BBC ALBA REVIEW CLOSING SOON.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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".