Freeview and Sky can’t match free TV channel boost from new UK rival

Freeview and Sky might rule the roost, but a new rival is offering a blockbuster channel boost.

When it comes to tuning into TV, there’s little doubt that Freeview and Sky are the best in the business. These platforms are used by millions across the UK and that’s hardly surprising. Freeview offers content that’s totally free to watch, and Sky users get access to premium channels and sporting action that’s not available via terrestrial services.

These options are tough to beat but one relative newcomer is certainly offering an eye-catching alternative. Most people will now have heard of Freely. It launched last year and rather than an aerial or dish, it uses a broadband connection to beam content to the big screen instead. It’s a very similiar concept to Sky’s Glass TVs which are also powered by the web.

It’s even built into many new televisions, meaning there’s no need for a set-top boxes or dongles hanging out of the back of screens.

If that wasn’t temptimg enought, it’s just been confirmed that Channel 4 is launching three new streaming channels exclusively on Freely. That means only owners of Freely-powered screens can tune in.

The latest channels include 4Reality, 4Homes, and 4Life and are Channel 4’s first-ever streaming platforms in the UK.

You’ll find 4Reality on channel 67, 4Homes on channel 68 and 4Life on channel 82.

It’s thought that Freely could take over Freeview in the future as more people move away from traditional telly and switch to streaming instead. It’s worth noting that Freely is owned by Everyone TV, which is the same team behind Freeview.

“We’re proud to lead the way among Britain’s broadcasters by enhancing Freely’s offering,” said Grace Boswood, Director of Technology & Distribution, Channel 4.

“The launch of our new streamed channels further accelerates our transformation into the streaming age as the world ’s first public service streamer. It also continues our record of digital distribution firsts to benefit advertisers and viewers.”

And Jonathan Thompson, CEO, Everyone TV, added: “We’re delighted to be bringing audiences even more high-quality streamed content, in partnership with channel 4. Freely already offers more shows than any major streaming service in the UK, without the expensive monthly subscription, and for the first time will now offer exclusive channels with entertaining shows from across the Channel 4 portfolio on 4Reality, 4Homes and 4Life – three fantastic channels you won’t find anywhere else!”

Here are all the new channels and what’s available to watch.

• 4Reality (channel 67): sometimes risqué, often funny and always entertaining. 4Reality from Channel 4 – the original home of the best reality TV – brings favourites across real-life drama, sass, romance and rivalry from Married at First Sight, Naked Attraction and First Dates to Made in Chelsea.

• 4Homes (channel 68): from massive mansions to amazing spaces, from places in the sun and DIY in chateaus, to homes in the best-of-British locations, 4Homes showcases all places great and small spanning shows such as Grand Designs, A Place in the Sun and Location, Location, Location.

• 4Life (channel 82): real lives, real people (and real dogs too). And huge helpings of delicious food. Meet people doing amazing things – often in beautiful places. 4Life showcases the great content genres channel 4 viewers love including travel, food and animals, from The Dog House to Travel Man.