BBC FREESAT HD TV BLOG.

PAY TV IS NEARLY UPON US.

2011-11-29T05:08:00.000-08:00

PAY TV IS NEARLY UPON US.

Pay TV as we know it is about to change, for the better hopefully but unlikely!
Freeview has already the slots loaded at channel slots; 110, 111,112 and supposedly 120.
At present a couple of hours at night can be viewed at 112 called "Sports-tonight", as long as you have your freeview receiver internet enabled.
Soon channels 110 will broadcast "International TV Network", which will be looking for a financial subscription - at present the website is vague about everything with lots of sidestepping websites which seem to be attempting to feed the web-surfer info bit by bit.
Similar to channel 110 will be channel 111 which will house the channel named "Connect" which again will be a financial subscription channel - again information is vague but it's likely there will be the same old same old as existing pay TV with a different wrapper on.
The biggest problem with these new money orientated packages is the expected loss of quality in the existing free TV as months go on until the Pay-TV channels start to look familiar in the freeview/freesat receivers.
Freesat will go the same way as Freeview with these new Pay-TV channels and as they are being entered in stealth mode after the Freeview/freesat ""free for ever"" TV media build up we can expect them to stay with us for a long time to come.
We have now seen some devious methods of offering us TV or should that be underhanded methods - for example we have all been complaining for years and years about the awful time a twenty minute programme can be extended to an hour so that all the brain numbing adverts can be introduced - the usual excuse is the different programmes are paid for by the adverts - this we all know to be hogwash! So what happened? why they extended the advert times again so that we are now getting even more adverts during programming. Did they listen when we complained - yes they did and decided to punish us for moaning!
We are now faced with the idea that Pay-TV is a good thing and we should subscribe! One of these channels above is after your information even before it has revealed it's broadcasting hours, programming, cost, but more importantly why it needs your personal information?
Our advice to those interested; by all means keep interested, but wait until more info becomes available.
All the named channels; ie; 110,111,112,120 will need internet enabled Freeview or freesat receivers.

GOOGLE TV

2011-08-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

Google TV is on it's way!
Google TV will hit our retailers very soon and the enormous innovations built into the new Google TV are a step into the future.
You probably love your mobile apps, but how about your 50 inch screen viewing your favourite app, not a problem for the new Google box as it comes with apps already built in with new apps being recorded daily.
You can view the entire web on your 50 inch plasma so these "you tube", funnies are a bonus viewing alternative.
You can even use your mobile or cell as a remote control to control the Google box, and like your usual computer desktop/screen the Google box has it's own homepage on switch on which can be designed by you in the same way you like your computer switch on home page.
Using the Google box you can watch both the TV and the internet at the same time.
Recording your favourite channel is child's play so another attraction for many TV enthusiasts.
The actual prices in the U.S. started at around $299 and recently slashed this to $99 so hopefully the U.K. prices will be well researched before release.

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Recorder

2011-06-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Recorder

PHILIPS HDTV 8520

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Recorder can only be described as a the toy every Freeview enthusiast should buy.
After having bench tested lots of different satellite and Terrestrial receivers we now have an outright winner.
Originally this little box (it is a little box in comparison to some of the freesat receivers on sale) could be bought for around the £300 mark - we bought ours for £147-50, and what a bargain it has turned out to be.
At this point I would strongly suggest updating the software(latest version dated 20-06-2011 version 7.21 released) which you can download from the Philips address within the guide book which comes with the Philips HDTV receiver. The update irons out all the little bugs.
To update you simply download the update either directly onto your pen-drive or directly onto your computer desktop and then load your chosen pen-drive and load the software as directed within the Philips HDTV booklet - very easy.
I love the little touches, such as when you select your viewing the box will suggest the following;
"this programme is also available in High-Definition" and the projected buttons to press appear on your screen for choosing yes or no - clever and so user friendly.
If you want to record something and there is a series it will also ask if you wish to record that particular episode or the whole series.
The menu system is child's play and designed by the experts of the stunning pictures; "Pace", all TV programmes are upscaled if they are not on HD and the picture is stunning.
I own a Philips plasma with built in Freeview and this little box with it's brilliant picture puts it to shame.
The Philips HDTV 8520 has a large 500gbs disk for recording and to sweeten the techie side we have a time shift buffer, and to explain here's how it works;
When you switch to a channel your HD recorder automatically starts recording the programme that is being played and stores it temporarily in the time shift buffer. When you switch to a different channel, your HD recorder discards the previously recorded programme, and starts recording the currant programme.
This feature enables you to pause a live programme at any moment and later continue watching it from that point, or instantly rewind and watch what you have seen or missed in the last few seconds.
The HD recorder stores up to 3 hours of live TV content in the time shift buffer. At the end of 3 hours, the oldest part of the recording is overwritten.
Your HD recorder empties the contents of the time shift buffer when you change the channel, or turn off your HD recorder or put it in standby - similar idea to the RAM memory in a computer.
The Philips HDTV 8520 has a 500Gb hard Disk Drive and the recording times are;
MPEG2 220 hours
MPEG4 110 hours(High-Definition)
The little box's size is;
240mm X 210mm X 65mm

Conclusion;
If your in the market for an HD Freeview box then grab one while you still can. They may be hard to find but do not be put off by that, the box working is head and shoulders above the rest. The box has MPEG4 built in which makes it future proof for a while yet.
They offer exactly what you want; ie;
Excellent picture quality;
User friendly;
The box can fit into spaces that other receivers never will.

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Recorder

2011-06-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Recorder

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 FREEVIEW SUPERB RECEIVER.

2011-06-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

PHILIPS HDTV 8520 High-Definition Digital Terrestrial Recorder

PLEASE CLICK ON THE GRAPHIC FOR A CLOSER LOOK.

SNP WELCOME BBC ALBA TO FREEVIEW

2011-05-24T02:54:00.000-07:00

SNP WELCOME BBC ALBA TO FREEVIEW

The SNP has today welcomed the news that a date has been set for BBC Alba to be made available to Freeview viewers in Scotland. Previously BBC Alba was only available via Sky or FreeSat, meaning that the majority of Gaelic speaking Scots were unable to tune in.

Now, from the 8th June, viewers will be able to access the channel on Freeview. The channel is also set to be rolled out on Virgin Media.

The move was welcomed by the Na h-Eileanan an Iar MSP Alasdair Allan and MP Angus MacNeil.

Commenting Mr Allan said:

“I am delighted that after much campaigning the BBC Trust has decided to allow BBC Alba on Freeview, where it will be going live in only a few weeks. I know that the channel also became available on Cable last week.

“This is a major step forward for both the channel and the Gaelic language. Every person in Scotland should soon have access to this excellent and important channel.

“It is a recognition of the achievements and the quality of BBC Alba in appealing to both Gaelic and non-Gaelic speakers that the decision has been taken to expand the channel in such a way.

“This is just one step on a long road to building a viable future for the Gaelic language, but it is a hugely important one. I look forward to the benefits that such an increase in TV exposure will bring for BBC Alba and Gaelic and wish the channel every success for the future.”

Mr MacNeil added:

“After many years of campaigning at Westminster and calling on the BBC Trust’s representative in Scotland, Jeremy Peat, to get this done, I am delighted that a date has finally been set.

“I have been pushing this for many years, finally BBC Alba can be now be viewed on Freeview.

“At last, everyone will now have access to view the fantastic BBC Alba, this is a tremendous step forward for the Gaelic language and an indication of the success of the channel since its launch in September 2008.”

CONSOLIDATED PR TAKES OVER THE FREESAT ACCOUNT FROM BORKOWSKI.

2010-06-09T05:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

2010-06-02T03:36:00.000-07:00

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.

GOOD FREESAT GUIDE TO BBC iPLAYER

2010-04-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

GOOD FREESAT GUIDE.

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

2010-04-17T17:36:00.000-07:00

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."

FREESAT WORLD CUP COVERAGE

2010-04-01T04:09:00.000-07:00

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

AMY WILLIAMS BRITAINS GOLD MEDAL HEROINE.

2010-02-20T03:11:00.000-08:00

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!

BBC WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES.

2010-02-18T03:38:00.000-08:00

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/

BBC ALBA MUST BE ON FREEVIEW

2010-02-11T08:24:00.000-08:00

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!”

FREESAT BRINGS HIGH DEFINITION 6 NATIONS RUGBY TO YOUR LIVING ROOM

2010-02-05T04:50:00.000-08:00

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 6^th February.

The adrenaline packed matches will run until the 20^th 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.

ANDY MURRAY AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL IN FREE HD FROM FREESAT

2010-01-29T09:05:00.000-08:00

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.

FOLLOW FREESAT at FREESAT_TV

2010-01-13T05:52:00.000-08:00

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

BBC ALBA REVIEW CLOSING SOON.

2009-12-29T09:43:00.000-08:00

BBC ALBA REVIEW CLOSING SOON.

BBC ALBA is a Gaelic language television channel currently available on satellite and via BBC iPlayer. It aims to serve Gaelic speakers, those learning the language, those that might wish to learn, and those interested in the language and culture. It aims to reflect and support Gaelic culture, identity and heritage.
The BBC TRUST review which opened on the 26th Oct 2009 closes soon on the 18th Jan 2009 - so if you feel you have a point of view about this channel get writing.
Why would there be any review of this channel? we would say they are trying to remove it, why else would there be a review?
Considering some of the total rubbish some channels continually show this review is unjust.
Take for example the awful what they call a reality shows - Big Brother, what a load of garbage this is, or how about the other paint drying programme; "I'm a celebrity! get me out of here". really, really bad programming.
Surely the Trust would be better cutting their cloth by trimming awful programmes rather than quality channels?

BBC URGED TO MAKE SCOTLAND LOCAL

2009-12-29T09:24:00.001-08:00

BBC URGED TO MAKE SCOTLAND LOCAL

The BBC Trust has today been urged to recognise different regions of
Scotland through it’s TV news broadcasts.

Aberdeen North MSP Brian Adam has called on the BBC to increase their
volume and quality of localised news content. The call comes at the
same time as the BBC is carrying out a consultation on BBC Alba, and
STV looks to re-evaluate content.

Urging the BBC to make Scotland local the SNP MSP has written to the
BBC Trust suggesting they consider regional opt outs from Reporting
Scotland or as part of a wider news programme within Scotland.

Mr Adam said:

“As far as the BBC is concerned Scotland is all one region. The
result is that those of us living in the North or the Highlands see
very little of our local news on the TV.

“While BBC Radio produces local opt outs and STV broadcasts news for
the North, the West and the East of Scotland, much of the BBC TV
content is focussed on the central belt.

"The current arrangement that we get for news from the major
broadcasters in Scotland simply isn't satisfactory. The BBC have a
duty towards license payers across this country, and they simply
aren't doing them justice."

"Recent reviews within the BBC agree with this and so I'm calling on
them to re-evaluate their news content north of the border. Currently
STV have regional opt-outs, and I see no reason why we couldn't have a
similar set up on the BBC."

“A Scottish digital channel offers the opportunity to expand local
news but why wait?

"Both STV and the BBC have the facilities in Aberdeen, in Dundee, in
Inverness and I'm sure that people in the North East and Highlands
would welcome more local reporting, as would others across the
country."

FREESAT CODE FOR HUMAX HD RECEIVERS RELEASED

2009-12-22T08:03:00.000-08:00

FREESAT CODE FOR HUMAX HD RECEIVERS RELEASED

Freesat releases code 5483 for Humax HD receivers.

Following the BBC iPlayer on Freesat code (5483) appearing on several forums yesterday, Freesat would like to clarify:

The BBC iPlayer beta release is currently available on Freesat Humax HD and Freesat+ Humax boxes

All other existing and new Freesat HD boxes and Freesat integrated TVs will have BBC iPlayer rolled out to them in the New Year

For full instructions on how to set up BBC iPlayer on Freesat HD receivers go to

http://BBCiplayerbetatrial09.freesat.co.uk/BBCiplayer

PROJECT CANVAS UPDATE 16th Dec 2009.

