user experience and the best displays, culminating in a supreme overall viewing experience.”

Other Freeview Play partners currently include Panasonic, whose Firefox OS-infused smart TVs offer customers a similar experience, along with Vestel, Manhattan and Humax (whose FVP-4000T Freeview Play set-top box we’ve reviewed here). 

Humax recently confirmed that Netflix would be coming to its Freeview Play hardware later this year. 

Guy North, Managing Director of Freeview, added: “We believe that Freeview Play is set to be the new normal way of watching TV and I’m really pleased to welcome LG on board as a partner. 

“Sales of Freeview Play TVs and set top boxes have already shown sharp increases since launch, with our accompanying advertising campaign making millions of consumers aware of the benefits the service can offer them. I look forward to the platform continuing to grow throughout 2016.” 

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