YouView

YouView: Hybrid Broadcast and Internet Connected Set-Top Box Platform

YouView offers access to free-to-air digital terrestrial television, on-demand services like BBC iPlayer, and internet connected apps and games in the UK.

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.

YouView Features

Official Links