Major channels sign up to Freeview streaming service

A new UK pay-TV streaming service for Freeview viewers, VuTV, has signed deals A+E Networks, Viacom, and Turner Broadcasting ahead of its launch this autumn.

The agreements will make channels like Comedy Central, Bio, MTV, CNN, History, Crime & Investigation, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and Cartoonito available to VuTV users via web-connected Freeview HD boxes.

VuTV said that it will offer the channels for a low monthly subscription with no long-term contract, and viewers can access VuTV and its partner channels via a dedicated channel on Freeview’s regular EPG.

VuTV is owned by interactive TV specialist Strategy & Technology (S&T) and streaming services firm Simplestream, and is operated by Synapse TV – a joint venture between the two.

“We work with a wide range of broadcasters to stream their linear and on-demand TV to multiple devices. The content owners we engaged with embraced the idea of targeting the Freeview HD market with their portfolio of channels,” said Simplestream director Dan Finch.

“As the public get wiser to connecting up their TV’s, and the TV’s get smarter, it’s a great opportunity for channel providers to tap into the Freeview market and gain access to real time viewing data of their channels that can be used to help shape their own marketing strategy.”