For the first time, Freeview FV app users are able to cast live and catch-up programs from 25 free-to-air channels from their digital devices directly and seamlessly onto home TV screens.
Developer of the app, Switch Media, has updated Freeview’s FV TV streaming app with the addition of Chromecast functionality for both the Android and iOS versions.
Chromecast is Google’s media streaming device that plugs into the HDMI port on your TV, connecting to your smartphone via WiFi.
The Chromecast functionality allows viewers using Freeview FV to select and stream live movies, sporting events and TV shows, as well as catch-up content from their mobile devices onto their TV screens – without the need of any form of aerial.
Christopher Stenhouse, CEO of Switch Media, said the Chromecast capability on Freeview FV allows a viewer coming home from work on the train, for example, transition from watching their favourite program via the app on their smartphone to continuing to view it on the much larger TV screen.
“It’s a continuous transition from the small screen of their digital device to get that larger screen viewing experience or simply the convenience and comfort of watching at home, without missing a moment of the action,” he said.
“If you have the Freeview app, it’s only a matter of downloading the Google Home app, plugging in the Chromecast to your TV and tune it to recognise your device. Your smartphone, tablet or laptop then becomes your program remote control.
“Australians have an insatiable appetite for all forms of television, as reflected by the free-to-air daily ratings. The Freeview FV app with the addition of Chromecast is going to make life easier for a lot of people, allowing them to time-shift and manage their leisure time much more effectively.”
