Latest news with #Freely
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I ditched my aerial for a Freely TV and I don't regret it one bit'
Get live BBC, ITV, 4 and 5 without an aerial with this Freely TV - and a whole lot more besides TV has changed a lot over the past few years, from flicking through channels to find something to watch, to now getting everything on demand and over the internet. That's extended to those programmes you used to get through an aerial, thanks to a service called Freely. Freely takes BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and delivers those over the internet, meaning that you don't need an aerial. As long as you can connect your TV to your home Wi-Fi, you can stream all that content instead. I'm a TV review and tech expert and I ditched my aerial for a Freely TV and I don't regret it one bit. Freely is supported on a range of TVs, like this great-value Hisense E6N model. This 50-inch TV is £249 on Amazon for a 4K TV with Dolby Vision, giving you access to those terrestrial channels via the internet, as well as the likes of Netflix, Disney+ and YouTube. The best thing about the Hisense E6N is that it was double the price when it launched in 2024, so it's a huge discount and a lot of TV for the money. The advent of Freely means that you can put a TV anywhere that you have Wi-Fi, without worrying about connecting to the roof aerial, or using a fiddly indoor aerial. If you want a TV in your kitchen, you can just make a space, mount it on the wall, or put it wherever you want. If you want a TV for a bedroom, again, there's no stress about aerials or limiting what people can watch. You just connect to your Wi-Fi and let Freely do the rest. Hisense has been making a big impact on TV across the UK over the past few years. It's a brand that packs a lot of technology into its TVs, from affordable models like the E6N here, right up to OLED and Mini-LED TVs, like the 75-inch Hisense U7 ( £999 on Amazon). It's not the only brand offering Freely: it's also available on some Amazon Fire TV models, like the Fire TV Omni QLED (£359.99), as well as being a feature of affordable models using the new TiVo platform. The great thing about this 50-inch model is that you're getting the full benefit of 4K resolution, so there's loads of detail on the screen. If you're watching Blu-ray discs they will be upscaled, while for Prime Video, 4K HDR content is standard, but for Netflix you'll need the Premium plan. There's support for Dolby Vision for amazing colours and HDR highlights as well as HDR10+, which you'll find a lot of on Prime Video. Hisense uses a platform called VIDAA, which has loads of streaming apps and is fast and smooth to use. It even supports Alexa, so you can use voice searching from the remote. If you don't want to use Freely, there's a standard Freeview tuner built in, but if you can't connect an aerial, you just have to setup Freely when you first turn on the TV and you'll get those essential broadcast channels via Wi-Fi instead. It is worth noting that like standard ariel TV it's reliability can be affected in bad weather. Back in May this year, Freely had to issue a statement to users.
Daily Record
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Major broadcaster launches brand new channel but it won't come to all homes
Households who watch TV in a classic format will be missing out. In the past, the vast majority of households across the UK used to fight with their aerial to get a solid signal so they could sit down and watch their favourite free-to-view shows. However, with the creation of smart TVs and streaming devices, the number of homes who still use an aerial has begun to dwindle. And a recent announcement may see even more people make the switch to broadband viewing. Those who still watch freeview broadcasters through an aerial will miss out on a brand new channel from a major broadcaster, and this may be the tipping point for some viewers. Channel 4 has confirmed that it will soon be launching an all-new channel, however not everyone will have instant access. The broadcaster has made the decision to make this channel available only for those who stream through their WiFi, reports the Express. Ultimately this means that TVs that aren't run through the household WiFi won't be able to tune in to this sparkling new channel and its various content. Named 'A Comedy Thing by Channel 4', this new service is set to arrive onto TVs later on this month and will be accessible through YouTube. This new service will see Channel 4 publish weekly long-form content (around 20-30 minutes) on YouTube, with cutdown editions available on Instagram and TikTok to help engage audiences. As more people now consume content online through apps rather than traditional broadcasting methods, this new service is aimed to draw in more Gen Z viewers. For those who rely on an aerial instead of broadband, they won't be able to access any of this new content as it will not be added on to the Freeview TV Guide. Speaking about the launch of the new channel, head of digital commissioning Sacha Khari said: "Channel 4 has a long history of shaping British comedy, and with A Comedy Thing by Channel 4, we're bringing that legacy into pixels. "It's built for a community who get their laughs online first but still love the buzz of a live gig. Whether you're discovering your next favourite comic on YouTube or catching them on stage later, this channel delivers straight to your feed." He continued: "We're teaming up with Strong Watch Studios and a brilliant