2009-12-16T10:06:00.000-08:00

PROJECT CANVAS UPDATE 16th Dec 2009.

The companies involved in project canvas, a project that that aims to create an open platform for internet-connected TV devices, have announced that UK public service broadcaster Channel 4 and internet service provider Talk Talk have joined the project.

The six partners will now seek expressions of interest from other companies, who share a similar vision for internet-connected TV, to become partners in the joint venture that will promote and run the platform.

Although canvas has been open to discussions with any interested organisations since the proposals were first announced in February 2009, the six canvas partners now wish to invite any further expressions of interest from companies interested in becoming part of the joint venture. Any venture that wants to support the open internet-connected TV platform and can commit financial and marketing support to the project is invited to contact the partners.

Project canvas report.

The BBC’s involvement in project canvas is subject to BBC Trust approval. If the proposals are approved, the partners would form a new joint venture to develop the technical specification for devices with standards body the Digital Television Group (DTG), create and market a new consumer brand, build a common user experience, and build the technology platform.

Converging broadcast with broadband, the new platform would bring together linear TV and internet-based applications – creating an upgrade for the UK’s existing free-to-air TV platforms Freeview and Freesat, and giving TV audiences open access to a wide range of internet-based services.

The canvas partners have proposed that all prospective venture partners should be granted an equal proportion of shares in the new joint venture company.

Project canvas programme director Richard Halton said:

“Internet-connectivity is going to have a transformational effect on TV. By seamlessly converging broadband and broadcast content, project canvas can help secure the future of free-to-air broadcasting and create an open platform that gives online services a route to the TV set.

“The potential for innovation goes far beyond bringing video-on-demand to the TV set and there’s a huge opportunity for a wide range of new commercial models to thrive. We always wanted all the UK’s public service broadcasters and at least two ISPs to be involved in the venture at launch, so we’re delighted that Channel 4 and Talk Talk have joined the project.

“Today we’re inviting any further expressions of interest from other companies to join the venture. We hope that any other businesses that share a similar vision for internet-connected TV will want to be a part of this story.”

Story from project canvas.

FOOD NETWORK LAUNCHES ONTO FREESAT

2009-12-14T03:23:00.000-08:00

TANTALISE YOUR TASTEBUDS AS FOOD NETWORK LAUNCHES ONTO FREESAT

Food Network – a channel combining credible cooking, fresh ideas and high-energy entertainment to inspire foodies and non-foodies alike - onto Freesat from today.

Freesat, the subscription-free satellite TV service, announces the launch of Food Network – the food channel with an appetite for entertainment - onto the platform from today, Monday 14 December 2009, on channel 405.

One of the most popular channels on US television, Food Network offers a combination of credible cooking, fresh ideas and high-energy entertainment to inspire foodies and non-foodies alike. Its exciting mix of US and UK programmes features primetime entertainment favourites Iron Chef America, Chopped and Food Network Challenge, alongside daytime shows hosted by new and established talent, including ratings winners Nigella Express and Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten, plus 30 Minute Meals with US celebrity chef Rachael Ray and Rescue Chef with Cambridgeshire-born Danny Boome.

The time-delayed version of Food Network - Food Network+1 - will also be launching on Freesat channel 406.

Freesat offers over 140 channels and free high-definition programmes from the BBC HD and ITV1 HD channels, completely subscription free. As if that’s not enough, Freesat is a satellite service, which means you can receive it wherever you live in the UK, even using an existing satellite dish.

Official press release dated 14th Dec 2009.

WORLD’S FIRST BETA RELEASE OF MHEG INTERACTION CHANNEL BY FREESAT

2009-12-09T05:29:00.000-08:00

WORLD’S FIRST BETA RELEASE OF MHEG INTERACTION CHANNEL BY FREESAT

London, UK – 7th Dec 2009: IMPALA, the International MHEG Promotion Alliance, today welcomes the news of the beta release of the worlds first deployment of hybrid broadcast broadband MHEG Interaction Channel (MHEG-IC) by UK free-to-air satellite platform Freesat.
Freesat, which is owned by the BBC and ITV, will allow access to the highly successful BBC iPlayer catch-up TV service via the IP connection, supplementing its existing broadcast content.
The principles behind the MHEG-IC are to provide a seamless viewer experience of broadcast-delivered content augmented with content delivered over IP as an extension of the channel or network. The MHEG-IC gives access to streamed on-demand video content in addition to traditional text and graphics as well as the ability to support secure transactions.
Giri Valliappan, Director of Market Development with IMPALA, says, “While there has been much discussion in the marketplace about other potential hybrid technologies, we are delighted that MHEG is the first to make this real-world breakthrough. The MHEG-IC has been designed to provide viewers with access to additional on-demand services without the broadcaster having to relinquish control, something that we believe to be tremendously important.”
The MHEG-IC uses a sophisticated „Hybrid File System that enables broadcasters to create common applications that can work on both IP-connected and unconnected receivers in a seamless and user friendly way. The MHEG-IC allows the application to determine whether or not an IP connection is possible (i.e. the receiver is equipped with the appropriate hardware and software) and whether or not it is actually available (i.e. has the user actually connected the receiver to the home network?).
The system enables decoding of MPEG-4 or MPEG-2 streams using the same hardware used for broadcast content.
Pdf can be downloaded here...

BBC iPlayer on Freesat factsheet - official press release.

2009-11-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

BBC iPlayer on Freesat factsheet

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Welcome to BBC iPlayer beta on Freesat

A Beta version of BBC iPlayer will be available on Freesat 7^th December, offering the BBC catch up TV service for the first time on a non-subscription TV service over open internet.

During the initial stage of Beta, selected journalists and partners will be able to access the service using a code. We hope as many Freesat viewers as possible will be able to use the service by Christmas and without the need for a code.

Watch what you want, when you want to

With BBC iPlayer on Freesat, you can catch up on your favourite BBC programmes from the last seven days or catch-up on whole series you may have missed, whenever you want and from the comfort of your sofa.

In the run up to Christmas around 450 hours of programming will be available each week, including popular programmes such as Strictly Come Dancing, Top Gear, EastEnders, Life, Gavin and Stacey, and The Gruffalo. And with the BBC’s full Christmas schedule still to be announced, Freesat viewers can look forward to even more great BBC programming being available whenever they feel like watching it.

The launch of BBC iPlayer on Freesat adds to the fantastic array of programmes already available on the platform including over 140 channels, with free HD from the BBC and ITV.

Easy set up

It's easy to set up BBC iPlayer on Freesat. Simply connect your HD Freesat TV or HD box to your broadband via the Ethernet port using an Ethernet cable or homeplug (auto set-up plugs on right column).

Alternatively, you can arrange for a professional to connect BBC iPlayer for you, either as part of full install if you have just bought Freesat or separately if you already have Freesat installed.

Viewers will need an actual broadband speed of 1Mbps to watch BBC iPlayer or 2Mbps to watch in high quality. Because actual speeds can vary from those advertised, it’s best to first test your broadband speed. There are many ways to do this online for free using a site such as www.mybroadbandspeed.co.uk.

You will initially be able to access the BBC iPlayer beta service by pressing the red button to get to the BBCi menu.

Emma Scott, Freesat’s managing director, comments, “We’re delighted to be able to offer BBC iPlayer to our viewers. All the HD receivers that have been bought and will be sold in the run up to Christmas will deliver BBC iPlayer so there’ll no need to buy any new receivers.

There’s a great schedule of programmes be available on BBC iPlayer in the lead up to Christmas with the likes of The Gruffalo, the EastEnders Special and Doctor Who.

BBC iPlayer has been fantastically successful online so being able to offer viewers the ability to watch it in their living room on a subscription free TV service for the first time will be transformational.

We’d like to thank the BBC for all their hard work bringing the service onto our platform.”

FREESAT EXCLUSIVE - GOODMANS HD, BUSH HD AND GUFSAT HD FREESAT BOX UPDATES.

2009-11-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

FREESAT EXCLUSIVE - GOODMANS HD, BUSH HD AND GUFSAT HD FREESAT BOX UPDATES.

Goodmans HD freesat box update will be transmitted again in four to six weeks in time for the BBC iPlayer freesat implementation.
The graphic above shows the older software version 1.4.33 which we have been informed will run o.k. and will update over the air when the new update comes out.
For those users with the Grundig Gufsat, Bush and Goodmans this is terrific news and should quell the fears of those who have sent us "E",mails worried about their freesat receivers. Some have told us they missed the last update because of holidays etc...
We are keen to inform readers that any time we have spoken to our contacts at Harvard International they have been happy to keep the bbcfreesathdtvblog informed about important future freesat plans.
Look out for your important updates in the next four to six weeks so that you can enjoy the benefits of the BBC iPlayer.

FREESAT HD CONNECTION HDMI TO COMPONENT

2009-11-23T07:28:00.000-08:00

FREESAT HD CONNECTION HDMI TO COMPONENT

Freesat HD conection HDMI to component is now available. This connection cable was sent to us from one of our freesat blog readers who bought it via a well known auction website.
Humax HD original box had the component connection disabled on the directive from freesat but this new cable will reverse the disabled Humax HD freesat receiver once again.
We all know that the function is already open via your computer using video capture cards that house component in, some PCI cards that are available can record a signal up to 1090 X 1080 which equates to full HD although component is restricted because it is analogue HD but this new cable opens up even more electronic equipment assuming you have the correct connections.
This has been posted to inform all parties who have contacted us about the negative feelings they had about the component connection being switched off in the Humax HD receiver. Please note we do not condone the use of these connectors or methods to view channels which great efforts have been made to keep them copy protected.

PUBLIC BACK SNP PROPOSAL FOR NEW SCOTTISH NETWORK

2009-11-22T10:32:00.001-08:00

PUBLIC BACK SNP PROPOSAL FOR NEW SCOTTISH NETWORK

IT'S TIME TO GIVE SCOTLAND POWER OVER IT'S BROADCASTING

SNP Westminster broadcasting spokesperson Pete Wishart MP has today (Sunday) highlighted a poll in the Sunday Times showing public support for the creation of a dedicated Scottish Television Network and called on the London Government to devolve powers over broadcasting to Holyrood.

The poll, carried out for the Sunday Times, shows support for a new Scottish Network running at 47% compared to only 18% opposed. This is welcome news for the SNP Government whose Culture Minister, Michael Russell, outlined the plans for the Network earlier this year.

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:

"This is very welcome news and just confirms the need for a dedicated Scottish network. Scotland is currently being short-changed by the current system and the only way to remedy that is to create a dedicated Scottishchannel.

"A dedicated Scottish Network would be a platform to showcase the talent and skills we have here in Scotland and also create jobs in the process. We have a wealth of talent in the media industry here and they should be able to work here in Scotland.

"The SNP Government has laid out plans for the creation of this network, now Westminster must listen to the calls and give Scotland the powers over broadcasting. For too long now they have ignored them, but the longer they ignore the calls the louder they will get".

FREESAT U.S. PARTNERS CBS NOW ON FREESAT 17th NOVEMBER 2009.

2009-11-16T17:54:00.000-08:00

FREESAT U.S. PARTNERS CBS NOW ON FREESAT 17th NOVEMBER 2009.

CBS DRAMA
CBS REALITY
CBS ACTION
CBS channels are now on freesat on channels 135 - 136 - 137
Hopefully this FREESAT CBS partnership will see us viewing some of CBS's massive library of programmes.

