HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 INFORMATION.

HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 INFORMATION.
HOMECOMING SCOTLAND 2009 is such a brilliant idea it may well catch on
throughout the U.K. Either way it is great for the country as those taking
part are from all over United Kingdom and beyond.
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a Scottish Government initiative managed by
EventsScotland in partnership with VisitScotland.
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is part-financed by the European Development Fund.
We are proud to be part of the celebrations for Homecoming Scotland 2009. We
have been given the honour of preparing a validated website which can be completely
accessed but not restricted to hand helds and internet enabled mobile phones.
The website has W3c validation, CSS and U.S. Federal Standards 508 to allow
the possibility of all website users.
Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a celebratory programme of events across Scotland
from the 25th of January right through until the 30th of November 2009.
Homecoming Scotland 2009 celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of
Scotlands national poet Robert Burns. From Burns night to St Andrews
Day 2009, a country wide programme of exciting and inspirational events and
activities will celebrate some of Scotland's great contributions to the world.
Burns himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Minds and innovations, and our rich
culture and heritage.
Our Homecoming Scotland 2009 website which already carries the whole of the
known 2009 events can be found here...
The official website for Homecoming Scotland 2009 can be found here...
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE THROTTLING.

CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE THROTTLING.


CELLULAR PHONES CAUSE THROTTLING and as each day passes internet throttling gets worse.
As each day passes another all singing all dancing Cellular Phone has been snapped up which is encouraged in the U.K. by offering "Free Access", whatever that means ? by the mobile company.
The biggest singular cause of Traffic Shaping or Throttling by the ISP's is the outdated network system in the U.K. which as each and every device that can access the internet is causing more and more Traffic Shaping by the different ISP's.
In an ideal world the manufacturers of these devices would pay or contribute to the internet networks as a form of subsidy towards the updating of these national networks which without a shadow of doubt is desperately needing upgraded.
As 2012 heralds some of the most important changes with respect to internet network backbones (BT) we in the U.K. seem destined to suffer Traffic Shaping, Throttling and Capping which will get worse before it gets better. The over zealous Cellular and Mobile market will make sure of that as every man and his dog are buying into.
When your internet surfing seems to be slowing down for no apparent reason and your computer is running O.K. then look at Traffic Shaping which simply put is the NETWORK delaying packets of your info which in turn controls traffic volume.
If you are surfing and you find your computer although running O.K. but your network connection is getting slower then your ISP is limiting your speed.
The stage is set for a real ding-dong of arguments so don't say we didn't tell you in advance about this emotive subject.
Networks are already blaming our future Freesat TV content for overloading the internet, although before the idea proper of iPlayer crumbling networks got the blame, but it seems that BT are covering their back BEFORE iPlayer really takes off, perhaps with a different hat on via Freesat TV.
BT are spending millions updating their network and you can be sure it will be Joe Public who pays for it and more in the long term. With a different tier system sure to be introduced even although we will still get Traffic Shaping, Capping and Throttling it looks likely yet another household bill is being introduced in the long term.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

FREESAT TV SECRET MENU.

FREESAT TV SECRET MENU.

FREESAT TV SECRET MENU in the Bush, Goodmans and Grundig freesat digital boxes are not ready to be played about with as yet.
Because of irresponsible forums and some box feedback about freezing boxes while in this menu we have to say; "Please only go into this menu at your own risk! The chance of doing irreparable damage to your box at this time is high. When the time is right the software for these boxes will be released although at this time we believe it should not be tampered with as it is the engineers guide.
For those who feel they need to dig into the box you need to go into the menu, from there four numbers 28any any and then 2846 and the menu will be as the graphic.
We stress!!! as these boxes have still to be complete there is no reason to go in to this menu! Yet!

FREESAT TV BOX OWNERS POLL?

FREESAT TV BOX OWNERS POLL.



As this Freesat Blog is one of the largest Freesat information websites in Europe with many visitors from across the world we thought it was a good idea to ask our visitors which box or boxes they are now the proud owners of?

The Freesat TV Box owners poll can be found at the bottom of this page and we would like as many as our visitors old and new to participate in this poll, it is hoped that this poll will be repeated over the course of the next few months and years to see if there is any changes in market trends of all Freesat TV Boxes but please remember that there will be new Freesat hardware and products still to be released soon and these products will be added to future polls!

