What is Freeview Play?

Freeview Play is an electronic programme guide (EPG) that lets you browse forward to see what's coming up in the week ahead and scroll back to see shows that were screened the previous week. 

It combines catch-up and on-demand television into one easy-to-view EPG, making it much more straightforward to find your favourite programmes. And if your TV or set-top box is connected to the internet, you can go backwards in the guide to catch up on programmes you've missed over the past seven days.

You can currently find Freeview Play on a wide range of TVs from the likes of LG, Sony and Panasonic. Samsung is the only major brand yet to embrace the service.

Check our TV reviews to find the high-scoring from brands compatible with Freeview Play.

What is Freeview Play?

Freeview Play is essentially free software that's baked into the EPG of many TVs, giving you access to the previous week's shows without having to go to the separate catch-up app. 

You can also choose from today's shows and see what's coming up.

It's evolved a fair bit since it debuted, and is now accessible on an app where you'll find hours and hours of on demand, similar to Netflix or Disney+.

This is useful, since not all TVs support Freeview Play. If you've got a Samsung, for example, then you won't find this service in your EPG.

How do I know if my TV has Freeview Play?

If you've got a Hisense, LG, Panasonic, Philips, or Sony TV, then odds are you have Freeview Play already. Head to your EPG, then try to move back along the timeline to see the previous week's TV – your TV needs to be connected to the internet for this to work.

If you can do this, you've got Freeview Play. If you're still not sure, then head to channel 100 and you should see the Freeview Play overlay, which lets you search for shows and films, as well as access other streaming apps.

How do I get Freeview Play?

If your TV doesn't have it already, you won't be able to move through the previous week's listings and watch them from the EPG, although you will still be able access it in other ways.

• Via the app You can download the Freeview Play app onto Android and iPhone and start watching all the TV on there for free.
• Via a set-top box or PVR Plenty of TV set-top and PVR boxes from the likes of Manhattan and Humax have Freeview Play built in.

You can see if a TV supports Freeview Play by reading our TV reviews.

What's the difference between Freeview and Freeview Play?

Freeview is a service that allows TVs in the UK to access channels through an aerial. Every TV sold in the UK has a Freeview or Freeview HD tuner, also know as DVB-T and DVB-T2, which gives you access to dozens of SD and HD channels.

What you can access differs depending on the strength of the signal in your area – and some channels may not be available.

Freeview Play is an extension of this, allowing you to also watch shows from the previous week in the EPG. 

You don't need Freeview Play to watch Freeview channels.

What's the difference between Freeview and Freesat?

Freesat is basically Freeview for anyone who uses a satellite dish rather than an aerial to get a broadcast signal.

Most of the benefits are down to the satellite itself, which provides a more reliable signal than an aerial, so you can access more channels and potentially have a clearer image.

Unlike Freeview, not all TVs have Freesat; some don't even have satellite TV tuners (aka DVB-S and DVB-S2). Generally, mid- to high-end TVs will have a Freeview and satellite tuners, although entry-level models may only have a Freeview one. 

You can see in the specifications of our TV reviews if the TV has a satellite tuner and if it's compatible with Freesat.