Philips launches Freeview Play 4K UHD TVs, finally bringing Catch-Up TV to Ambilight

Philips TVs are migrating to Freeview Play, the integrated terrestrial and IP TV service. TP-Vision, brand licensee for Philips TV in the UK, has announced that the company’s new 6162 and 6262 2017 range of Philips Smart TVs will be the first Philips sets to feature the service. 

Both the PUS6162/05 (non-Ambilight) and  PUS6262/05 are available in 43-, 50-, 55- and 65-inch screens sizes.

Freeview Play combines Catch-Up, on-demand services and live television. The subscription free service currently offer offers 70 digital TV channels, with 15 in HD, as well as an enhanced EPG allowing viewers to access catch-up programming from BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, Demand 5 and UKTV Play by scrolling back through the TV guide. Additional on-demand content is also available from the Freeview Play apps page. The Freeview Play specification also mandates the HEVC codec (aka H.265) for future services. 

Freeview has announced that Freeview Play TVs account for more than half of all Smart HD TV sales in the UK. In June, 55 per cent of Smart HD TVs sold were Freeview Play enabled. The platform is the most widely adopted service by manufacturers for catch-up TV in the UK. Since launch 1.5 million Freeview Play devices have been sold. Guy North, Managing Director, Freeview said, “Freeview Play is fast becoming the smart choice for UK consumers. I’d like to thank all our partners who have helped us reach this milestone. It’s a remarkable achievement.”

TP Vision develops, manufactures and markets Philips branded TV sets in Europe, Russia, Middle East, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and selected countries in Asia-Pacific.