Is it news to you? Then you read it here first!

BBC TRUST BEGINS PUBLIC VALUE TEST.

BBC TRUST BEGINS PUBLIC VALUE TEST.

BBC Trust begins public value test into local video proposal, yes once again we are seeing our licence fee put to good use.

24 June 2008

The BBC Trust has today started its public value test (PVT) of the BBC's local video proposal.

The Trust has published BBC management's application as well as supporting documents, a service description and a full timetable for the PVT.

Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and Chair of the Trust's Public Value and Fair Trading Committee, said:

"Last year the Trust challenged BBC management to respond to licence fee payers wanting better local services. We wanted a proposal that would deliver public value with minimum adverse impact on local newspapers and other commercial media services.

"We have now received the management's application and are publishing their plans today. BBC management's proposal for a local video broadband offer to complement existing BBC Local websites supersedes previous plans for a local television service. BBC management believes the proposition will help the BBC meet its public purposes and close the gap between the importance that audiences attach...read full story...

FREESAT BOX REVIEW, REVIEWS AND TEST REPORTS.

FREESAT BOX REVIEW, REVIEWS AND TEST REPORTS.


HUMAX FOXSAT-HD FREESAT TV BOX REVIEW,

FREESAT GRUNDIG GUFSAT01HD REVIEW AND TEST REPORT,

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD BLACK BOX REVIEW,

GOODMANS GFSAT100SD BOX REVIEW,

BUSH BFSAT01HD DIGITAL BOX REVIEW.

FREESAT BOX Review and Reviews were carried out by the authors of this Blog before anyone else.

Freesat Box Review and Reviews are in such high demand on this Blogger that we have decided to put our Freesat Reviews all onto one website, this website has been published in lay terms for easier understanding and none of the boxes reviewed or tested contained any nasty surprises and all boxes tested by us were indeed superb.


We have tested all known boxes so far and applied all known firmware updates and can report there have been no failures or breakdowns of any kind which makes them ideal for a long life of HD viewing on the Freesat TV Platform.


The choice of what Freesat Box to purchase is down to you the end user as they are all excellent in there own right!


If you have any questions regarding these boxes please do so via this Blogger and we will be only to happy to answer your questions for you?


All the Freesat Boxes that can be Reviewed can be found HERE!

Is it news to you? Then you read it here first!

BBC's PROPOSED LOCAL VIDEO SERVICE.

24|06|08

Ofcom begins assessment of the BBC's proposed local video service

Ofcom today published the Terms of Reference for its Market Impact Assessment (MIA) of the BBC’s proposed Local Video service. Ofcom has also invited stakeholders to respond to a list of questions published today to inform its MIA.

The Local Video service would expand upon existing BBC Local websites on bbc.co.uk and focus on 60 areas, typically a county or conurbation, across the UK. It would create bespoke local video news, sport and weather to complement the BBC’s existing online provision. In Wales, the BBC proposes to offer the service in both the Welsh and English languages.

We have always considered local video services as a great idea making more and more people aware of how many people are trying to make better communities for us all...you can read the full story...

LATEST OFCOM BROADCASTING BULLETIN 23-06-2008.

OFCOM PDF FILE ON STANDARDS CASES.

OFCOM LATEST BROADCASTING BULLETIN COVERING STANDARDS CASES, the complete pdf file can be read here...

For those still with no pdf software it can be downloaded free here...

PORTSOY BOAT FESTIVAL NEWS REPORT 22nd JUNE 2008.

PORTSOY BOAT FESTIVAL NEWS REPORT 22nd June 2008.

Portsoy, remember that tiny little village on the North East coast of Scotland from our report about the village whistlers ? full report here...
The graphic shows part of the old harbour which seems to have stood still in time and in the background the very old building which houses the world famous Portsoy Marble where one can still buy quality made items with highly polished marble being one.
The graphic was taken on Saturday 21st of June 2008 and as the graphic shows once again the show has been a success.
Today Sunday the rain has never let up, but the second day is usually quieter anyway, so it looks like the town will again be on a vow of silence for next year.
When I visited the show a couple of years ago I was amazed to look at clothing was on display made solely from dogs hair, and noticeably missing this year was one of the original showpieces and stallwarts of the boat festival that being the New Pitsligo lacemakers which has been handed down to ladies who's husbands were making a living offshore in their small fishing boats.
Hopefully next year will be even better with the return of the lacemakers and a completely dry weekend.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

CRICKETS CONFUSING RULES.

