Wednesday 9 June 2010

CONSOLIDATED PR TAKES OVER THE FREESAT ACCOUNT FROM BORKOWSKI.

CONSOLIDATED PR TAKES OVER THE FREESAT ACCOUNT FROM BORKOWSKI.



Breaking News 9-6-10



We have just been informed that the PR Contract for Freesat TV has just been taken over by Consolidated PR.

BORKOWSKI PR did a good job with very little to go on and we wish them well in the future with all their new and current PR Contracts.

The only comment we have would be it's a strange time to change PR firms with the World Cup starting in only a few days time but as this is a breaking news story we have no other details to report as yet!

We would also like to welcome Consolidated PR to the Freesat and hope they have much success in providing high quality press releases for our Freesat blog and other freesat websites.

www.consolidatedpr.com

Wednesday 2 June 2010

BBC iPlayer review and testing the D-LINK DHP-303.

BBC iPlayer review and testing the D-LINK DHP-303.

As regular readers will know I tested the BBC iPlayer already using the Wii versus the PS3 and the PS3 won hands down for picture quality and speed.
Now it's the turn of the straight forward to use Ethernet D-Link;
For those who have never heard of the D-Link, here is how it works and how to use it - there are others on the market but we know this one is top quality,
and it offers up to 200mbps for HD streaming and gaming.
In the box, you get two three pronged look alike-plugs called DHP-303's, a CD rom manual and installation Wizard(not needed) and two Ethernet cables.
Assuming your home has one electrical circuit throughout your home the next bit is mind numbingly simple - lets say your internet router is upstairs, you
simply plug in one of your DHP-302 plugs and using one of the two supplied Ethernet cables, plug one end into a spare Ethernet port and the other into the
DHP-303 plug. You then go to your chosen freesat receiver and plug your other DHP-303 into a socket and connect the other Ethernet cable into the DHP
and the other into your chosen freesat receiver.
The DHP-303 is designed to work straight out of the box, without CD-ROM discs or Wizards etc, the CD-ROM is for setting your security and testing the
connections.
Both DHP-303's start to talk to one another and you get green lights(they still perform without complete green lights) and then switch on your HD freesat
receiver, go to BBC1 and press the red button on your remote, it opens up a menu and you can then scroll to the iPlayer selector - select your viewing
pleasure and enjoy the programme. No need for codes etc...once set up your DHP-303's can be left on as they power down themselves when not in use.
The benefits are obvious for this one - simple straightforward wireless connection which runs at speed, the DHP-303 is quality and they feel like they will
last for years, there is no picture hang-up or line break even with my less than ideal internet speeds, maybe if I used a different kind of Ethernet adapter
my viewing ability would change, but I'm happy with this one.
O.K. how does it perform against the PS3?
I tested both thoroughly and although the D-Link 303 is a good bit of kit and may suit those who need a viewable internet connection via the HDP-303
speed benefits, the picture is still not as crisp as the PS3 while watching the BBC iPlayer.
Conclusion;
D-LINK 303 worth getting if you need speed for gaming and to stop line break while viewing the iPlayer.
PS3 still the best picture quality - it could possibly be the upscaling, but it's still our favourite.

Sunday 25 April 2010

Saturday 17 April 2010

ELECTION LEADERS’ DEBATES - SNP POISED FOR MEETING WITH BBC CHIEFS









ELECTION LEADERS’ DEBATES - SNP POISED FOR MEETING WITH BBC CHIEFS

PARTY READY FOR HEARING WITH CORPORATION'S RULING TRUST

The SNP is preparing to meet members of the BBC Trust, the Corporation's
governing body, after the Trust indicated it is considering granting an
unprecedented oral hearing to consider the Party's appeal against the
BBC's handling of the election leaders' debate issue, including its
rejection of the offer of a fourth debate focused on issues more relevant
to the devolved nations.

The BBC's election leaders' debate is scheduled to take place on April
29th, in Birmingham, hosted by David Dimbleby.

However, in a letter to SNP leader Alex Salmond and Plaid Cymru leader
Ieuan Wyn Jones, the BBC Trust, the Corporation's governing body, which is
independent from the Corporation's management, has now asked both parties
to prepare for a possible oral hearing which could be held at any time
from April 22-27th.

The BBC Trust is currently corresponding with the Corporation's Executive,
which is chaired by Director-General Mark Thompson, over the basis of the
SNP and Plaid Cymru's appeal.

An ad hoc committee of the Trust involving five Trustees - the Trustee for
Scotland, the Trustee for Wales and three members of its editorial
standards committee - will consider the appeal and whether there should be
an oral hearing.