line-up of sharp, standout comics to create original formats, perfectly suited to digitally savvy audiences. "Our digital shows are already building loyal fanbases and getting real recognition and A Comedy Thing by Channel 4 is the next step." Channel 4 isn't the first of the broadcasters to make a move away from traditional aerial broadcasting. Freeview themselves has seen the increasing move to broadband-based streaming and has made moves to make their service more accessible. The Freely app was launched last year and includes all of your Freeview content, as well as a swathe of new channels, more features and regular updates. Already built into a variety of smart TVs, such as HiSense, Toshiba and Panasonic, this free-to-view service is making headway in the broadband-powered world. However, it should be noted that Channel 4's newest channel also won't feature on the Freely TV guide. However, using a smart TV allows viewers to connect their YouTube to the TV for a comfortable viewing experience Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
08-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Samsung 4K TV that offers 'stunning picture quality' drops from £349 to £280 in Prime Day sale
'This TV exceeded my expectations for the money, would highly recommend.' For those who are looking to upgrade their TV to a smart model or are wanting to add another TV into their home, now is the best time to grab a new TV for a bargain price. With Amazon currently holding its four-day long Prime Day event, shoppers will be able to save a decent amount of money on their purchase. Smart TVs are becoming widely popular as they have all of your favourite streaming and catch-up services at your fingertips. With easy to use homepages and endless amounts of content to watch, shoppers will be spoilt for choice of what to watch when they plop themselves in front of the TV after a busy day. One such TV in the Prime Day sale is the Samsung DU8070 Crystal UHD 4K 50" Smart TV. Normally retailing for £349, shoppers can now snatch up this 50-inch TV for £279.98, saving shoppers around £70 on their purchase. For those wanting an immersive viewing experience, this Samsung Smart TV comes with dynamic crystal colour which is said to make everything your watch come to life in over a billion colours. The TV also comes with a powerful 4K processor, which allows users to enhance and upgrade their picture and sound quality. Boasting a sleek and slim design, this TV won't overpower the room and will provide a comfortable viewing experience from any angle. Shoppers will also have endless content to watch as the TV provides access to 4K films, TV shows, catch up apps and streaming services, including Apple TV, BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Disney+. This TV is also perfect for those who enjoy gaming as there are a variety of apps available. Shoppers will be able to play the latest games from Xbox, Blacknut, Nvidia and more straight from the TV. Another popular TV that has been given a Prime Day reduction is the Hisense 43 Inch 4K QLED Smart T V. Normally retailing for £259, shoppers can now buy it for £40 cheaper at £219. Supporting a variety of streaming apps, including Freely, this TV is equipped with Dolby Vision and Atmos, as well as Quantum Dot Technology. Alternatively, Argos is selling the Toshiba 43 Inch Smart FHD HDR10 Freeview TV for £179. Able to be controlled by Alexa, shoppers will be able to find their latest binge watch or newest film release with only their voice instead of endlessly scrolling. Back to the Samsung Smart TV, shoppers have given this 2024 device a 4.5 star rating. Many shoppers were pleasantly surprised by the picture quality of this TV, however some advised buying a soundbar to help achieve better sound. One happy shopper said: "What a TV... Looks fabulous in my lounge. I can control this TV with my mobile as well. Also the best price on Amazon in compare to other platforms and stores." With another five-star review adding: "Very happy with this TV, much better than older 'Crystal' versions I've had. Picture is comparable to my QLED and the unit is very sleek! Some reviews question the sound quality, but to be fair for such a slim TV I was quite happy with it. Yes the bass isn't exactly there, but the sound is clear full." However a few shoppers had some gripes about the TV, as one person said: "Very good picture not bad sound but I bought a soundbar to get a better sound, overall I'm happy with the TV." While another reviewer noted: "The TV itself is really good. I've only marked it down because the legs were quite tricky to get in to place." One the flip side, a top reviewer wrote: "I'm thoroughly impressed with the Samsung 4K TV. The picture quality is simply stunning, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and deep contrast. Watching movies or playing games feels immersive, and the 4K resolution really makes everything pop, even when streaming content. "The HDR performance enhances the experience even further, especially for action-packed or visually rich scenes." While a sixth shopper added: "Really impressed this TV exceeded my expectations for the money would highly recommend - easy to set up and use." To buy the Samsung DU8070 Crystal UHD 4K 50" Smart TV, click HERE. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Major free football coverage upgrade comes to iPlayer as BBC matches up with Sky