CRICKETS CONFUSING RULES.

CRICKETS CONFUSING RULES was sent to me from a friend and as they are so comprehensive I thought they were worth passing on.
You have two sides one out in the field and one in.
Each man that is in the side that is in goes out and when he is out he comes in and the next man goes in until he is out.
When a man goes out to go in the men who are out try to get him out and when he is out he goes in and the next man in goes out and goes in.
When they are all out the side that is out comes in and the side that has been in goes out and tries to get those coming in out. Sometimes there are men still in and not out.
There are two men called umpires who stay all out all the time and they decide when the men who are in are out. When both sides have been in and all the men are out including those who are not out then the game is finished.

WIMBLEDON 2008 INSIDE SCOOP.

WIMBLEDON 2008 INSIDE SCOOP.

WIMBLEDON 2008 INSIDE SCOOP is all about what the press are unlikely to tell you.

Roger Federer the Worlds n01 Wimbledon champion seems to have mastered the courts like no other but this may well be short lived as more and more clay court specialists are getting into the act by playing well at Wimbledon.
Considering clay court players gave Wimbledon a body swerve in the past it augers well for the way Wimbledon is being prepared each year. The fact is the grass is like no other and those who play there usual games on grass courts will soon tell you. The grass on the Wimbledon courts are also tested like no other with a stomping machine to measure wear and tear.
Wimbledon courts are now hardier with the mix of grass (rye and fescue) being tougher and bouncier than ever before but the speed of the courts has slowed enough to allow Wimbledon to be more open for clay court specialists to enter the championships without the fear of being able to cope with grass.
In Britain Tim Henman who managed four semi-finals at Wimbledon and many say the grass was his downfall as Tim had to change his play.
Although the groundsmen are all experts at growing tough hardy grass and go to the trouble of using iron to bring out the best of the grass, spare a thought for our British hopefulls this year knowing that some who have never played on Wimbledons grass is a whole new ball game.
Starting at 1.00 PM tomorrow on BBC HD is the armchair viewers dream position, so get your Strawberry's and Champagne ready for the best seat in the house.
BBC HD have Wimbledon scheduled in to delight tennis fans everywhere!

COMPARE FUEL PRICES.

COMPARE FUEL PRICES.

THE U.S.A. HAS CHEAP FUEL, CHECK THIS OUT!

COMPARE FULE PRICES in the U.K. with our friends in the United States and we find a massive difference.
Although the U.S. gallon of fuel is slightly less than the U.K. gallon of fuel the difference cannot explain why we in U.K. are paying such huge prices.
Today in the United States the price for a gallon of fuel is approx. $4-45.
The same gallon of fuel in the U.K. is approx. $11-82.

OFCOM REVIEW OF PSB.

OFCOM REVIEW OF PSB.

BBC submission to the Ofcom review of public service broadcasting

19 June 2008
Statement by the BBC Trust

The BBC Trust held its monthly meeting today and reached agreement on the BBC's submission to the Ofcom PSB review.
Full story...

ON-DEMAND SYNDICATION FOR BBC CONTENT.

Syndicating
on-demand content...

BBC are looking after our
licence fees.

The BBC intends to syndicate on demand
content to cable operators,
IPTV service providers, and 3G mobile
phone networks, rather than delivering
direct to these operators’ customers.
Each of these platforms uses a different
combination of technologies, some of
them proprietary. BBC R&I has helped
BBC Distribution to design the technical
facilities for preparing the content for
the various platforms.
The distribution system will be operated
by the BBC’s playout contractor Red Bee
Media. It is envisaged that a common
content ingest and media management
system called the On-Demand Production
System (ODPS) will be shared with the
broadband iPlayer to avoid needless
duplication of effort. The infrastructure
can acquire live programmes in real time
as well as the more conventional method
of ingesting tapes or files ahead of linear
transmission. A suite of encoders will then
convert the content into the appropriate
format for each platform.The resulting
media files will be staged to a ‘neutral
drop-off zone’ operated by our
technology partner Siemens, from where
the operators will retrieve them.
Metadata is sent direct to the platforms.
This metadata will populate the content
guides, and will include extras such as
artwork relating to the programmes and
promotional trailers; most on-demand
platforms allow a sequence of promotional
items to be played automatically before
and after the programme that the viewer
has selected.We hope to establish a
profile of TV-Anytime for the metadata
that is acceptable to all parties.
Source;BBC.