The big Oh! No! in todays update is the message above stating that freesat will be taking on board the usual ADULT rubbish - we were keeping our fingers crossed that freesat would be above this so it was with great disappointment that programme planners felt a need to spoil freesat with adult orientated adverts, the one perfect thing is we can hide these channels.
The adult theme has been added to our freesat receivers genre listings (which we feel should never have happened) and the advert shows on channel 869.

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE USING USB.

2009-11-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE USING USB.

Humax Foxsat HDR updates were made public yesterday (10thNov 2009) and to answer queries about how to update using a USB stick.

First make sure you have a USB stick for the purpose - we suggest one that has around a 2gig memory as the Humax seems to have problems with larger memory USB sticks.

Check that your System ID matches the download; ie; 3768.0000

Next download the files named;
Loader: FOXSAT-HDR_upgrade_U7_53.HDF
&
Application: FOXSAT-HDR_upgrade_10011.hdf

from; http://www.humaxdigital.com/uk/support/downloadcenter_model.aspx?category_seq=65
*
Note one is called the loader and one is called the application.
Next, change the name of the loader to;

FOXSAT-HDR_upgrade.hdf
Put this changed file onto your USB stick - go to your Humax Foxsat HDR and make sure the HDR is on standby.
Push your USB stick into the USB slot under the front flap-down of your HUmax Foxsat HDR.
Press and hold the on button (silver metal switch) on the front of your Humax Foxsat HDR until you see on your screen the load message.
Follow the screen directions to restart when fully loaded.
Take out your USB stick during restart and take it back to your computer - access the USB stick and delete the Loader file which you just
loaded into your Humax Foxsat HDR and replace it with the application file and again rename it and call it;
FOXSAT-HDR_upgrade.hdf
Go back to your Humax Foxsat HDR, make sure it is in standby again - push in your USB stick and again hold down the silver power button
until once again you see the loader starting - this time your file will take much longer to load but again follow the screen directions to restart
your Humax Foxsat HDR.

If you find that following the above directions your Loader page does not appear while pressing the silver start button it may be that your Humax does not see
your particular brand of USB stick or the memory in the USB stick is huge so try a smaller memory stick and hopefully it will work o.k.

FREESAT, FREEVIEW DRM ISSUES.

2009-11-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

FREESAT, FREEVIEW DRM ISSUES.

DRM( digital rights management) rights management issues answered.

Freeview will NOT have any DRM on the new BBC HD programming.
freesat has at present DRM on the BBC HD programming.

Freeview and now freesat are causing total confusion with viewers everywhere and we try and sort out what is fast becoming a TV viewers jungle.
This update tries to answer a few questions which have been winging our way over the last week.
Normally we answer each and every "E", mail but this one is not practical as so many are asking similar questions.
***
We start with freesat ; freesat is satellite dish Dependant and it has DRM (digital rights management) set on certain programming so that only certain audiences within certain territorial boundaries can view the programme. Future updates will include access for the Ethernet connection which may allow viewing of internet based items like the BBC iPlayer, etc...
***
Freeview is terrestrial (roof or cable Ariel) and new Freeview boxes are due out soon which will be able to pick up the new MPEG4 transmissions - existing Freeview boxes and the great majority of existing TV sets are not equipped to handle MPEG4 transmissions. future updates will include Ethernet connection which may allow viewing of internet based on demand programming.
***
To recap;
Freeview (terrestrial) will NOT have any DRM (digital rights management).
freesat (satellite) will have DRM (digital rights management) switched on.
***
Our conclusion;
We in U.K. are very lucky to have such a wide choice of channels all for the price of our licence fee - it would be Oh! so wrong for fee paying channels to be brought in on stealth.
Our suggestion on new purchases;
Make sure your new TV, Freeview box, CD recorder etc...is equipped to handle or be able to cope with MPEG4.

FREESAT - HUMAX HD BOX HDMI - COMPONENT OUT FIX/SOLUTION.

2009-11-09T11:24:00.001-08:00

FREESAT - HUMAX HD BOX HDMI - COMPONENT OUT FIX/SOLUTION.

BBC Freesat Blog will always be the first with breaking news regarding Freesat TV.

Opposite you will see an HDMI to Component Lead now selling on Ebay and other cable solution stores throughout Europe.

When the Humax first arrived it had component outs enabled to let owners of either DVI or Component equipped TV sets to watch Freesat HD channels in perfect quality, however after the first few months Humax were asked to remove the said facility of Component out because the BBC requested all freesat manufacturers to conform to avoid possible copyright infringements.

Well that now goes out the window as users of Humax HD boxes that have a HDTV but only with either Component or DVI sockets have been left to wonder what HD from the BBC -ITV was really like while watching SD in the form of a 21 pin scart plug?

Now that these £5 cable solutions are on the go its a simple matter of HDMI out on the Humax Box into your Component.

Now its kind of obvious that this may be seen as a hack of sorts but it had to happen sooner than later and it kind of makes you wonder why it was ever switched off in the first place as its still not a simple task to copy HD material from a FREESAT BOX, if at all!
We wonder if Humax would have been given that "switch it off" directive if these cables had been kicking around from the start or more to the point, why was this eventuality not considered along with other possibilities which are also sure to surface? before too long.
Only time will tell about copy protection but we think as long as any receiver has an out connection there will always be someone with the knowledge to circumvent copy protection one way or another.

TOP GEAR ON FREESAT HD. 9th Nov 2009 official press release.

2009-11-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

TOP GEAR ON FREESAT HD. 9th Nov 2009 official press release.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8th NOV 2009.

2009-11-07T14:42:00.001-08:00

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8th NOV 2009.

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE - 6th Nov 2009.

2009-11-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE - 6th Nov 2009.
Freesat Humax HDR is getting a facelift in the very near future - in the next few days Humax is expected to have their download or should that be over the air download for those who have been waiting some time for updates to various niggles and problems.
We have been informed all will now be addressed with the new update;
The most important for most viewers is;
confirmation of the new iPlayer placement within the freesat package is still unclear with stories that those wishing iPlayer included with their freesat systems may need a code number?
So for those looking for that important update, it looks like your troubles will soon be over.
Readers can expect those official press releases hitting the forums and blogs very soon telling us the facts about the iPlayer and freesat viewing.

FREESAT TESTS BBC iPLAYER IN NOVEMBER 2009.

2009-11-05T02:06:00.000-08:00

FREESAT TESTS BBC iPLAYER IN NOVEMBER 2009.

BBC iPlayer to launch on Freesat

The BBC iPlayer will be trialled to a limited number of Freesat viewers at the end of November.

A full service on Freesat should be launched in 2010, said a BBC spokesperson. All Freesat HD boxes will be able to receive it.

Rahul Chakkara, head of TV platforms at the BBC, announced the beta trial on the BBC internet blog.

He also said that a quarter of BBC iPlayer viewing is now done through the TV via Virgin Media.

The BBC iPlayer became available on Virgin Media in June 2008.

Mr Chakkara said that 200 million programmes had been viewed on the catch-up service since then.

It is also available via the Nintendo Wii and Sony Playstation 3 games consoles, although Wii users have experienced some problems with the service. The BBC says a new version is being developed for that platform.

Adapting the technology behind the BBC iPlayer interface for television had been "a challenge" he added.

"This is a fast changing and evolving industry," he wrote on the blog.

"Many of our assumptions will be challenged with time. We will keep coming back to the products and update them where appropriate."

BBC press release.

FREESAT TO DATE 3rd Nov 2009.

2009-11-03T03:12:00.000-08:00

FREESAT TO DATE 3rd Nov 2009.

Freesat to date

· May 2008 – Freesat launches with SD and HD digital boxes

· June 2008 - Freesat-integrated televisions are first introduced by Panasonic

· August 2008 - Freesat shows over 300 hours of the Beijing Olympics coverage in pin-sharp high definition on the BBC HD channel

· September 2008 – Freesat wins the Pace / DTG award for ‘Best Contribution to Digital TV in the UK’

· November 2008 - Freesat+ launches

· May 2009 – Freesat stage the first Freesat Awards

· July 2009 – Freesat delivers TV first by showing BET Awards Michael Jackson tribute concert in one-off HD special

· September 2009 – Sony announces range of Freesat TVs

· September 2009 – Freesat reaches 600,000 sales, overtaking BT Vision

ABOUT FREESAT 3rd Nov 2009.

2009-11-03T03:09:00.000-08:00

ABOUT FREESAT 3rd Nov 2009.

About Freesat

Freesat is a satellite TV service providing subscription-free digital television to everyone in the UK. It offers over 140 TV, radio and interactive channels, including High Definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV. Freesat is a not-for-profit organisation and is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. For more information visit www.freesat.co.uk

Freesat stats

· In excess of 600,000 Freesat sales

· Around 70 hours of peak time HD programming is shown on Freesat every week, subscription free

· Over 140 channels and services are now available

· 90% levels of customer satisfaction and recommendation

FREESAT TO LAUNCH NEW AUTUMN TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

2009-11-03T03:02:00.000-08:00

Official press release timed and dated 09.00 3rd Nov 2009.

FREESAT TO LAUNCH NEW AUTUMN TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Freesat, the subscription-free digital TV satellite service, is launching its new advertising campaign on Saturday 7 November 2009.

The campaign focuses on the Freesat+ and Freesat HD services, using idiosyncratic British TV fans to illustrate the benefits of pausing, recording and rewinding live TV and the immersive experience of watching in HD television – for free.

Shot in slow motion to create warmth and atmosphere, the ad features coloured plectrums from the Freesat logo falling like snowflakes around the viewers as they’re drawn into the world of Freesat. The ad finishes on rooftops at dusk with thousands of plectrums raining down from the sky and the Freesat brand line: brilliant for everyone.

The campaign breaks on Saturday evening on ITV1 during ‘Life Stories’ with Piers Morgan and follows the success of Freesat’s Easter advertising that helped drive a 50% sales increase over the summer and saw Freesat overtake BT Vision to become the 4th biggest TV service in the UK.

Will Abbott, Freesat marketing and communications director commented, “Freesat is going from strength to strength and the new campaign reinforces our position as the UK’s premium free TV service. With new Freesat+ HD recorders launching in time for Christmas, and high definition from the BBC and ITV already available nationwide, subscription-free, we’re looking forward to a strong finish to the year.”

Owen Lee, creative director at Farm said: “Freesat has successfully established itself as the best digital TV platform by far for people who expect brilliant TV for free. This campaign elevates the brand and captures the magical experience of brilliant TV for everyone.”

HD FREEVIEW CHANNELS - HD FUTURE IS MPEG4

2009-10-31T10:22:00.000-07:00

HD FREEVIEW CHANNELS - HD FUTURE IS MPEG4

HD Freeview channels are going to be the first of the Freeview HD channels sent out in MPEG4.
What does this mean to the non-technical viewer who has only one thing in mind, ie; relaxing after a hard day with his family and choosing to watch the football in HD from Freeview.
What does our Mr average need from his TV equipment to do this - if he has freesat there are no problems, as he can watch freesat in MPEG2 at present and enjoy his football or perhaps a family movie.
2010 will see the addition of HD being transmitted from Freeview and Mr average will need a new, (yet to be revealed) Freeview box, (not to be confused with freesat) which is capable of handling MPEG4, the older Freeview boxes cannot handle MPEG4 and those wishing the very latest HD channels their Freeview box will need to be replaced. To elaborate; ALL EXISTING PUBLIC FREEVIEW BOXES will be unable to handle MPEG4.
Now this is where it gets awkward and confusing, but here goes;
Only a very small proportion of BRAND NEW TV systems out there are actually capable of handling MPEG4 - our research has found that some of the so called latest bargain TV's which are Plasma or LCD and have inbuilt Freeview, are not designed to handle the new MPEG4, although your local friendly salesman will quite happily wash over this as something in the future far far away.
If you are shopping for your new telly, and you want the latest with everything considered and you also want HD (high definition) then insist on a TV that has inbuilt MPEG4 firmware.
The sky will not fall in if you use your existing Freeview boxes or Freeview inbuilt telly, but if you like the latest in techie equipment which in 2010 will be the new Freeview box which will be capable of handling MPEG4 + many other little extras. To compliment the new type Freeview box insist on the latest inbuilt MPEG4 firmware TV.
It seems the media and the political arena are awash with the magic word, "CHANGE", and we feel that like everything else our TV as we know it is going to be the next victim.

