Australia set for HbbTV roll out

Australian broadcasters Seven, Nine, Ten and ABC have announced a September 2 launch date for their HbbTV service, to be called FreeviewPlus.

Last June, the country’s multicultural broadcaster SBS launched its offering, releasing their product ahead of the rest of the industry.

Broadband TV News reports the teaser campaign was launched on all Australian networks as part of an extensive marketing campaign that will support retailers and manufacturers and drive consumer awareness of FreeviewPlus. 

“FreeviewPlus is one of the most important advances in free-to-air television in Australia since the introduction of digital TV so it’s important we start to generate a buzz about the new service among Australian viewers,” said Liz Ross, general manager of Freeview, in a statement.

FreeviewPlus will offer a range of new features including a 7-day EPG; Access to available FTA Catch Up TV in one place on the TV; Recommendations of the best programmes on today, on Catch Up and in the future and the ability to browse and search programs across the next seven days. There is also a favourites function that keeps track of programmes on live and Catch Up TV.

Manufacturers will release a range of FreeviewPlus receivers to coincide with the launch of FreeviewPlus and these will be available from all major appliance and electronics retailers.