BBC iPLAYER ONE MILLION DAILY HITS EXPECTED.

	BBC EXPECT 1,000,000 HITS A DAY from iPlayer users.
		Like this page? Send it to a friend!

Speeches Jana Bennett Director, BBC Vision

Speech given at the Banff World Television Festival 2008

I am delighted to be here once again in Banff – the spiritual and creative home of global television.

It's the second interesting experience I've had in North America recently.

Two weeks ago I was in LA for the screenings - and I was simply staggered to see the amazing flow of creative ideas coming across from Britain. Hit after hit had been picked up, and the BBC was leading the pack on a scale bigger than ever before in our history.

I wasn't the only one to notice – the New York Times wrote a piece on upfront week citing the prominence of BBC shows like Dancing With The Stars, The Office, Worst Week and Life On Mars.

The Times' analysis had a somewhat downbeat tone –read full story!...

WINDOWS VISTA COMPATIBILITY CURE.

WINDOWS VISTA COMPATIBILITY CURE.

WINDOWS VISTA COMPATIBILITY CURE is a little known set of settings which before you start trying it; you do this at your own risk. There are so much different bits of computer software out there trying this has to be at your own risk.
Windows Vista has the ability to keep your computer safe automatically and prevents security being compromised within your Vista system, the feature is called UAC (user account control).
There are so many expensive programs for computers that have been put on the shelf because they refuse to either load or run on Windows Vista but all may not be lost by trying this all the way through and hopefully that shelfed program will again run in Vista.
For this exercise I will use the old Jasc Paint shop pro 8 (now a different company), and as the Internet is combed with problem PhotoShop software owners I felt that this would be a good example as Paint Shop Pro 8 is no more and must be around 6 years old or thereabouts.
Method;
First of all you have to get Vista to accept the program to be loaded without getting error messages. From a few ways to go this seems to be the easy way;
START>RUN...type; MSCONFIG
Click on the "TOOLS tab"...scroll to "Disable UAC" ...Click on that and after making sure your happy reboot your system.
This can be reversed AFTER you have installed your software.
Next;
you should now be able to load your program into Vista without getting the incompatibility messages. You then load your program WITHOUT ACTUALLY RUNNING IT! and refuse to run the program if asked.
Assuming the program is loaded you go to the folder or to the .exe in the main folder group of the program, use search if your unsure. On the .exe file or start up file of the program you wish to run right click it and in the drop down menu select compatibility and request it runs in 2000 or XP remembering to save this request.
You should now be able to reboot your system and run your old favourite program.
Some programs are awkward so again you right click the folder above at all stages and request it runs at admin settings.
This usually cures it, if it still does not run properly and you have done this exactly as described, then "E bay has to be a choice.
Once you get your program running you should be able to switch back on your UAC which you disabled above.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

TODAYS HOT TOPIC - BBC FREESAT HD TV BLOG.: FREESAT CONNECTION TO SKY EXCLUSIVE.

BBC FREESAT HD TV BLOG.: FREESAT CONNECTION TO SKY EXCLUSIVE.

This is the most searched for threads this week so here is a direct link for those looking for that simple connection to other satellite receivers.

Don't forget; only 51 days to go before the start of the Beijing Olypics, have you managed to secure your freesat box yet ?

BT 21CN.

BT 'S IDEA OF 21CN has a long way to go if you interpret what ofcom are not saying in their request for public feedback.

Variations to BT’s Undertakings under the Enterprise Act 2002 in respect of 21CN, Space and power and Operational Support Systems separation

Summary

1.1 This consultation seeks views from interested parties on three proposed variations to BT’s undertakings (“the Undertakings”) under the Enterprise Act 2002. The three variations relate to:

• BT’s consultation principles with respect to the deployment of its Next Generation Network (NGN), and an obligation on BT to publish its NGN plan of record on a regular basis;
• the processes and products used to manage accommodation within BT’s exchanges; and
• the requirement to implement physical separation of certain Operational Support Systems (OSS).