VIVA TV KICKS OFF BIG TIME.

2009-10-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

VIVA TV KICKS OFF BIG TIME.

Viva TV kicked off on freeview with some top programmes.
Top American shows like; "Two and half men" and Hulk Hogans wrestling school can be viewed.
Their website can be found at;
http://uk.viva.tv/
You can view the schedule and plan your viewing.

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU - FREESAT TV LATEST NEWS.

2009-10-23T10:24:00.000-07:00

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU - FREESAT TV LATEST NEWS.

EVERY STAR WARS MOVIE IN HD FOR FREE

WITH ITV HD EXCLUSIVELY ON FREESAT

Official Freesat TV Press Release.

Jump aboard the Millennium Falcon and prepare to fight the Death Star as the entire Star Wars movie franchise is coming to a living room near you, in High Definition and subscription free, on the ITV HD service from Freesat, starting 24^th October.

Running throughout the month of November and December, the entire series will be airing on ITVHD in consecutive order, beginning with Episode I: The Phantom Menace on 24^th October, culminating with Episode VI: Return of the Jedi in December, and including the terrestrial premiere of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. A favourite of film fans of all ages, this franchise has to be seen in digitally remastered HD.

The Star Wars have generated a universe of their own, from books to video games and has made stars of actors such as Harrison Ford. Originally released in 1977 with Star Wars, followed by The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, director George Lucas returned to Star Wars in 1999 with The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, prequels to the original series.

Freesat is a subscription-free satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV, with over 140 channels and free high-definition programmes from the BBC and ITV, all with no monthly bills. As Freesat is a satellite service, you can receive it anywhere in the UK and can use an existing satellite dish.

Other ITV HD highlights on Freesat include films such as Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and Champions League and FA Cup football.

FREESAT HOSTS ZING TV.

2009-10-13T07:21:00.000-07:00

FREESAT HOSTS ZING TV.

Freesat hosts Zing TV which will delight Indian viewers all over the U.K. who have been requesting for some time their own dedicated TV channel, but more importantly films from that all important Bollywood stable.
Viewers wishing more detailed information can click this link which will take them direct to http://www.zingtv.in/
Their full TV schedule can be viewed and for those who follow film stars can download their favourite screen savers.
The Zing TV website compliments their TV channel with lots of gossip, video's, downloads and news.
Freesat has once again gained another popular TV channel - watch this space for next months offerings...

FREESAT LAUNCHES AMERICAN GIANT CBS.

2009-10-02T02:56:00.001-07:00

FREESAT LAUNCHES AMERICAN GIANT CBS.
Freesat;
freesat is about to get another injection of channels and channel changes.

The American giant CBS will add three channels to the Freesat channels on the 16th of November 2009.
The channels are;
CBS ACTION - CBS DRAMA - CBS REALITY
As well as being on Freesat they will also be shown on Virgin and Sky and unlike Quest on Sky these three will be free for Freesat viewers.
Freesat existing channels; ZONE REALITY will change it's name to allow for these new channel additions.
Freesat is looking better and better value for our public licence fees.

FREEVIEW HOSTS QUEST TV - WHAT EXACTLY IS QUEST?

2009-10-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

FREEVIEW HOSTS QUEST TV - WHAT EXACTLY IS QUEST?

Quest is a new entertainment channel launched on Freeview
Quest is the only new channel to launch as part of Freeview’s big re-tune
Quest is on Freeview Channel 38
The channel transmits daily from 10am – midnight
The programming is a mix of quality drama, outdoor adventure series, documentary series and user-generated video clip shows

HELI-LOGGERS ON QUEST TV.

2009-10-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

HELI-LOGGERS ON QUEST TV.

In the rain forest of northern British Columbia, a rowdy group of extreme loggers risk their lives to provide the world with something that we often take for granted; logging has a fatality rate that tops all other jobs performed on land. Working against the clock, these loggers battle perilous terrain, weather and even bears, while maintaining an eco-friendly, environmentally sustainable mission.

DISCOVERY TV SHOWING ON QUEST.

2009-10-01T07:37:00.000-07:00

DISCOVERY TV SHOWING ON QUEST.

Freeview viewers can look forward to a new engineering based series set to air on Quest, a new Discovery backed channel launched yesterday.

In Industrial Junkie presenter and engineering enthusiast Jonny Smith (Fifth Gear) experiences every essence of the process, the noise, heat, sparks and sweat of Europe’s biggest engineering industries.

Over the series Smith visits a Norwegian oil rig, digs for lignite to create coal in Poland and blows up tonnes of limestone to eventually create glass in Belgium.

Smith describes making the series as “an amazing experience.”

“The scale alone has blown me away. My highlights were being allowed to drive a 200 metre long, 8,000 tonne coal extractor in Poland which looked like a mechanical dinosaur; and in Sweden pressing the button which set off 250 sticks of explosive – underground. I was still shaking hours later. That was cool.”

Thursdays from 1st October 2009 at 9pm and 9.30pm on Quest (Freeview channel 38).

Quest TV joins freeview on the 30th Sept 2009.

2009-09-29T11:56:00.000-07:00

Quest TV joins freeview on the 30th Sept 2009.

Quest TV joins freeview as of noon on the 30th Sept 2009. So fans of programmes such as T.J.Hooker, Ironside and Law and Order are in for a treat with these particular shows running from the start tomorrow which begins with T.J.Hooker at; 12.00 noon in U.K.
This channel looks like it will be a particular favourite channel and it seems strange that channel 38 has been selected for it's entrance into Freeview. We expected it to be well up the numbers list among some of the popular channels.
The quest TV website which is at; www.questtv.co.uk has the schedule up until the 14th October already showing.
Quest TV? will it be popular - we think it will!
To get Quest?
retune your Freeview box or TV around lunchtime tomorrow the 30th Sept 2009, the channel will also be available on Sky.

FREESAT CUSTOMERS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY FREEVIEW RETUNE DAY ON 30 SEPTEMBER

2009-09-29T05:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday 29 September 2009

FREESAT CUSTOMERS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY FREEVIEW RETUNE DAY ON 30 SEPTEMBER

Customers of subscription-free digital TV satellite service, Freesat, will not be affected by the Freeview retune day tomorrow, Wednesday 30 September, which Digital UK estimates will affect up to 18 million homes in the UK.

All Freeview set-top boxes and televisions will need retuning so that viewers can continue to receive all of Freeview’s channels and services. However, Freesat customers won’t have to lift a finger to re-scan or re-tune as updates of this nature happen automatically with Freesat channels and services.

***

Freesat Fact Check

Launch Date	6 May 2008
Number of products sold	600,000
Total channels	140+
Manufacturers	Digital boxes: Harvard International (Bush, Goodmans, Grundig) Humax Metronic Freesat+ Humax TVs with Freesat built-in Panasonic LG
Prices starting from	· A standard-definition (SD) digital box, currently priced from £48.99, providing over 140 digital TV channels and services · A high-definition (HD) digital box, currently priced from £69, providing over 140 channels, plus the BBC HD channel and the ITV HD channel · A freesat+ digital television recorder, currently priced from around £249.94, allowing viewers to pause, rewind and record up to 200 hours of freesat digital TV · An integrated digital TV (IDTV), currently priced from £489.95, a flat screen television with HD Freesat built in
Recent marketing campaigns	Easter advertising campaign
Company details	Freesat is a not for profit organisation and a joint venture between the BBC and ITV

Notes

Freesat is a satellite TV service providing subscription-free digital television to everyone in the UK. It offers over 140 TV, radio and interactive channels, including High Definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV. Freesat is a not-for-profit organisation and is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV. For more information visit www.freesat.co.uk

To get Freesat, viewers can use an existing satellite dish, or a dish can be installed for around £80. Freesat is available from Argos, Currys, Comet, John Lewis, Maplin and many independent retailers.

BBC HD JOIN FREEVIEW.

2009-09-24T04:18:00.000-07:00

BBC HD JOIN FREEVIEW.

Rumours abound with BBC HD going onto Freeview and along with these rumours are fairy stories that existing Freeview boxes will be obsolete - to clarify, ALL existing boxes will still be able to view as before and the over enthusiastic MP who delivered this did not have his facts accurate, rather strange that for an MP.
The true details are;
BBC HD on freesat is already encrypted for certain programmes or that should really be "Content Management", and the obvious must also apply to the new Freeview BBC HD which is expected to launch in early 2010, the World Cup in HD looks promising.
The rumours about existing Freeview boxes arose because new Freeview equipment is expected around the same BBC HD timetable.

WELCOME FOR STV SCOTTISH SIX

2009-09-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

WELCOME FOR STV SCOTTISH SIX

LOCAL CORRESPONDENTS MUST PLAY FULL ROLE

SNP Culture, Media and Sport spokesperson Pete Wishart MP has welcomed news STV are set to outline plans for a new, hour long integrated evening news programme giving a Scottish perspective on international, national and local events to be broadcast at 6pm - but warned that any change of format must not be allowed to diminish the standard of local coverage or lead to local jobs losses.

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:

“Plans for a comprehensive Scottish six o’clock news programme are very welcome, and must build on the existing success of STV’s local news services.

“Viewers in Scotland have been crying out for a substantial Scottish news programme, drawing together international, national and local news. STV’s plans represent a welcome step towards developing a relevant and cutting edge format for people in Scotland.

“One of STV’s greatest assets is its excellent network of local correspondents who must now play a full role in delivering a successful new format.”

Ninetendo Wii test review on BBCiPlayer.

2009-09-17T04:01:00.000-07:00

Ninetendo Wii test review on BBCiPlayer.

Ninetendo Wii is best known for multimedia which encourages owners to move off their posteriors, but knowing their rivals in multimedia boxes such as the Sony Play Station or the Microsoft X-box are continually upgrading we decided to try the Nintendo Wii's ability to view the possible internet TV and video possibilities.
The exact same wireless connection was used - ie; average speed for u.k. once again the wireless connection to the Wii was straightforward enough.
Using the search function in the Wii we started with the channel4 player - it does NOT play. Next we tried the ITV player - it also does NOT play. We then tried the demand five player and unlike the PS3 it does not play.
We then tried the BBCiPlayer and the Wii had no problems playing although unlike the PS3 it cannot upscale the picture - the Wii like the PS3 coped well with the BBCiPlayer without any line break or shake.
It is reported that the Wii's last update caused problems with the BBCiPlayer but we found no such problems.
Allowing for the time frame in connection, picture quality and hand controls the PS3 wins hands down.
Nintendo Wii is enhanced by the ability to view the BBCiPlayer.
Conclusion;
The BBCiPlayer added to both the PS3 and the Wii enhances both these multimedia entertainment systems but for our testing purposes we found that the PS3 is best to view the popular BBCiPlayer.

Strictly Come Dancing in FREE HD on Freesat.

2009-09-17T03:44:00.000-07:00

SPARKLES, SPINS AND PERFECT TENS – IT’S STRICTLY TIME AGAIN.

Strictly Come Dancing in FREE HD on Freesat.

Live from a living room near you, or so it will seem – the seventh series of Strictly Come Dancing waltzes its way back onto our screens in high-definition on the BBC HD channel – available completely subscription-free on Freesat from this Friday 18^th September at 8.30pm.

