What is YouView?
YouView is a hybrid broadcast and internet-connected set-top box platform in the UK, developed through a partnership between major UK terrestrial broadcasters BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5. It aims to bring together free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT) with video on demand services through a unified search and electronic programme guide (EPG).
The key services accessible through YouView include:
- Free-to-air DTT channels and radio stations
- Catch up TV services like BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4 and My5
- On demand libraries of TV shows and films
- Access to online apps and games
- Personal video recorder (PVR) functionality to record shows
YouView provides a user experience similar to other smart TV platforms, using a broadband internet connection to enhance and expand traditional broadcast television access. A focus is placed on consolidating content discovery and playback from both linear television and on demand libraries through a unified interface.
YouView set-top boxes can be purchased from a variety of high street retailers in the UK. The platform has seen limited expansion overseas. It faces competition from other hybrid broadcast-OTT devices like Sky Q, Virgin Media TiVo, as well as streaming media players like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
NewPipe, LibreTube, YouTube Media Player, SkyTube, Airy YouTube Downloader, Minitube, VueTube, GTK YouTube Viewer, Gyawun, SongTube, SMTube, Echoes Player, iTubeDownloader, YTWatcher, MacTubes, QadamSoft Player, endlessPlayer.com are some alternatives to YouView.