1.2 Ofcom is proposing to...read full item!
***
It should be noted; this consultation should be given close attention by those interested in the outcome of the 21 st Century Network plan by BT as it seems that small villages and those who live in the sticks will suffer as they do now. Who knows ? perhaps mobile phones and hand helds are the future way forward ?

FREESAT WIMBLEDON 2008 HD.

FREESAT WIMBLEDON 2008 HD is a treat in store for freesat set top box owners.

Wimbledon 2008 Lawn Tennis Championships run from the 23rd June to the 6th July 2008.
Tennis fans should really be ordering their freesat boxes now! this is an HD treat that shouldn't be missed. Did you know that the BBC had over 50 cameras on test!
We look forward with anticipation as this years HD viewing can only be better than last years. The partnership between the BBC and the "All English Club", has been running since 1927 and is contracted so far until 2014 with HD involved in the mix. For those missing the matches you can view the matches for a week afterwards on the internet via the BBC's iPlayer.
Wimbledon 2008 on freesat HD is just one of the diamonds coming from the BBC/ITV venture.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

CLASSIC FM ON FREESAT ?

CLASSIC FM ON FREESAT ?

CLASSIC FM ON FREESAT the jury is still out on this one.
We live in hope that the Classic FM channel will join freesat soon. For those who are interested in this channel maybe interested it is logged as part of BskyB.
The parameters are as follows;
Eurobird
11224MHz
27500V
2/3
VID 091C
AID 091D
PCR 0901
SID CFA5
PMT 0108
Watching and listening today has been a pleasure.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

FREESAT TV MOST SEARCHED FOR NEWS ITEM THIS WEEK.

BBC FREESAT HD TV BLOG.: BUSH BFSAT01HD REVIEW EXCLUSIVE.

This link has been the most searched for item on our Blog this week and is a hot topic with our many thousands of interested Freesat TV visitors on this BBC FREESAT HDTV BLOG.

There is only 22 days left before the 2008 summer games begin in China, so don't delay get your Freesat Box today and watch it on the BBC in stunning HD.

GLOBAL WARMING QUESTIONS.

GLOBAL WARMING QUESTIONS.

GLOBAL WARMING QUESTIONS have to be asked after yesterdays fiasco and comedy act.
Although this is a bit of a rant it badly needs thought by the big supermarkets. We hear of some supermarkets selling bags for third world countries and the bags have a long life - superb idea!
We hear about supermarkets charging a fee for plastic bags - would bve a good idea if we thought
the monies gathered was going to children in need or similar good cause - but it's not!
Some supermarkets are still giving plastic bags away ignoring global warming - bad idea!
The daddy of them all came yesterday in my local well known high street supermarket when in
front of me was a Mum with two little kids both obviously under five, one was a little Dennis the Menace
running around everywhere and her other kiddy was being carried she had bought around twenty items,
she was in the middle of retrieving Dennis and paying for her goods and the assistant stood behind the counter with a blank look.
I automatically asked if he had run out of bags and although he must have seen how much the lady was struggling his comment was unbelievable;
"I am not allowed to pass out bags now!, I have to wait until the customer asks me, I said you can surely see she NEEDS bags, he says, "your not the customer sir", The lady screamed at him, "Please can I have some bags for my groceries".
His reply, " I am not trying to be awkward madam!".

MEDION AKOYA MD 96640 EXCLUSIVE REVIEW.

MEDION AKOYA MD 96640 EXCLUSIVE REVIEW.