Clear your diaries and invite your friends round for the ultimate night in because this year’s Strictly Come Dancing promises to be the most exciting yet. What’s more it’s all available in glorious HD without having to pay a penny in monthly subscriptions if you’re with freesat. With 5x the picture quality and 5.1 surround sound, high definition shows up every wardrobe mishap and misstep, so the contestants need to make sure they are on top form for the cameras.

One big change this year is the format of the show, there will be two shows per weekend for the first two weeks giving viewers two opportunities to watch the fantastic new series in HD.

Former Strictly Come Dancing champion and actress Jill Halfpenny comments, ‘It will make such a difference to be able to watch Strictly Come Dancing in HD this year. It helps to make the audience really feel part of the show. It’s a shame we didn’t have high definition when I was on the show – the audience would have been able to see every spangle, twirl and tears to its full effect!”

Strictly Come Dancing continues to grow in popularity, with a finale audience of over 12million at the end of the 6^th series. With exciting big-name celebrities such as Jo Wood, Martina Hingis, Zoe Lucker and Joe Calzaghe, the 7^th series is set to be the most exciting yet.

Other BBC HD highlights available subscription-free on freesat in the coming weeks include That Mitchell and Webb Look, Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey and Dragon’s Den.

PS3 REVIEW OF BBC iPLAYER.

2009-09-16T08:44:00.000-07:00

PS3 REVIEW OF BBC iPLAYER.

BBC iPlayer, is it any good? does it run on other multimedia devices? read on for our experience!

All the media hype of BBCiPlayer got us thinking about what multimedia boxes can pick it up and cope with it. On doing our homework we tested the other popular internet TV possibility's such as Demand Five, ITVplayer and channel4 player to see how they too performed.
For todays test we used the latest upgraded "Play Station 3" or as is commonly known the "PS3" from Sony.
The results are via a wireless connection running at U.K. average speed.
First we searched for the channel4 player and tried to view something - actually anything without any success, all we got was gobbledegook! next we tried the ITV player and once again like the channel4 player it showed us gobbledegook, so none of these are compatible at this time with this multimedia player.
We then tried the well touted Demand five from channel five who it has to be added demand monies for some viewing titles - so steering clear of these pay per view programmes we tried the freebie stuff, result; it works although very slowly and at times painfully slow - the picture was watchable,just!
It was then the turn of the well known BBCiPlayer;
we can tell you the "PS3", ticks most of the boxes for speed, sound and choice - the picture has still to be perfected, and assuming this will be our viewing future the Internet BBC iPLAYER is still miles away from HD coverage although compatible with normal terrestrial TV.
We liked the idea of the PS3 making the BBCiPlayer as important as any of the games by showing it in it's own highlighted place after first viewing it.
The iPlayer was extremely easy to set-up via the PS3 after searching for it via the www. search section on the PS3 menu system. From clicking on the iPlayer name tag until viewing took around one minute - we used a wireless set up which requested the network name and also the passkey - very straightforward and once programmed in should not need re-set.
The PS3 is a wonderful family entertainment multimedia centre which is enhanced by adding to the PS3 the BBC iPLayer.

FREESAT TV DELIVERS 600,000 SALES SINCE LAUNCH.

2009-09-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

FREESAT TV DELIVERS 600,000 SALES SINCE LAUNCH.

RECORD 50% GROWTH IN LAST QUARTER AS FREESAT BECOMES UK’S 4^TH BIGGEST TV SERVICE

Official Freesat TV press release, from your official freesat blog.

Subscription-free digital satellite TV service, Freesat, has delivered sales of 600,000 in a little over a year.

Despite the economic downturn Freesat has had an excellent summer, increasing sales by fifty percent in the last quarter alone, from 400,000 in May to reach 600,000 sales in September. To put this into context, BT Vision has reached 443,000 customers since launching almost three years ago.

Freesat’s strong performance is more positive news for the UK TV industry despite challenging times. According to a report last month by Thinkbox, the television research and marketing body, TV viewing in the first half of this year was up on the five year average to 26.2 hours a week.

Free-to-air programming is proving especially popular with viewers. BARB figures reveal that nine of the ten top multi-channel programmes between January and June 2009 (non-sport) were available subscription-free on free-to-air TV platforms such as Freesat.

Emma Scott, managing director of Freesat comments, "To achieve this level of sales and viewing in such a short space of time is a fantastic achievement and testament to the ever-growing appeal of Freesat, both to consumers and broadcasters.”

“Great innovations such as high definition TV, Freesat+ (digital recording), and a wide range of programming have previously only been available by paying a subscription and are now proving incredibly popular with viewers. Freesat homes consistently rate the service highly, with over ninety percent saying they would recommend to a friend.”

“We’ve had a brilliant summer and are confident that we’ll continue to report outstanding growth, especially in the run up to the World Cup as we attract viewers that want to watch in high definition but without having to pay a subscription no matter where they live in the UK.”

Freesat is also working with the BBC to launch iPlayer in the near future and will be the first wholly subscription free TV platform to offer the award-winning catch-up TV service.

To get Freesat TV, you can use an existing satellite dish, or a dish can be installed for around £80. Freesat is available from Argos, Currys, Comet, John Lewis, Maplin and many independent retailers.

FREESAT TV SATELLITE DISH INSTALLATION.

2009-09-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

FREESAT TV SATELLITE DISH INSTALLATION.

Freesat TV dish erection and installation instructions can be found on the updated website;

http://www.freesattvdish.com

Anyone who is a little bit of a DIY guru will have no problems with the tutorial, information on the website.

FREESAT REVIEW ON THE NIKKAI HQ 5.8GHz VIDEO SENDER KIT.

2009-08-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

FREESAT REVIEW ON THE NIKKAI HQ 5.8GHz VIDEO SENDER KIT.

NIKKAI HQ 5.8GHz Video Sender Kit.

Nikkai are no stranger to video senders and testing the 5.8GHz system showed up a few surprises. For those old enough to remember the strong video senders of the past, ie; any old video sender from the past could be plugged in to any old spare socket and send it half way along the street to most of your neighbours - todays video senders are a completely different package which have to conform to legal legislation to avoid local Police and Ambulance interference etc...
The Nikkai was the third recent video sender tested, the other two previous to this simply did not perform and the previous two performed at 2.4GHz.
The 5.8 GHz Video Sender Kit out of the box is simple straightforward and easy to set up. Because of all the different freesat and future freesat box combinations then this video sender has got to be sound buying. The Kit itself is analogue but the benefit of the Kit running at 5.8GHz is you are rewarded with less hassle and no interference from other equipment, such as the Internet, Microwave, etc...
I tested first through my lounge into a bedroom (approx. distance 40 feet) through one brick wall and many furniture obstacles, the result was the picture was as good showing on a 20inch LCD HD ready TV as the original BBC HD coming from my Plasma screen in the lounge.
(yes we do know this opens a floodgate of would be recorders switching into action.)
Testing the signal on the TV next door it again showed no picture difference - this Kit is excellent.
O.K. the Kit is a little bit more expensive than the rest but it is worth while if you have long term plans for other TV or viewing set ups.
The Nikkai Kit has one section which transmits and another section which receives, a small push on power source which converts from the power socket that goes into a normal household three prong plug. Also going into the transmit section you have again a small push in plu that has the small IR remote repeater (for use with remotes) which seems to work on some equipment but not others.
Both the receiver and the transmitter sections have mini square type satellite antenna plates which need to be tweaked for best signal quality while transmitting at distance - if the signal is short these can remain folded down.
The forecasted transmitting range given in the Nikkai directives says up to 100 metres - we got close to this at one point and the picture quality did not degrade. The transmitter and receiver can both be changed by a simple button press over four channels - we tried all four but in our area this made no difference.
Technical;
Frequency range - 5.745 - 5.805 GHz
Connectivity - 3 phono (RCA) sockets on each of the transmitter and the receiver.
Connection to equipment is by Scart. All connectors have readable instructions.
Channl selection - 4 selectable channels.
Antenna type - High Gain Patch Antenna (separate UHF IR Remote antenna)
Supply voltage - DC 9v
IR operating frequency - 433.92 MHz
Transmitter output power - 50mVm@3m
Receiving sensitivity - -85dBm (min)
In the Box;
HQ 5.8GHz video sender
HQ 5.8GHz video receiver
2 x Power supplies
2 x 3phono (RCA) - SCART AV cables
IR remote extender cord

Conclusion;
high end pricing that returns good picture quality - probably one of the best video senders around at the moment.

BBC in Scotland football TV plea

2009-07-31T03:08:00.000-07:00

BBC in Scotland football TV plea

Sky and Setanta have been broadcasting Scotland's matches

See the BBC Trust submission here

The BBC has asked the government to guarantee that future Scotland football internationals are broadcast on terrestrial television.

The BBC Trust has made a submission to the Department of Culture Media and Sport, (DCMS) regarding events it would like to be added to the "A-list".

The list included "the live nations home and away qualifiers for the World Cup and European Championships".

The SFA's Gordon Smith has said such a move would kill Scottish football.

The BBC Trust said ring-fencing the matches to make them available to a terrestrial audience "strikes a balance between public sentiment and market impact."

But SFA chief executive Gordon Smith was reported by the Sunday Mail on 25 July to have written to his counterparts at the FA in London on the issue.

Mr Smith said Scottish football could not afford to accept the lower fees which are offered by terrestrial broadcasters.

The paper said his letter stated: "Scottish football cannot afford to lose this amount of money and be expected to continue to exist."

The BBC Audience Council for Scotland said in its annual report 2009 that one of its priorities for 2009/2010 was "to recommend to the DCMS that Scottish national football be listed for free-to-air transmission".

The government is reviewing the listing system for the first time since 1998.

The BBC's additions to the list include home nation football qualifiers for World Cups and European Championships in the respective nations.

Wales Six Nations and autumn rugby internationals are also on the proposed list of protected events.

The government announced an independent review into the events on the free-to-air list last year, with former Football Association chief executive David Davies appointed as the review's chairman.

The review panel's findings are expected to be announced in the autumn.

Story from;

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8176591.stm

HIT THE RIGHT NOTES WITH THE PROMS ON BBC HD ON FREESAT.

2009-07-27T12:53:00.000-07:00

HIT THE RIGHT NOTES WITH THE PROMS ON BBC HD ON FREESAT.

The symphonies, concertos, overtures and fugues of this year’s Proms will be better than ever this year with Freesat bringing viewers this unique summer event in glorious high definition on BBC HD. From the First Night of the Proms on Friday July 17 you can recreate the Proms experience in your own home all summer long, culminating with the renowned Last Night of the Proms celebration on September 12.

No need to compromise on sound or picture quality with Freesat as high definition (HD) gives you five times the quality of normal digital TV. With The Proms in crystal-clear HD, you won’t miss a single stroke of the kettle drum or twitch of the conductor’s baton as the experience bursts out of the TV and into your home.

This summer marks the 115^th year of the Proms, with concerts taking place in famous venues around the country; from the Royal Albert Hall to Cadogan Hall and the popular BBC Proms in the Park events.

As ever, the world’s finest classical talents will be performing, including pianist Lang Lang, violinist Joshua Bell, and well-known conductors William Christie and Valery Gergiev. Enjoy the music and feel the passion as Freesat brings the event to life in glorious high definition.

The Proms on the BBC HD channel will also be available in stunning surround sound for Freesat viewers with home-cinema speakers. So music lovers up and down the country will be able to savour the best in classical music as if they have the best seats in the house.

Other highlights available on BBC HD in the coming weeks include the IAAF World Athletics Championship Berlin 2009, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey and Dragon’s Den.

IAAF World Athletics Championship in HD on Freesat TV.

2009-07-27T12:47:00.000-07:00

IAAF World Athletics Championship in HD on Freesat TV.

Reach for your running shoes and sprint to the sofa, because this year’s World Championships in Athletics is coming to Freesat in high definition and subscription free. From Saturday 15^th to Sunday 23^rd August, the 12^th IAAF World Athletics Championship airs on the BBC HD channel.

