(Pocket-lint) - UK broadcaster ITV has launched a replacement to the ITV Hub. Called ITVX, it is a new streaming service with more content, a fresh new look and, potentially, better picture quality.
Here's everything you need to know about it.
What is ITVX?
ITVX is the new streaming service from UK broadcaster ITV.
It launched in November 2022 and is available across multiple devices, including iOS, Android, smart TVs and set-top-boxes, in both free and subscription formats.
It includes catch-up TV shows from ITV channels, much like ITV Hub, but also debuts new, exclusive content that will be available first on ITVX before making its way to linear TV many months later. In addition, it provides full access to British TV box sets, too, from the ITV co-owned Britbox for subscribers, and all episodes of ITV dramas will be available to binge as soon as they premiere on terrestrial TV.
How much does ITVX cost?
ITVX offers two membership tiers - one paid, one free.
ITVX free (advertising funded)
Free ITX membership provides access to "thousands of hours of content", which come with advertising (much like the previous ITV Hub service). This includes new shows that debut on the service first.
ITVX Premium (ad-free subscription)
A paid subscription tier presents all content free of advertising. It also provides access to much more content, including "partner content" and Britbox, plus downloads for offline viewing on a mobile device.
It costs £5.99 per month or £59.99 for a whole year when paid upfront. There is also a 7-day free trial period for new subscribers.
What TV shows are on ITVX?
ITV claims to offer many more hours of content on ITVX than on its former ITV Hub service. ITV Hub was home to around 4,000 hours of content while ITVX reportedly launched with around 15,000 hours.
This includes "a wealth of dramas" that stream "first and for free" on ITVX before arriving on terrestrial TV "six to nine months later" .
One of those is A Spy Among Friends, starring Mare of Easttown's Guy Pierce and Billions' Damian Lewis.
The Helena Bonham Carter-starrer, Nolly, is another. With Confessions of Frannie Langton starring Karla-Simone Spence, The Little Birds featuring Lenny Henry, and Litvinenko starring David Tennant are also available or coming soon.
Original comedy and documetary shows will debut on the platform too, as well as live streams of major events, including the current FIFA World Cup.
US TV shows and blockbuster films can be found on the service too.
Fast channels
Also new are themed channels - known as fast channels. These are pop-up channels exclusive to ITVX and be based on viewer prefrences and popularity.
Several fast channels were launched on day one, including Hell's Kitchen US, Love Island International, and True Crime.
Does ITVX replace ITV Hub?
ITVX will eventually replace ITV Hub when all apps have been successfully transferred over.
Some already have been replaced, but others may take a little longer. One tip we've found is that you may need to delete an app first before downloading it again to get the ITVX version.
Can you use old ITV Hub login details?
You can continue to use the same login details for ITVX - name and password - that you set up for ITV Hub.
Does ITVX replace Britbox?
While it hasn't yet, it looks like ITV will eventually fold Britbox into ITVX. It bought out the BBC's share in the British streaming service earlier in 2022.
How to get ITVX - device list and more
As the ITV Hub app will eventually be replaced by ITVX completely, any device that runs ITV Hub will also get ITVX.
However, only some devices have already been switched over with others yet to get the new app. Here are the devices that have received the ITVX app so far:
- Android
- Android TV
- Apple TV
- Google Chromecast
- Huawei devices
- iOS
- Now Smart Stick and Box
- Nvidia Shield TV
- Roku streaming players
- Samsung Smart TVs (2016 and later)
- Sky Glass and Sky Stream
- Web browsers
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
We're still waiting for the ITV Hub app to update on Sky Q, Amazon Fire TV devices, Freesat boxes, YouView boxes, the Virgin V6 box, and Smart TVs from other manufacturers.
You can find out more on ITVX on its dedicated website here.