The Trust has prepared a briefing note for committee members in advance of
the BBC Executive submitting its formal response to the SNP appeal. It is
understood senior BBC management returned from Manchester on Friday to
work on the Executive's response over the weekend.


SNP Chief Executive Peter Murrell said:

"We are ready to meet the BBC Trust at any time to discuss our appeal. The
exclusion of the SNP, the party of Government in Scotland, from the
election leaders' debates is fundamentally undemocratic. We also believe
it is a clear breach of the BBC's obligation of impartiality.

"We also believe that the BBC Executive has failed in its duties by
excluding the SNP and Plaid Cymru from the negotiations which were held
with the other parties over what was clearly a prolonged period.

"Those discussions effectively allowed the UK parties to dictate the
format of the leaders' debates to the broadcasters. As a result of the
debate format agreed by the BBC Executive, there is a clear danger of
misinforming and misleading voters in Scotland.

"We know we have an extremely strong case, and now look forward to making
that case directly to the BBC Trust."

Thursday 1 April 2010

FREESAT WORLD CUP COVERAGE


FREESAT WORLD CUP COVERAGE


GET READY FOR A SUMMER OF FOOTBALL AS FREESAT LAUNCHES ONLINE WORLD CUP GUIDE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGER, PUNDIT LEE DIXON

Football news, views and a comprehensive match planner– helping to get UK viewers prepared for the first ever HD World Cup

Freesat, the free-to-air satellite TV service, will become home to the first ever HD World Cup with matches being shared by BBC HD and ITV1 HD this summer. For a one-off payment of just £68 viewers can upgrade their World Cup viewing to high definition and enjoy it all completely subscription free with Freesat. The new online guide – at www.freesat.co.uk/worldcup - will feature a range of football content to help people get ready for the tournament, including exclusive news blogs from Match of the Day’s Lee Dixon.

‘Freesat is offering everything World Cup followers need this summer’ says Lee Dixon. ‘Not only will they be showing games in HD but their online guide will feature a host of information to ensure everyone is set for the beautiful game – from comprehensive match planners to brilliant world cup facts to impress your mates. Plus, on my personal blog you’ll find my views and analysis on stories as they emerge from the England camp, predictions for the group stages and my view on who could be this year’s champions’.

With Freesat everyone can watch this festival of football in HD from as little as £68, wherever they live in the UK. With no contract, no monthly bills to pay, just a one-off payment, Freesat makes substituting your standard TV for High definition hassle-free. HD really brings football on TV to life, making viewers at home feel like part of the action. From high speed tackles to that breathtaking golden goal - you won’t miss a thing watching in pin sharp clarity.

With the World Cup now only 72 days away, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll be watching the summer’s premiere sporting event and where to get the best deal to get the most out of your HD ready TV this summer.

HD Providers Comparison Chart

Full UK coverage for HD

Monthly cost/minimum subscription period

Set up cost

Total cost/year

Digital channels

Catch-up services?

Type of service

Freesat

YES

FREE

FREE (£80 if satellite dish is needed)

£67 one-off payment

150+

YES

Satellite

Freeview

No – up to 50% by the World Cup

FREE

FREE (£150 if aerial upgrade is needed)

£140 one-off payment

53

NO

Aerial

Virgin Media

NO

· £5.50/month (plus a virgin phone line for £11.99)

· 12 months minimum contract

£49.00

£209.88

65

YES

Cable

SKY

YES

· £28/month

· 12 months minimum contract

£30.00

£366

200

YES

Satellite

All pricing information taken 01.04.10 from service provider websites.

Freesat is available from Argos, Currys, Comet, John Lewis, Maplin and many independent retailers.

For more information on Freesat, please go to www.freesat.co.uk

Follow Freesat on Twitter @freesat_tv

Official press release 1st April 2010

Saturday 20 February 2010

AMY WILLIAMS BRITAINS GOLD MEDAL HEROINE.




AMY WILLIAMS BRITAINS GOLD MEDAL HEROINE.

Amy Williams breaks 30 year hoodoo by winning Gold in Vancouver.

We won't say we told you so but it's rather strange that we highlight the excellent BBC Winter Olympic coverage then Amy Williams wins a fantastic "Gold Medal".
after we suggested you follow these super athletes going for Gold. Perhaps the press will take a longer look and review their press coverage now.
Just to remind you, Amy has won Britain's FIRST solo Winter Olympics gold medal for 30 years with victory in the women's skeleton.
Thank you, Amy it was a historical moment, and for those of us who watched it we won't forget it - simply brilliant!

Thursday 18 February 2010

BBC WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.




BBC WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.

BBC coverage of the Winter Olympic Games is fantastic.