Olympic Champion Michael Johnson will join the BBC commentary team to report on the nine days of athletics action – disciplines ranging from Relay to Triple Jump and Javelin Throw to 5,000 Metres. Some of this year’s hopefuls include British runner Christine Ohuruogu, as well as American-born Allyson Felix and LaShawn Merritt.

Berlin Olympic Stadium is the host of these prestigious games and for the first time in its history the marathon and walking competitions will take place in Berlin’s city centre - all in brilliant high definition.

HD is perfect for watching all the high-speed athletic action, with a picture that is five times the quality of normal digital TV. This amazing event in pin-sharp HD has a staggering 1,800 athletes, 47 competitions and 24 disciplines, there should be no need for photo finishes. Freesat + also enables you to record, fast forward and rewind live TV, in case you want to re-live any of the best moments.

Other BBC HD highlights include chat show Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, and dramas such as Torchwood and Gavin and Stacey.

PROJECT CANVAS UPDATE.

2009-07-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

PROJECT CANVAS UPDATE.

BBC Trust publishes additional information on Project Canvas

24 July 2009

The BBC Trust is currently assessing Project Canvas, the BBC Executive's proposals to form a joint venture partnership to deliver internet protocol television (IPTV). Following the Trust's first period of public consultation, the Trust asked the BBC Executive to provide more information on the proposals in order to help stakeholders. The Trust is today publishing the Executive’s response and the Trust's timetable for the remainder of the process.

Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee said:

"We are pleased that the BBC Executive has responded positively to our request for more information. We are now giving stakeholders the chance to let us have their comments so that we can give them careful consideration. Over the coming months we will continue to engage with stakeholders to help us make a fully informed judgement."

Additional information

In the Trust's first period of public consultation, the Trust met over 60 stakeholders and received over 800 submissions to the consultation. It found widespread support for the delivery of IPTV to the home and a large number of stakeholders also recognised the BBC could potentially help both coordinate and accelerate this process. In order to help stakeholders the Trust is today publishing additional information from the BBC Executive on the following areas:

The choice of technical standards to be adopted by Canvas;
The proposed way in which the BBC would work with industry bodies;
Control of the Electronic Programme Guide;
Governance arrangements for the joint venture;
The use of editorial controls.

report from the BBC Trust.

HIT THE RIGHT NOTES WITH THE PROMS ON BBC HD ON FREESAT

2009-07-23T03:36:00.000-07:00

HIT THE RIGHT NOTES WITH THE PROMS ON BBC HD ON FREESAT

Other highlights available on BBC HD in the coming weeks include the IAAF World Athletics Championship Berlin 2009, That Mitchell and Webb Look, Rick Stein’s Far Eastern Odyssey and Dragon’s Den.

BBC Proms 2009 HD

BBC World Service brings you nine weekends of high quality performances from the UK's greatest classical music festival.

The First Night of the Proms: 18 - 19 July

Prom 8: 800th Anniversary of Cambridge University: 25-26 July

Prom 10: Akiko Suwanai: Virtuoso Violin Works: 01-02 August

Prom 28: Karen Geoghegan: Bassoon Concerto: 08-09 August

Prom 32: Multiple Pianos: 15-16 August

Prom 44: Budapest Festival Orchestra: 22-23 August

Prom 53: Joyce DiDonato: Baroque Arias: 29-30 August

Prom 56: Lang Lang: Chopin: 05-06 September

As has become a tradition, a double bill for the final weekend of the 2009 season:

Prom 61: Magdalena Kožená : French Songs: 12 September

Last Night of the Proms: 12-13 September
12 September: live on digital shortwave (DRM). Highlights on Sunday 13 September

This is an official press release.

FREESAT GETS THE BILL ON HD - OFFICIAL 30th June 2009.

2009-06-30T05:15:00.000-07:00

FREESAT GETS THE BILL ON HD - OFFICIAL 30th June 2009.

Freesat gets The Bill on HD has officially been notified to the Freesat blog spot - another gem for freesat and the millions of fans throughout the freesat signal area.
Clicking on the graphic will let you view it clearer.
This is an official press release...

FREESAT BOOSTS HIGH-DEFINITON CHOICE WITH BET AWARDS 2009

2009-06-25T02:36:00.000-07:00

FREESAT BOOSTS HIGH-DEFINITON CHOICE WITH BET AWARDS 2009

On American Independence Day, Saturday 4^th July Freesat will bring viewers the prestigious BET Awards 2009 in brilliant high-definition (HD) – a UK exclusive for the subscription-free digital satellite TV service.

Held in Los Angeles on Sunday 28^th June, this year’s BET Awards are hosted by Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and will feature performances from Hollywood A-listers Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z and Kanye West.

Watching this year’s BET Awards in HD is a special bonus for Freesat HD viewers who can catch an HD simulcast of the ceremony exclusively on the BET HD channel (Channel 142), on Saturday 4^th July from 8.30pm. Freesat standard-definition (SD) viewers will not miss out though and can watch the awards by tuning in to the BET channel (Channel 140) at the same time.

The BET Awards were established in 2001 by Black Entertainment Network to celebrate the best African American talent from music, film, television and sport and previous winners include Prince, Mariah Carey, Denzel Washington, Will Smith and Halle Berry.

Viewers should look out for the special BET HD channel (142) as it appears in the Freesat EPG from Thursday 2^nd July until after the event

Freesat’s MD Emma Scott comments “Being able to broadcast this year’s BET Awards exclusively on Freesat in HD is a real coup and we hope Freesat viewers will really enjoy watching some of the world’s biggest entertainers like Beyonce and Jay Z with amazing HD picture and sound quality”.

“We’re committed to bringing our viewers brilliant HD programming completely subscription-free and we hope this will be the first of many Freesat HD exclusives”.

This is an official press release - 25th June 2009.

Sad day for Setanta 23rd June 2009.

2009-06-23T23:35:00.000-07:00

Sad day for Setanta 23rd June 2009.

After weeks of rumour and speculation

Setanta goes into administration

The Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports has gone into administration after failing to make a number of payments to sporting organisations.

Setanta has now stopped broadcasting to customers in Great Britain, but the administrator Deloitte said it would continue to operate elsewhere.

They said they would immediately stop collecting subscription payments.

About 200 employees involved with the British operations will be made redundant, the firm said.

Setanta had a total of 420 employees in the UK and Ireland.

Full story...

TECHNISAT LAUNCHES ADVANCED FREESAT HIGH DEFINITION DIGITAL BOX

2009-06-22T03:25:00.001-07:00

TECHNISAT LAUNCHES ADVANCED FREESAT HIGH DEFINITION DIGITAL BOX

Consumer electronics company TechniSat today announced the launch of a new Freesat high-definition (HD) digital box, equipped with a range of advanced features which will give viewers greater functionality and ease-of-use.

Receiving a Gold Award in a recent review by What Satellite & High Definition magazine, the TechniSat HDFS Freesat digital box comes with an extended feature set which allows the playback of movies, music and pictures from either USB memory sticks, memory cards, or from a PC using the LAN connection or a TechniSat WiFi adaptor. The receiver is also eco-friendly, consuming just 0.25 watts in standby mode.

Cementing the partnership TechniSat and Freesat announced earlier this year, Martin Cole, TechniSat’s MD comments “We are very pleased with our relationship with Freesat which has given us the opportunity to create an award winning HD digital box, helping to position TechniSat as a premium UK brand.”

Emma Scott, Freesat’s MD, added “With the arrival of their new Freesat box, TechniSat are providing viewers with yet another compelling way to access the range of channels and services available on Freesat.”

The HDFS Freesat digital box comes with a three year manufacturer’s guarantee and is available now from Currys, Comet, Maplin, Alltrade and Double D.

German based TechniSat Digital Group have a dedicated UK office and is a leading consumer electronics organisation with a strong history of producing high quality set top Boxes, PVRs, and IDTVs.

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

For more information on TechniSat, please visit www.technisat.co.uk or www.technisat.com

MSP CALLS FOR SCOTLAND GAMES ON FREE TO AIR.

2009-06-18T00:48:00.000-07:00

MSP CALLS FOR SCOTLAND GAMES ON FREE TO AIR.

Exclusive report from;
http://www.scotlandnewsinformationblog.blogspot.com/

MSP CALLS FOR SCOTLAND GAMES ON FREE TO AIR
SNP MSP Stuart McMillan will today call for a higher number of Scotland international football games to be reserved for free to air television.

Mr McMillan’s comments come as the review of events reserved for free to air television comes to the Scottish Parliament.

It also comes as the problems faced by Setanta raise concern over the stability of TV deals.
Mr McMillan and his colleague Keith Brown have repeatedly raised the issue with the UK Department for Culture and Mr McMillan has now written to the review.

Research for the Scottish Broadcasting Commission showed a majority of Scots support Scotland’s international football matches being available on free to air television.

Speaking ahead of the visit by the Review to Holyrood Mr McMillan said;
“For too many Scotland fans the option of watching the match at home with their family or friends is one they cannot afford.

“It is ridiculous that for many people the only way to watch Scotland’s international games is to go to the pub – often leaving our young footballers of the future unable to see the match and putting pressure on parents already stretched budgets to sign up to satellite or cable stations.

“There is overwhelming public support for bringing Scotland games, particularly our home games in the European Championships and World Cup to Scotland’s television screens.

“Last year’s study into Scottish broadcasting showed not only that 96% of football fans want coverage on free to air television, but 70% of those not interested in football believe there should be public access to the Scotland teams international adventures.

“As Scottish football considers the impact of Setanta’s cash crisis the importance of stability for our game and for its future is clear for all to see.

“This review is a prime opportunity to press that case and I urge every member of the Tartan Army to take up the case and argue for Scotland’s international matches to be available to all Scots on free to air television.”

1. Public Attitudes to Broadcasting in Scotland (2008) asked the public if it supported coverage of Scotland’s national football team on free terrestrial television – 96% of those interested in football agreed and 70% of those who were not interested agreed that these football matches should be on terrestrial television

2. Mr McMillan’s letter to the Review is below
I write to you in connection with the current Free-to-air listed events consultation.
I have, for sometime, been advocating that more sporting and cultural events be taken out of the private broadcasting streams and put on terrestrial, free-to-air television. It’s vital that the greatest amounts of people are able to see sporting and cultural events.

Before becoming elected I submitted a public petition to the Scottish Parliament calling for BBC Scotland to provide coverage of all Scotland national team matches. I said then and still feel now that it is appalling that Scotland’s national broadcaster does not have the rights to show every Scotland national game.

I feel it is important that international competitive football matches for the home nations are shown on terrestrial television. At the moment there is a monopoly on Scottish international football matches between BSKYB and the currently struggling Setanta. This situation means that many members of the public cannot watch their country compete on the national stage, unless they go to a pub. I believe this is wrong as many members of the public will have no desire to enter a pub to watch sporting events. The current set-up affecting the broadcast of Scotland football matches is depriving ordinary members of the public the opportunity to cheer on their nation as they try to qualify for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa.

As you will be aware, Setanta are currently struggling to survive and in this current financial climate it is imperative that stability is provided to fans and football clubs in Scotland.

I would urge the consultation to consider adding Scotland’s competitive international football matches to the list of ‘crown jewels’.

Yours sincerely

Stuart McMillan MSP

SETANTA SPORTS 11th HOUR REPRIEVE dated 13th JUne 2009.

2009-06-13T00:36:00.000-07:00

SETANTA SPORTS 11th HOUR REPRIEVE dated 13th JUne 2009.

The widely reported Setanta Sports receivers being called in has had an 11th hour reprieve. The channels are back on track accepting new domestic subscriptions including the sister racing channel which is also now taking domestic subscriptions again.
A company called Access Industries have bought over 51% of Setanta this will avoid administration.

