Netflix expands reach to Freesat’s Freetime

[tokoroko]

Netflix expands reach to Freesat’s Freetime


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Editor

| 16 December 2015




UK-based subscription-free satellite service Freesat has landed Netflix through its Freetime connected TV bouquet.



Freetime has been a key driving agent for Freesat enabling it to compete better with its pay-TV rivals in the UK. The world’s leading subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service will join a basket of offerings including live broadcast, recordings, Showcase recommendations, on-demand offerings and catch-up services such as the BBC iPlayer, All 4, Demand 5 and the ITV Player.

The Netflix offering has been enabled through Humax set-top boxes (STBs), specifically the Humax Freesat with Freetime HDR-1000S 500GB, HDR- 1010S 1TB and HB-1000S devices, as well as the more recently launched HDR-1100S.

“We have opened up the pay-TV market even further by providing effortless access to a highly popular TV service to our consumers,” claimed Humax commercial director Graham North. “[Offering] Netflix will provide a simple way for viewers to seamlessly switch between their favourite subscription-free programmes, on-demand content and a rich variety of high quality films and documentaries.”

Added Freesat marketing director Paul Gilshan: “We are thrilled to bring Netflix to Freetime viewers. Freesat already offers great choice with over 200 subscription free channels and popular on-demand players. And with the launch of Netflix that choice is getting bigger and better.”

[tokoroko]

Humax has become the first supplier of the Freesat Freetime set-top boxes to add Netflix to the customer offer.

Downloads to the installed base commenced on Wednesday.

Netflix will be available on the Humax Freesat with Freetime HDR-1000S 500GB, HDR-1010S 1TB, HB-1000S, as well as the more recently launched HDR-1100S (available with 500GB, 1TB and 2TB hard drives).

Graham North, Commercial Director of Humax said: “We have opened up the pay TV market even further by providing effortless access to a highly popular TV service to our consumers. Adding Netflix will provide a simple way for viewers to seamlessly switch between their favourite subscription-free programmes, on-demand content and a rich variety of high quality films and documentaries.”

Despite the high profile nature of the Netflix launch there are already two other paid-for services available on the BBC-ITV owned platform; Curzon Home Cinema and Hopster.

Paul Gilshan, Marketing Director of Freesat said: “We are thrilled to bring Netflix to Freetime viewers. Freesat already offers great choice with over 200 subscription free channels and popular On Demand players. And with the launch of Netflix that choice is getting bigger and better. It is the perfect compliment to free television and demonstrates a commitment to our viewers to provide fantastic TV for the best value.”

New Freetime products from Manhattan and Vestel are slated to launch in the next 12 months.