TalkTalk broadband customers could soon get a new way to watch TV

TalkTalk is set to move away from the YouView service it helped develop onto another TV partner. As reported by ISPreview, the budget broadband provider has this week signed a deal with Netgem for a new 4K TV product that will launch for its 4.2million subscribers. If it’s anything like Netgem’s current offerings, then the upcoming TalkTalk box will deliver TV content over the internet.

This is similar to Sky’s contract-free NOW service (formerly known as NOW TV) as well as a new streaming gadget that Virgin Media has confirmed will be launching this year.

Netgem devices that are currently on the market are able to broadcast over 200 TV channels such as Premier Sports and LaLigaTV as well as 80 extra TV channels – as well as being able to record, pause and rewind programming.

Netgem boxes can also access thousands of hours of catch-up TV from services like BBC iPlayer and ITV Hub, as well as being able to access content from Prime Video, Rakuten and more.

And the best thing about the new Netgem service is it shouldn’t cost TalkTalk customers a fortune.

TalkTalk’s existing paid-for TV service costs an extra £4 a month, and it’s believed the ISP wants to keep that low price point for the Netgem-powered service.

Speaking about the TalkTalk deal, Netgem CEO Mathias Hautefort said: “This new contract with TalkTalk Group demonstrates the relevance of Netgem’s unique positioning in the fast-growing connected entertainment market. Netgem, thanks to its fully operated NetgemTV platform already market-tested with several operators in Britain in particular, and its expertise for running agreements with the main TV channels and the rising number of OTT content providers, intends to continue to expand its Content-as-a-Service model with Tier 1 operators.”

Netgem currently offers a range of streaming of boxes including an HD and an 4K TV box.

The latter also supports High Dynamic Range (HDR) as well as Dolby Atmos.

Netgem also has a smartphone and tablet app which lets customers watch their favourite movies or TV shows on the go, or cast content directly from their handheld device to their telly.

Exact details on TalkTalk’s new TV service have not been revealed as of yet.

But it’s believed the Netgem box will only be for customers using the ultrafast broadband packages that offer over 100Mbps.

So if you’re using one of TalkTalk’s lower speed broadband offerings you look set to miss out.

source: express.co.uk