EMMA SCOTT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FREESAT WINS FIRST WOMANS AWARD.

2009-06-12T09:28:00.000-07:00

EMMA SCOTT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF FREESAT WINS FIRST WOMANS AWARD.

EMMA SCOTT MANAGING DIRECTOR of freesat beat off competition from executives of the Financial Times and YouGovStone to win the top prize in the media category at last night's "First Woman Award".
Emma has been the guiding light for freesat for some time and as the freesat uptake shows, the "First Woman Award", is well deserved. Like all deserved award winners Emma suggested that the shareholders, BBC and ITV and her fantastic team at freesat are behind her success.

FREESAT’S EMMA SCOTT WINS MEDIA GONG AT FIRST WOMEN AWARDS.

2009-06-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

FREESAT’S EMMA SCOTT WINS MEDIA GONG AT FIRST WOMEN AWARDS.

Emma Scott, Managing Director of the subscription-free digital satellite television service Freesat, took the top prize in the media category at last night’s First Women Awards, held at the Marriott Hotel in London.

The annual awards, founded in 2004 by the CBI and Real Business magazine, celebrate the achievements of women who are trailblazers and pioneers in business, across sectors including media, finance, business services and manufacturing. Also nominated in the media category were Yasmin Jeetha, COO of the Financial Times and Carol Stone, MD of YouGovStone. The award comes in the same week that Freesat won ‘Best New Brand or Business’ at the Marketing Society Awards for Excellence.

Emma comments “It's important to recognise the achievements of women in business everywhere. So to receive this prestigious award is a real honour, especially when Jetha and Carole are such exceptional women. I couldn’t have won this award without the support of many great people during my career – and now thanks to our shareholders, the BBC and ITV and the fantastic team at Freesat who have worked incredibly hard to make the service such a brilliant success in only its first year.”

Freesat is a subscription-free digital satellite television service providing UK viewers with a range of over 140 TV, radio and interactive channels, including the high-definition (HD) services from the BBC and ITV. Freesat is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV.

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

please note; this is an official press release.

FREESAT SCOOPS ‘BEST NEW BRAND’ AT MARKETING SOCIETY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

2009-06-10T04:49:00.000-07:00

FREESAT SCOOPS ‘BEST NEW BRAND’ AT MARKETING SOCIETY AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

Freesat, the subscription free digital satellite service, has won the ‘Best New Brand or Business’ category at the Marketing Society Awards for Excellence, beating off competition which included Innocent and the BBC’s iPlayer service.

The award reflects the great strides Freesat has made in only its first year, exceeding 400,000 sales and offering viewers over 140 digital television and radio channels, including the BBC and ITV HD services.

Will Abbott, Freesat’s marketing director comments “We are delighted and proud to win this award as it highlights the impact we have made over the last 12 months – spending a fraction of the budget of our competitors – and the incredible work of the whole company. We’re already building on this success through 2009 – adding more customers, channels and launching IPTV services such as BBC iPlayer.”

Freesat has used PR agency Borkowski since launch. Farm handle all advertising creative work and media is planned and bought by MPG.

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

This is an official press release.

SETANTA OWES £30 MILLION ONGOING STORY.

2009-06-09T04:49:00.000-07:00

Setanta 'is on brink of collapse'

Setanta faces administration "within days" unless backers provide more funds to pay £30m it owes to the English Premier League, reports have suggested.

The broadcaster has already failed to pay the Scottish Premier League £3m it owes in television rights money.

Setanta, which also shows cricket, golf and rugby union, has about 1.2 million subscribers but is losing up to £100m a year, analysts say.

Deloitte is set to step in to run the firm if it goes into administration.

'Weaker' matches

The rights to show the English Premier League - and the subscribers that this pulls in - lie at the heart of Setanta's business model.

But the firm had only about 60% of the subscribers it needed to break even, said Professor Chris Brady of the BPP Business School.

"They have predicated the whole thing on getting those subscribers. The problem is they are taking on Goliath in BSkyB," he told the BBC.

Not only did Setanta have only a small percentage of televised Premier League games but they tended to be "weaker" matches, he added.

There had also been problems with customer service, Professor Brady told the BBC.

Setanta's viability was cast into doubt earlier this year when it lost the rights to show 46 live Premier League matches from 2010/2011.

In future, it will show only 23 games per season, compared with BSkyB's 115, with industry observers saying that thousands of customers would give up their subscriptions.

Falling values?

It is expected that a rival broadcaster - perhaps ESPN - would buy up its Premier League football rights.

But the worsening economy has led observers to suggest that the rights to 46 games that Setanta holds for next season, the final year of its current contract, would not be worth as much as they had been.

There are also doubts about whether the Premier League could match the £159m Setanta paid for the right to screen 23 Premier League games each season from 2010-11.

A shared deal with ITV saw them secure rights for England and FA Cup matches for £425m - and it is likely another firm would buy up these rights.

One SPL club has told BBC Scotland that income from Setanta alone accounts for 33% of their income, while another said it was 20% for his club.

"With cuts already being made for next season, the loss of revenue of 20% would undoubtedly have a knock-on effect on and off the pitch," said one a source.

It is feared that the loss of cash from Setanta could force as many as three SPL clubs into administration.

WHY SETANTA SPORTS IS CRUMBLING.

Full story from the BBC.

SETANTA SPORTS CALL IN RECEIVER 9th JUne 2009.

2009-06-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

SETANTA SPORTS CALL IN RECEIVERS 9th JUne 2009.

Setanta Sports are expected today to call in the receivers.
Subscribers to the popular channel will be blown away with the news of their favourite sports channel being in big trouble.
Although subscribers in Freeview, freesat and satellite enjoy the channel it is expected that the receivers will be called in later today - let's hope there is a safety net waiting in the wings.
The concept of Setanta out of the football arena will certainly open a can of worms with subscribers who although subscribing to Setanta do not wish to subscribe to any further packages.

FURTHER ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED - OFCOM REPORT.

2009-06-05T02:02:00.000-07:00

FURTHER ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED - OFCOM REPORT.

04|06|09

TV Access Services

With so many TV channels now available in the UK, it's important that everyone can enjoy the full range of programming on offer.

An Ofcom code - published in 2004 - requires most channels with an audience share of 0.05% to provide subtitling, signing and audio description (television access services) for a growing proportion of their programmes.

Subtitles are provided for deaf and hard of hearing people on at least 80% of programmes on the five main terrestrial channels, with the BBC subtitling 100% of its shows.

Today we are publishing our mid-year review of television access services which states that 72 channels will be required to provide television access services in 2010 including, for the first time, Sky Movies Screen 1, Sky Movies Screen 2, FX and Watch.

Audio description

Audio description (AD) is an additional narration that is inserted between dialogue on some TV programmes on more than 60 channels.

AD describes on-screen action, body language and facial expressions to aid the understanding of visually impaired viewers.

Our guide to audio description services will tell you more about this feature and how to get AD on your TV.

Some sign interpreted programming (where a signer is featured in the corner of the screen) is also available on the five terrestrial channels and some digital TV services.

Signing

From the start of 2009 the signing obligations for smaller channels changed.

After research revealed that sign interpreted programming on small channels was not benefiting BSL users, Ofcom altered the regulations to require smaller broadcasters to either provide a minimum of 30 minutes of sign-presented programming each month or propose alternative arrangements to make more sign presented programming available to deaf or hearing impaired sign language users.

As a result, over 60 channels came together to fund the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) which commissions sign presented programmes to be broadcast on the Community channel's new Sign Zone, which is broadcast 3 days week. You can read more about these changes, and how to find the Sign Zone here.
Full report;
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/accessreview

FREESAT TV CHANNELS WEBSITE.

2009-05-30T02:43:00.000-07:00

FREESAT TV CHANNELS WEBSITE.

We would like to inform all of our BBC Freesat HDTV Blogspot readers and visitors that we have just made an updated website of our Freesat Channels website.

We have made it much easier to get the information that our readers have asked for and we think we have delivered this!

We are one of the very few Freesat TV Web Publishers who build our Freesat TV Information web pages to W3C.org Validation standards of both XHTML, CSS Level 2.1 and passes US Federal Standard 508 for the benefit of all Internet users including the partially sighted and blind peoples of the world.

We hope everybody enjoys our newly updated Freesat Channels Website!

Kind regards,

Domain Holdings.

HOW YOUR TV LICENCE FEE IS DISTRIBUTED.

2009-05-30T00:04:00.000-07:00

HOW YOUR TV LICENCE FEE IS DISTRIBUTED.

The licence fee

How much does it cost?

A colour TV licence costs £142.50 and a black and white licence costs £48.00. Licences have to be renewed each year.

See ways to pay for a TV licence

Who sets the licence fee?

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport sets the amount of the licence fee and decides who needs one and for what equipment.

What does the licence fee cover?

The licence fee pays for the BBC's UK public services. These include 8 interactive TV channels, 10 radio networks, more than 50 local TV and radio services, and bbc.co.uk.

In 2006/2007 each household's colour TV licence cost £10.96 every month.

On average this was how the BBC used your money:

Television (eight network channels plus regional programming) (£7.54)
Forty local radio stations (75p)
BBC Radio 1,2,3,4 and Five Live (ten analogue and digital stations) (£1.17)
Transmission and collection costs (£1.01)
Over 240 websites (49p)

How is the BBC World Service funded?

BBC World Service is funded by government grant in aid, not from your TV licence.

Where do the profits from the BBC's commercial operations go?

Profits from separate BBC commercial services, such as magazine publishing, are returned to licence fee payers in the form of additional investment in the BBC's UK public services.

Does digital switchover affect the licence fee?

No, if you need a TV licence today, you will still need one after digital switchover.

Is TV Licensing run by the BBC?

As a result of The Broadcast Act 1990, the BBC was made responsible for licence administration. TV Licensing is a trading name used by entities contracted by the Licensing Authority (the BBC) to administer the collection of television licence fees and enforcement of the television licensing system. The majority of the administration of TV Licensing is contracted to Capita Business Services Ltd, with the administration of cash easy-payment schemes contracted to Revenue Management Services Ltd, and marketing and public relations activities contracted to the AMV Consortium.

What happens if people don't pay?

Using a TV or any other device to receive or record TV programmes (for example, using a VCR, set-top box, DVD recorder or computer with a broadcast card) without a valid TV licence is against the law and could lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

Full reports;

http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbctrust/index.html

BBC PUSHES THE RED BUTTON.

2009-05-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

BBC PUSHES THE RED BUTTON.

BBC pushes the red button more and more as the weeks go on.
It seems the idea behind the red button use will make us all so familiar about using it, it will force us all to develop an even bigger push button culture.
The interactive service will be "no problem", by the time the service is in full swing as by that time we will all be experts at pressing the red interactive button.
Well, that is the general idea, so what do we see as the problem - we think, that the media or TV guides etc... should list the red button programmes and
programme highlights as another free channel or two, as strictly speaking that's exactly what they are.
A good example was the Olympics for freesat viewers, we could watch what others missed and we with the red button channels could watch at times where the
mainstream viewers who had no freesat missed out.
It's a bad idea that viewers have to scour the internet to find out the future red button plans - we should be able to see what's on in newspapers and magazines.
Upcoming red button plans which seem to be fluid are;
June 4th English council elections - June 5th on red button
June 4th European Parliament elections - June 7th results on red button
From yesterday up until the 8th June - cricket on red button
June 7th Epsom races which includes the Derby - June 7th/8th on red button

Please take note that some of these may not be covered on freesat but only on terrestrial TV.

WHAT FOOTBALL HD CHANNELS ARE ON FREESAT TV?

2009-05-22T06:02:00.000-07:00

WHAT FOOTBALL HD CHANNELS ARE ON FREESAT TV?