Find out how to switch it on in seconds below KICK OFF Major free football coverage upgrade comes to iPlayer as BBC matches up with Sky Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SPORTS fans will finally be able to get around a long-running problem when streaming their favourite competitions on BBC iPlayer. Many people are turning to streaming, especially when out and about - but there is a major downside to it. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Viewers will have less lag to worry about when watching their favourite sports Credit: Alamy And that's the delay. For most programmes we watch on TV, such as soaps or the latest dramas, a slight delay isn't an issue. But when it comes to sport, every second matters - and the last thing you want to hear is the local pub roaring at a goal, or a friend texting you about a result, before you've seen it. Sky has been making significant progress on addressing this for its streamed TV products like Sky Glass, bringing the delay down to 22 seconds. With Freeview's streamed successor Freely other broadcasters will have to think about how they can address the problem on their channels. Fortunately, it's an issue the BBC is now tackling on iPlayer. The corporation has started a test for some viewers, depending on the device they're streaming from. "The delay on iPlayer has reduced significantly in recent times but is still around 40 seconds," the BBC explained in a blog post. "Many streaming services today have similar delays. On our broadcast services the end to end delay is just 8-10 seconds - a significant difference. "For some content, viewers may not notice, but for live sport and for live events with a social media following, delays can detract from the viewing experience. Wimbledon clash suspended with fuming Ben star Ben Shelton about to serve for the match as he is held back from umpire "We are aiming to address these delays whilst maintaining a high quality of experience through our work on 'low latency streaming'." For now, the trial will run on the iPlayer stream of BBC Two between 9am and 5pm. For sports fans, you could notice the difference for major events like Wimbledon and the Women's Euro 2025 tournament airing on the channel. The first devices to receive the trial are: Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd generation) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd generation) Samsung CU8000 TV Samsung CU8500 TV To benefit from it, you'll need to switch the "beta" option on in the settings, if it's available to you. You can check by going into the settings and looking for iPlayer Beta and selecting On. 2 See if you have the iPlayer Beta setting on your device Credit: BBC
The Irish Sun
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Major free football coverage upgrade comes to iPlayer as BBC matches up with Sky
SPORTS fans will finally be able to get around a long-running problem when streaming their favourite competitions on BBC iPlayer. Many people are turning to streaming, especially when out and about - but there is a major downside to it. Advertisement 2 Viewers will have less lag to worry about when watching their favourite sports Credit: Alamy And that's the delay. For most programmes we watch on TV, such as soaps or the latest dramas, a slight delay isn't an issue. But when it comes to sport, every second matters - and the last thing you want to hear is the local pub roaring at a goal, or a friend texting you about a result, before you've seen it. Sky has been making significant progress on addressing this for its streamed TV products like Sky Glass, Advertisement Read more about BBC With Freeview's streamed successor Freely other broadcasters will have to think about how they can address the problem on their channels. Fortunately, it's an issue the BBC is now tackling on iPlayer. The corporation has started a test for some viewers, depending on the device they're streaming from. "The delay on iPlayer has reduced significantly in recent times but is still around 40 seconds," the BBC explained in a blog post. Advertisement Most read in Tech "Many streaming services today have similar delays. On our broadcast services the end to end delay is just 8-10 seconds - a significant difference. "For some content, viewers may not notice, but for live sport and for live events with a social media following, delays can detract from the viewing experience. Wimbledon clash suspended with fuming Ben star Ben Shelton about to serve for the match as he is held back from umpire "We are aiming to address these delays whilst maintaining a high quality of experience through our work on 'low latency streaming'." For now, the trial will run on the iPlayer stream of BBC Two between 9am and 5pm. Advertisement For sports fans, you could notice the difference for major events like Wimbledon and the Women's Euro 2025 tournament airing on the channel. The first devices to receive the trial are: Amazon Fire TV Stick (3rd generation) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd generation) Samsung CU8000 TV Samsung CU8500 TV To benefit from it, you'll need to switch the "beta" option on in the settings, if it's available to you. You can check by going into the settings and looking for iPlayer Beta and selecting On. Advertisement 2 See if you have the iPlayer Beta setting on your device Credit: BBC How to cut streaming bills with top FREE TV Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime don't come cheap - and year on year subscription costs seem to go up. Fortunately there are lots of free streaming TV alternatives not everyone knows about. Here are some free alternatives worth trying: Image credit: Alamy
