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Freeview launches Australian TV streaming app

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Most of Australia’s free-to-air TV (and most of the content) now available to stream live or on catchup.

Freeview, the consortium of Australia’s free-to-air TV broadcasters has launched its all-in-one TV streaming app on iOS and Android devices today. The app, named Freeview FV allows for live streaming of 16 streaming channels at launch:

  • ABC
  • SBS
  • Seven
  • Channel 9
  • TEN
  • ONE
  • ABC2/ABC KIDS
  • ABC ME
  • ABC News 24
  • 7TWO
  • 7Mate
  • 7Flix
  • Racing.com
  • 9Gem
  • 9Go!
  • 9Life

It's worth noting that while Freeview lists Ten's channels, they're not actually streaming on launch day, instead presenting a "NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME" message. Freeview’s release notes for the app suggest that further live channels will be added to the app later on, which will presumably address this issue.

There are some programming limitations related whatever streaming rights channels have for their shows, most notably sporting content where rights have been sold to other parties, such as Telstra's AFL and NRL rights. Apple TV Airplay is supported but it does not appear that Chromecast is supported at launch.

Freeview FV also includes a TV guide, a reminders feature for program watching and the ability to access catchup TV services from all of the networks. This is a slightly clunkier experience however, because it’s essentially just a linking facility for each broadcaster’s own streaming application. As such if you have the relevant app installed it will automatically go to the start page for each app where you have to tap again to start watching. If you don’t have the relevant channel app installed, you’ll be prompted to install it instead.

Freeview FV is a free app for Apple iOS and Google Android devices available via the iTunes App Store and Google Play respectively. As with most media streaming services data charges will apply for watching using the app.

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