MEDION AKOYA will be something new to most, it was to us.
Just when you think you have seen most laptops up comes a new one which really is amazing value compared with other laptop or should that be notebook ?
The Medion Akoya "Multimedia Entertainment Notebook", (MD 96640) to give it it's proper name is compact at the usual 15.4 screen size. The cost is £599-99 which seems a lot of cash for what your average notebook will cost.
What you get for your money makes you wonder where their profit is;
Spec;
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T5550 1.83 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, FSB 667 MHz
320 GB hard disk
3 GB memory
NVideo GeForce 9300M G with 128 GDDR3 memory
15.4" TFT WXGA Widescreen display 1280 x 800 pixels
16:10 cinema format
Integrated Bluetooth 2.0
TV everywhere: Express Card DVB-T TV-Tuner incl.
RF remote control
Integrated VGA webcam with Array-microphone.
HDMI out.
eSATA port...eSATA stands for external Serial ATA and is used for connecting external hard disks.
unlike common USB standards, the transmission speed of an eSATA connection is higher than that of external USB hard disks. This connection is a "combo slot", to which both USB and S-ATA devices can be connected.
Biometric fingerprint reader (extra security)
Wireless LAN 802.11n-Draft with up to 300 Mbit/s. 802.11b/g compatible
8 X Multi-Standard DVD/CD Writer with DVD-RAM and Dual Layer compatibility.
6-channel audio out (analogue + S/P-DIF)
4 in 1 memory card reader (SD/MMC/MS and MS Pro)
2 multimedia speakers
Fast ethernet 10/100 Mbit/s. onboard
V.90 Modem incl.
modem connection cable
Medion notebook carrying bag.
Li-ion high performance battery.
DVB-T antenna.
USB scroll mouse.
Included software is;
Windows Vista Home Premium with new Media Center UI
Microsoft Works 9
Medion Home Cinema Suite;
PowerDirector 6
PowerProducer 4
Power DVD 7
MediaShow
Nero Essentials;
Nero Burning ROM 8
Nero Recode 2
Nero Express 8
Nero Vision 5
Ulead Photoimpact 12 SE
Omnipass 5.0
Trial versions;
Microsoft Office Home and Student (60 days test version)
Bullguard Internet Security (90 days trial)
All discs in case of data loss.
3 years warranty.
Help line that is NOT premium rate.

The notebook has everything you need for home and office and the spec can handle all existing games.
The notebook is faster than anything used so far and this is where the 3 Gig of ram comes in and simple office stuff is a breeze.
It will be very difficult to find a notebook with so much built in and comes ready to switch on as all software is already loaded.
The TV picture in the multimedia section of the notebook is perfect and there is no empty echo on the audio which is so obvious on many laptops and notebooks.
You will be hard pressed to find better value anywhere and if you are in the market for a new notebook or laptop then look twice at this one.
Conclusion;
As a confirmed laptop and notebook hater and also a confirmed Windows XP minimum 17" screen fan I did not relish the idea of trying a 15.4" screen combined with Windows Vista on top. After about an hour testing all the littel features and programs on the notebook had me converted and the 15.4" screen slipped into forgotten mode, it must have been the widescreen format ?
The Medion MD 96640 Multimedia Entertainment Notebook is how a Laptop/Notebook should be and we have decided to keep it.
We reckoned buying all parts, cables, software etc... we would have needed approx. £1000+ the cost of a three year warranty so for the asking price of £599-99 from Aldi who can complain ?
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

OLYMPICS 2008 BEIJING GAMES ON FREESAT HD.

BBC FREESAT HD TV BLOG.: OLYMPICS 2008 BEIJING GAMES ON FREESAT HD.

ONLY 26 DAYS TO GO! Have you got your freesat box yet ?

BBC FREESAT BLOG HOT TOPIC OF THE DAY!

BBC FREESAT HD TV BLOG.: BUSH BFSAT01HD REVIEW EXCLUSIVE.

Panasonic Viera TH42PZ81B Plasma HD Ready TV WITH BUILT-IN FREESAT TV.

Panasonic Viera TH42PZ81B Plasma HD Ready Television, 42 Inch with Built-in FREESAT TV.


John Lewis Product code - 82451011

As official agents of johnlewis.com you can pre-order this amazing FREESAT Enabled TV right from this website and remember all TV's bought from johnlewis.com is fully guaranteed for 5 full years a huge saving of over £500 from other UK Retailers!
When you click on the john lewis banner on the right just enter the product code to be taken to one of the best TV products ever sold in the UK.
This TV features an integrated FREESAT Tuner, but to enjoy FREESAT TV Broadcasts you will need a dish and cabling installed but if you already have a dish and its point in the same direction as SKY TV then that should do just fine. FREESAT TV Platform does not require a contract or a subscription – just a one-off payment for your dish and installation if you need one? Click here to find out more about FREESAT TV.

Sit back and enjoy stunning HD images with this Panasonic Viera TH42PZ81B 42” Plasma TV. It features a built-in FREESAT tuner so you can enjoy HD Channels from the BBC and ITV without the need for an external box.

Its state-of-the-art technology gives amazing picture quality, with the Intelligent Frame Creation giving fantastic resolution even during fast moving scenes.

