Connect TV Brings 45 Channels to Freeview

Broadband TV platform Connect TV has launched with 45 channels available from the Freeview electronic program guide or menu. The Connect TV channels will be available on all Freeview HD devices, currently found in 5.5 million United Kingdom homes.

Viewers will be able to access the new channels from their Freeview menu, just as they do previously existing channels. The 45 channels include sport (Racing UK, Sports Tonight Live), foreign language (French, Greek, Polish, and Turkish), and news (CCTV) programming, all from the Vision TV network.

Broadcasters streaming through the Connect TV platform can decide whether to make their channels free, pay-per-view, or available by subscription. The Connect TV payment gateway manages transactions.

"Connect TV responds to consumer desire for more content choice and increased interactivity at the touch of a button," says Phil Walder, managing director for Connect TV. "We are able to give consumers a wealth of extra free and paid content without forcing them to leave the familiar surroundings of their main TV screen and Freeview menu or buy new a TV service or device."

The Connect TV platform, notes Walder, lets niche channels appear on the same menu as the country's most-watched channels. Broadcasters also have the option of offering video on-demand to earn revenue from their content libraries. 

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