TWO BIG FINALS, ONE BIG WEEK OF HD FOOTBALL ACTION EXCLUSIVELY ON FREESAT

EXPERIENCE THE FA CUP AND UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINALS IN BRILLIANT HD on ITV HD

Catch the two biggest matches of the season in pin-sharp HD, completely subscription free, as Freesat brings you a week of the best footballing action in high definition. Both the UEFA Champions League Final (Manchester United vs. FC Barcelona) and the FA Cup Final (Everton vs. Chelsea) will be shown on ITV HD, exclusive to Freesat, on Wednesday 27th and Saturday 30th May 2009.

HD offers a picture that is five times the quality of normal digital TV, perfect for making every detail of high paced action on the pitch sharper; meaning every kick, tackle and goal is vividly lifelike. It’s the ultimate way to watch next week.

And if that wasn’t enough, all of this plus over 140 other channels including the BBC HD channel are available for a one-off set-up cost with no contract and no monthly bills. Current HD highlights on Freesat include and Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, Reggie Perrin and Later With Jools Holland on the BBC HD Channel, as well as a great choice of sport, movies and drama from ITV HD.

There is a range of different ways to get Freesat:

* A standard-definition digital box, currently priced from £39.99, providing over 140 digital TV channels and services
* A high-definition (HD) digital box, currently priced from £89.99, providing 140 channels, plus the BBC HD channel and the ITV HD channel
* A Freesat+ digital television recorder, currently priced from £259.95, allowing viewers to pause, rewind and record up to 200 hours of Freesat digital TV
* An integrated digital TV (IDTV), currently priced from £599.99, a flat screen television with HD Freesat built in

In order to receive Freesat, a satellite dish is required. If you’ve got a satellite dish already, you’re halfway there. If not, it’s simple to arrange installation for around £80.

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

Further information on Freesat can be found at www.freesat.co.uk

About Freesat

Freesat is a satellite TV service providing subscription-free digital television to everyone in the UK. Freesat is a not-for-profit organisation and is a joint venture between the BBC and ITV.

This is an official press release.

BEST OF BROADCAST, RETAIL AND TECHNOLOGY HONOURED AT INAUGURAL FREESAT AWARDS.

2009-05-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

BEST OF BROADCAST, RETAIL AND TECHNOLOGY HONOURED AT INAUGURAL FREESAT AWARDS.

OFFICIAL FREESAT PRESS RELEASE.

The cream of broadcast, retail and consumer electronics were honoured last night at the inaugural Freesat Awards, with BBC HD securing the public vote as it picked up the Freesat Viewers’ Choice award for Channel of the Year.

The above graphics looking from top to bottom show;

Emma Scott freesat md.

BBC HD Presentation of the viewer award.

Andy Melville presentation of the freesat Product of the Year Award.

Winners were recognised across nine categories during a ceremony hosted by stand-up comedian and TV personality, Sean Lock (8 out of 10 Cats, QI, Have I Got News for You), at London’s Pigalle Club. These included:

Freesat Awards Winners

§ Viewers’ Choice for Channel of the Year: BBC HD

§ Product of the Year: Humax Freesat+

§ Multiple Retailer of the Year: John Lewis

§ Independent Retailer of the Year: Hickmans Ltd

§ Best Daytime Digital Channel: PopGirl/ Wedding TV

§ Best Digital News Channel: Al Jazeera English

§ Best Evening Digital Channel: BBC FOUR

§ Best Digital Radio Station: Planet Rock

§ Freesat Installer of the Year: TSG

This year’s winners were chosen by a panel of industry experts including the editor of guardian.co.uk Janine Gibson, DTG Chairman and Broadcast columnist David Docherty, Media Commentator Mark Borkowski, Radio Times TV Editor Alison Graham and Freesat MD Emma Scott. The panel was chaired by Mike Chandler, MD of Astra – also the event’s main sponsor.

Separately, leading consumer technology magazine What Hi Fi Sound & Vision selected the Product of the Year, the Confederation of Aerial Installers chose the Freesat Installer of the Year and there was also a special public vote for the Viewers’ Choice Freesat Channel of the Year Award.

Emma Scott, Freesat’s MD commented at the awards “Tonight has been a wonderful celebration of a brilliant first year for Freesat. I’d like to congratulate the winners and thank all Freesat’s partners who have contributed to our success so far. Having already reached 400K sales and with on demand IPTV services, such as BBC iPlayer, on the way this year, we’re looking forward to building on this success through 2009 and beyond.”

Viewers’ Choice (public vote): BBC HD Channel

The BBC HD channel was a clear winner with Freesat’s viewers. The ever-growing variety of quality drama, comedy, sport and natural history programming in brilliant High Definition is building this new channel a well-earned reputation with audiences. BBC HD took the largest share of votes in the Freesat viewers’ poll, surpassing all others to become the Freesat Channel of the Year 2009.

Freesat Product of the Year (judged by What Hi Fi): Humax Freesat+

The What Hi-Fi judging panel deliberated long and hard, finally choosing the Humax Freesat+ high definition digital TV recorder as their Product of the Year. Brilliant picture and sound quality, unique Freesat+ functionality and user-friendly touches such as the option to record in either SD or HD massively impressed the What Hi-Fi panel.

Freesat Multiple Retailer of the Year: John Lewis

John Lewis’s commitment to training has certainly paid off, with their incredibly knowledgeable staff going that extra mile for Freesat customers. Strong sales in store and John Lewis’s unfailing commitment to Freesat promotion were key factors recognised by our judging panel.

Freesat Independent Retailer of the Year: Hickmans Ltd

Hickmans prides itself on being ‘the only place for Freesat’, expertly talking customers through the options and identifying the right Freesat products to meet their needs. A consistently strong sales record alongside excellent customer feedback, helped the judges choose Hickmans as Freesat Independent Retailer of the Year.

Best Freesat Digital News Channel: Al Jazeera English

A news organisation brave enough to follow its own agenda, judges felt that Al Jazeera English frequently had cause to lead others rather than follow. Equally impressive for the judges was the channel’s ‘as the world turns’ approach, providing viewers with ever-changing world perspectives on the challenging issues of the day.

Best Freesat Daytime Digital Channel: PopGirl and Wedding TV

The judges were unable to choose between these two very impressive but very different channels and eventually decided that recognising them as joint winners was the only fair decision.

PopGirl offers quality programming for “girls that sparkle”. The judges agreed that PopGirl serves its young audience extremely well, offering programming loved by parents and kids alike. Taking the brand into the online space, it has successfully built a strong PopGirl community. Girl Power lives on.

Wedding TV marries a real audience understanding with an impressive ability to offer unique, home-grown programming week after week. With nothing else quite like it, the judges were quickly drawn to the channel’s infectious personality and its sense of originality. A breath of fresh air.

Best Freesat Evening Digital Channel: BBC FOUR

Described as ‘an oasis of good manners,’ by the judges, BBC FOUR impressed greatly with wonderful original dramas, documentaries and music programmes – all delivered with a canny sense of the channel’s audience and identity. BBC FOUR’s ‘curated’ feel means there is always something engaging and enlightening to discover.

Best Digital Radio Station: Planet Rock

Rock is back in a big way, and Planet Rock’s devoted audience is clearly captivated by the clever mix of programming from across this massive genre. The judges were also rocked by the station’s strong sense of community and events like ‘Childline Rocks’. With a distinctive mix of famous voices, Planet Rock is rich in content and strong on listener growth. All this convinced the judges to ‘crank it up to 11.’

Freesat Installer of the Year: TSG

A hard-fought category, judges from the Confederation of Aerial Installers rated TSG above all others, recognising its long-standing achievements in the industry. A focus on training has undoubtedly paid dividends, creating a team of incredibly professional installers, always focused on doing a great job for Freesat customers.

The Freesat Awards was supported by The Eve Appeal www.eveappeal.org.uk

To find out more about the awards and to see images from the night, visit www.freesat.co.uk/awards

FREESAT, FREEVIEW, BROADBAND, RADIO AND HD SERVICES ALL IN ONE.

2009-05-20T00:12:00.000-07:00

FREESAT, FREEVIEW, BROADBAND, RADIO AND HD SERVICES ALL IN ONE.

Freesat combined with Freeview, broadband, radio and HD mix will be served up by Project Canvas via a new set top box.
This story started to unfold yesterday (19th May 2009), and we were not surprised as the once well known Project Kangaroo got scuppered.
The set top box (expected next year) will also have the ability to provide on demand programming from the banks of the main five terrestrial channels
provided via the internet. No prizes for guessing who the manufacturers could be as unlike other electrical equipment this one is no secret.
This will be when Project Canvas starts to do their homework as buyers of freesat and Freeview equipment start to count the costs of
their already purchased FREE to view systems. Preoject Canvas will have to find that fine line between on-demand and internet or high street
rental of new films before they can build that customer bank of regular on-demand paying viewers.
Advertising may well be a problem initially as BBC licence holders will expect fair return on their annual fee which at this time is just short
of £150 per receiving equipment.
The advertising steamroller will play a major part in all of our lives as more and more advertisers recognise the selling power of the media.
Check out this website which will explain how advertising is in the process of expanding and how it will affect you;
http://www.doubleclick.com/privacy/faq.aspx
We found the Opt-out cookie section enlightening.

SPEACH BY SIR MICHAEL LYONS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BBC TRUST.

2009-05-20T00:02:00.000-07:00

SPEACH BY SIR MICHAEL LYONS, CHAIRMAN OF THE BBC TRUST.

The BBC has already signed an agreement with ITV proposing sharing facilities for regional news in England and Wales. The potential is there for ITV to cut its costs significantly – and, more to the point as far as audiences are concerned, the proposals could keep ITV's endangered regional news services on the air. This sharing of facilities could in principle extend to other providers, including independently funded regional news consortia.

The BBC is also developing new partnerships with commercial radio; exploring the possibility of sharing BBC content with the newspaper industry; and there's an archive partnership under way with the British Film Institute.

That's in addition to the BBC proposals to share with other broadcasters its digital production expertise; to open up the iPlayer to other broadcasters; and ongoing work with BT and the major UK ISPs on Project Canvas – a simple way of bringing the internet to domestic television sets, so that audiences can access the iPlayer and all the other riches of the web on their main TV set and not just through their laptop or PC.

But it's important to underline that the distinguishing factor here is that these initiatives enhance value for audiences and enjoy public support.

So, looking beyond the BBC, and doing what we can to help secure the wider PSB ecology and to help maintain public service choice for licence fee payers is our fourth commitment.

Full story can be read; Here!

2009-05-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

TALKSPORT TO LAUNCH ON TO FREESAT.

Freesat, the free-to-air digital satellite TV service, today announced the launch of the commercial sports and speech radio station talkSPORT onto the platform from Tuesday 19 May.

talkSPORT is the UK’s largest commercial radio station, broadcasting sports phone-ins and discussions, live sports commentary, and lively phone-in discussions. talkSPORT is the UK’s only national commericial speech radio station and is home to talent that includes former international footballers Ian Wright, Andy Townsend, Stan Collymore and Alan Brazil, TV talk show host Jeremy Kyle and politician George Galloway.

Emma Scott, Managing Director of Freesat commented, “talkSPORT is a respected name in sports broadcasting and its launch onto Freesat is a big plus for our radio portfolio. With the FA Cup and UEFA Champions League finals on ITV HD this month, and Wimbledon coverage on BBC HD next month, the addition of talkSPORT builds on Freesat’s first class and free sports coverage.”

Piers Collins, talkSPORT, business development manager added, "The launch of talkSPORT on Freesat is a fantastic opportunity to grow talkSPORT reach new audiences."

All channels will automatically be added via viewers’ Freesat digital boxes or integrated TVs, so viewers will not need to take any action to access the services.

This is an official press release.