Every image is richly detailed - from the brightest sunshine to the darkest night sky - and contrast is enhanced by the new Real Black Drive system that creates deep, robust blacks and reproduces scenes with a fine balance of light and shadow.

Sound is enhanced with its in-built V-Real Pro 3 Surround Sound Technology, while the 24p Real Cinema settings offers enhanced judder-free playback, giving a smooth film look. The 3 HDMI sockets allow you to hook-up your Blu-ray Player, PVR'S and Games Consoles with ease.

The Panasonic TH42PZ81B is also capable of playing footage straight from your camcorder in high-definition mode and you can view a slide-show of your photos - just remove the SD memory card from your digital still camera, and slip it in the slot.

This Television is ‘HD READY’ which means it has the ability to display High Definition Signals with the addition of a separate HD Receiver. HD Broadcasts are at a much higher resolution than regular analogue or Digital Broadcasts and have greatly enhanced picture quality. The level of detail is astonishing with clearer, sharper and more vibrant images.


1080p Standard is the purest form of High Definition that a Television can display. This leads to a smoother, more film-like image, which will satisfy sports and movie lovers alike. With a 1080p signal, the information that makes up an image is displayed “progressively” or all at once, rather than in an “interlaced” fashion making the Panasonic PZ81 one of the best and first FREESAT Enabled TV in UK.
Is it news to you? Then you read it here first!

FREESAT TV ANSWERS. 11th JUNE 2008.

FREESAT TV ANSWERS.

FREESAT TV ANSWERS are inserted especially for Linda after our telephone conversation regarding freesat set top boxes.
Question;
I hate having to continually pay the value of a holiday in subscriptions every month can freesat really be free after I buy a box.
Answer;
Freesat can be free and is free, there maybe some time in the future payment will be expected from you from your ISP if you use the multimedia content expected some time on freesat but again ther will be viewers who for different reasons still will not or cannot pay more than their licence fee(which we all need to keep paying) so free TV looks as if it will be with us for years rather than months.
Question;
Can you please explain the different freesat boxes as I am already confused is this another of Sky TV boxes?
Answer;
Please do not get confused with the facts, BBC and ITV have joined forces to bring us the best of British Television and all for free and Sky TV have no say in this although as you may already know Sky TV have shares in ITV which is still a commercial venture.
***
The different boxes; Humax Foxsat is the most expensive and is a little bit of a wolf in sheeps clothing as not only is it a "Set it and Forget it" for freesat but for those anoraks who like to continually fiddle there is the facility to use it as a multi-sat if you have are willing to add other equipment and make use of it. We say;
Good quality freesat box with clear HD (high definition) channels, the "Set it and Forget it" feature is really unique to freesat and the Humax Foxsat does it well.
***
Grundig Gufsat01HD is a true "Set it and Forget it" freesat set top box, the picture from the Grundig is very good in HD (high definition) and also in upscaling even on very old programming.
***
Bush BFSAT01HD is another freesat box with a crisp clear picture in HD (high definition) and again upscaling is superb.
***
Goodmans GFSAT200HD yet another stunning picture set top box which showed exceptional pictures on the iTVHD yesterday.
Consider this BEFORE buying a freesat box; ALL freesat equipment before it went on sale had to undergo strict quality control and testing completed by DTG Testing Ltd.
You automatically know you are buying quality which should last.
***
Question;
How many freesat channels are there?
Answer;
Freesat channels will be added when they become available and at present the rumour mongers are in full swing but you can expect around 200 by the new year. Some channels should be added soon but with 2 or 200 matters little as they are all free with no subscription.
Question;
Can freesat be distributed to all my 3 bedrooms easily or will this cost a fortune?
Answer;
For our answer to this you can either look at the Freesat sky connection in the blog or take on board this;
Freesat boxes Bush, Grundig and Goodmans all have LNB IN and LNB out so in all cases the coax from the satellite dish enters the LNB IN.
In your 3 bedroom house you would need three freesat boxes plus your sitting room box, as the coax goes into the LNB IN coming from your satellite dish to your sitting room you then use the LNB OUT to bedroom one box to the LNB IN and from the bedroom one box you use the LNB OUT to bedroom two and so on. This daisy chain effect can be used with a sky box or another type of satellite box as long as the sky box is last in line as it only has one LNB IN connection.
Question;
My friend who lives in a high rise building uses a communal system with one dish on the top of the flats she says she cannot get freesat is this correct?
Answer;
Freesat can be fitted to a communal arial system as each flat has seperate coax lines and communal set ups are already tuned to 28.2 East the satellite position needed for freesat. It is also possible for your friend to set up a three bedroom flat in the same way as yourself with other freesat boxes or other satellite receivers. Your friend can make 100% sure by removing the screw in plug on the back of her sky box(after the power is off) and screw it into her freesat box, all should work 100%.
Question;
How accurate is your information and how can I be sure your correct?
Answer;
We do not hold a gun to anybody's head but we really do make the effort to try and get things right before we put it on the blog or any of our websites.
We are one of the few teams of webmaster who really care about freesat being a success, at no time will we put in print something we believe is garbage.
Question;
I read your blog every day but sometimes I am completely lost with certain terms.
Answer;
Sorry about this one; we do tend to take for granted many understand everything, it took us some time to "get it" when we kept getting told "Set it and Forget it" was what viewers wanted. Freesat knew this a long time ago why else would we have "Set it and Forget it" freesat boxes.
We have a comprehensive questions and answers page which for those either technically minded or for those wishing to simply learn the "techie speak" can have a read.
We welcome balanced threads to any of our snippets on the blog so if we have the answers we will tell you!
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