These athletes like Summer Olympians dedicate themselves to attempt to stir the heart of their own country by hopefully winning a medal. The pressure on some of these dedicated professionals must be horrendous especially for those considered favourites, from national to international newspaper columns to their friends and families.
Although these Winter Olympic athletes spend most of their life dedicated to special achievement apart from the BBC in the U.K. even the U.K. press this year have been slow to show interest.
Now looking at the same Winter Olympic Games coverage from Vancouver the BBC coverage is fantastic so have a look today and support your athletes which can be viewed from 4.00pm until 3.00am on BBC2 and in dazzling HD on freesat.

We feel the coverage for the U.S.A. athletes is excellent and coverage like this would not go amiss for the U.K. teams for next time should be considered.
Check out the Team U.S.A Social Media website for comprehensive U.S. coverage;
http://teamusanews.org/

Thursday 11 February 2010

BBC ALBA MUST BE ON FREEVIEW




BBC ALBA MUST BE ON FREEVIEW

BBC ALBA MUST BE ON FREEVIEW

The SNP in Holyrood today called for BBC Alba to be broadcast on the Freeview digital service.

The call came in a debate in the Scottish Parliament where all parties were asked to back the move to Freeview.

Speaking during the debate Western Isles MSP Alasdair Allan, who addressed the Parliament in Gaelic said:

“Across the whole of Scotland people welcomed BBC Alba when it started just over a year ago.

"BBC Alba is another step on the road to the normalisation of Gaelic and its acceptance in the broadcasting world as a distinctive and appealing Gaelic voice.

“BBC Alba understands the importance of broadcasting every sort of programme in Gaelic and of appealing to every sort of viewer, but their job would be much easier if BBC Alba was available on Freeview.

"Despite the restrictions on the number of viewers imposed by the current refusal to put BBC Alba on freeview immediately BBC Alba has won viewers and is well supported.

“If BBC Alba was available with other Freeview channels it would provide a huge incentive and boost for Gaelic broadcasting.

"There would be many more houses where people would be listening to, and becoming engaged with Gaelic. And the BBC Trust would get some peace as well!”

Friday 5 February 2010

FREESAT BRINGS HIGH DEFINITION 6 NATIONS RUGBY TO YOUR LIVING ROOM



FREESAT BRINGS HIGH DEFINITION 6 NATIONS RUGBY TO YOUR LIVING ROOM

British rugby fans across the whole of the UK will be able to watch this year’s scrums, trys and tackles live in brilliant HD with Freesat – completely subscription free. Freesat will be showing this year’s RBS 6 Nations rugby action on the BBC HD channel, starting from 6th February.

The adrenaline packed matches will run until the 20th March, being played at different stadiums including the British home of rugby, Twickenham. Ireland take on Italy for the first of the games.

High Definition is perfect for making every detail of the fast paced action appear pin-sharp, so you won’t miss a single drop kick or throw as England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales play to bring the title home. With HD offering a picture five times the quality of standard definition TV, rugby fanatics can experience the game as if they were watching it pitch-side.

If that wasn’t enough, Freesat bring viewers a whole host of first-class sports in HD throughout the year – all without monthly bills to pay and contracts to sign. The World Cup will be available on the BBC HD channel and ITV1 HD, as well as Winter Olympics, Golf Masters, Wimbledon, FA Cup and UEFA Champions league matches.

Official press release.

Friday 29 January 2010

ANDY MURRAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL IN FREE HD FROM FREESAT



ANDY MURRAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL IN FREE HD FROM FREESAT

Britain's Andy Murray is through to the Australian Open final against Roger Federer and you can catch all the nail biting action in high definition with Freesat – completely subscription free. The final airs this Sunday on the BBC HD channel.

Hopes are resting on Murray whose only other final appearance was at the 2008 US Open where he lost to Roger Federer.

High definition is perfect for making every detail of this legendary game appear crystal clear. Witness history in the making as Andy Murray fights to become the first Briton to claim a grand slam title in over 50 years. Experience the game as if you were watching from the courtside – whether you are a tennis fan or armchair fan, you won’t miss a serve with brilliant HD quality.

If that wasn’t enough, Freesat is offering a whole host of top-tier live sports in HD throughout the coming year – completely subscription free. The World Cup, Rugby Six Nations, Golf Masters and Wimbledon will all be available on the BBC HD Channel with the FA Cup, England World Cup internationals and UEFA Champions league matches over on ITV1 HD too.

Wednesday 13 January 2010

FOLLOW FREESAT at FREESAT_TV



FOLLOW FREESAT at FREESAT_TV

Get latest freesat updates and industry news

Freesat is expanding its online community with an exciting new Twitter account @freesat_TV - the free-to-air satellite service will be posting updates as well as the best and most relevant information from the world of technology and television.

Follow Freesat on Twitter @freesat_TV