iPlayer Freeview boxes to launch for Christmas

iPlayer enabled Freeview boxes should be available for Christmas, with HD Freeview boxes ready to launch in time for next year’s World Cup.

Ilse Howling, managing director of Freeview, said that almost 14 million homes have HD-ready televisions adding that she believes there will be significant demand for the upgraded boxes.

“Freeview HD is what people are searching for most on our website.

“I’m hopeful that Freeview HD will be available to 40% of homes in Britain by the World Cup next year,” she added.

According to Howling, the new set-top boxes required to watch HD content should cost around £200.

She also noted Freeview’s success in the face of the economic downturn. “Overall Freeview is bucking the trend of the recession. People are cutting back on certain spending, but not on television. Freeview+ is up 64% year-on-year.”