Sharp has not signed an agreement with Freeview claims marketing boss Laurie Nolan. However the Company is going to launch a range of HD LCD TV’s with MPEG4 and MPEG2 video processors.
Nolan said that SmartHouse was wrong to infer that the release of a new HD LCD TV range with dual MPEG processors meant that the Company had cut a deal with Freeview.
“We have not taken up a licence with Freeview we are in discussions with them. I previously said that Sharp is intending to introduce a range of TVs in the near future which will have dual MPEG2/MPEG4 chipsets. At no time did I mention Freeview, nor did I imply that the Sharp TVs would be Freeview accredited. Our discussions with Freeview continue, but have not yet been finalised.”
What Freeview wants is for TV manufacturers to take up a license while also delivering TV’s with both MPEG-4 processors and MHEG-5 which is technology used to provide interactive advertising, digital teletext and multi-screen video selection, as well as other “red button” enhanced TV services including home shopping and games.
In the UK more than 40 per cent of viewers use the interactive component of some programmes, particularly sports which are delivered via the use of MHEG 5 technology.
In Australia Freeview which is owned by free to air TV stations want TV manufacturers to licence the Freeview brand. They also want the TV stations to introduce new technology that will slow down the removal of TV commercials between recorded content.
