Freeview to pit itself against YouView with backwards EPG

Freeview is set to go head to head with YouView by launching a backwards electronic programme guide (EPG) service.

The upgrade to Freeview's broadband-connected set-top boxes will allow users to access the past week's worth of content via video-on-demand (VoD) systems.

According to Broadcast, it is not currently clear whether the move will enable Freeview households to choose individual shows from the last seven days at the touch of a button or act as a VoD shortcut.

It is believed that the enhancement cannot be delivered via a simple software update, meaning pre-installation is likely to be required.

Ilse Howling, managing director of Freeview, remained tight-lipped on when the Freeview boxes with backwards EPG technology will hit the market.

She commented: "It's too early to say when they will be available, but that is our direction of travel.

"Already, around one-third of Freeview TVs are connectable. Viewers will be increasingly unaware if they are accessing connected TV services."

The news comes shortly after TalkTalk, a member of the YouView joint venture, revealed that the much-delayed broadband TV platform will finally launch this summer.

TalkTalk is planning to take on 250 new engineers to support the rollout of the service.