CHILD SAFE SURFING.

CHILD SAFE SURFING.

To Jan,
yes we too think websites are going overboard with adult material and as adults we are the only front line of protection our kids have so we have devised this blogger snippet for parents like yourself and one of our team who has a very young family. We do try and make our websites as child friendly and family orientated as possible and for someone like yourself who have taken the time and trouble to write to us about their concerns we have added you concerns to our agenda about things the blog can talk about in future snippets.

We must keep our kids safe on the internet.
As adults we are aware that porn predators are everywhere and use every single devious method of getting websurfers onto their websites.
As new methods are evolved for removing yourself from these websites who use every dirty trick in the book to keep surfers on their websites then it's up to us to report ways to keep ourselves from getting bogged down in their websites but it is also our duty as adults to protect our kids.
Here are a few methods to remove yourself from these website porn traps;
Hold down the CTRL key(bottom left of your keyboard) and at the same time tap the W a few times.
If this doesn't work it means you are into a website that are more evil than the last one to try and get out of so;
Hold down the ALT key and press F4 at the top of your keyboard, this last one may activate your computer shutdown but cancel this and surf as before. The graphic above which can be expanded has the ALT tag ringed for those unsure which key it is.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD STUNNING GRAPHICS.

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD STUNNING GRAPHICS came to the fore this evening with EURO 2008 on iTVHD.

Tested the iTVHD on the Goodmans GFsat200HD tonight and the pictures are stunning. I tested the Humax Foxsat last night and tonights graphics can be described as stunning.
The colours are vibrant and sharp with clear distinct features on faces and even the crowds. Those wondering about the Goodmans GFsat200HD can relax as the box holds it's own with the rest of them, in fact if tonight is anything to go by we may change our mind about the best pictured box.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

FREESAT TO SKY.

FREESAT TO SKY.

FREESAT TO SKY, BUSH TO SKY, GRUNDIG TO SKY, GOODMANS TO SKY.
Whether you run a Bush BFsat01HD, the Grundig GFsat01HD or the Goodmans GFsat200HD freesat receiver the connection choices are just the same.
There seems to be some confusion trying to attach a Sky receiver to a freesat box.
We write this to clarify what can be done with the freesat boxes, this of course does not apply to the Humax Foxsat freesat box as the Humax Foxsat does NOT have an LNB loopthrough.
The Bush BFsat01HD, theGrundig GFsat01HD and the Goodmans GFsat200HD each have loop through connections and are designed to be attached to other equipment.
Remembering you do this at your own risk, and the worst thing that may happen is you blow a fuse if you don't do it exactly as described. We say this as it's likely if we take it step by step there will still be somebody who does his/her own thing and it not work properly.
***
What you need;
A length of coax cable; this will depend on where your freesat box and your Sky receiver are positioned. Most will use 1 mtre or less.
Two screw on type F-connectors (these can be bought for around 25 pence each).
Method;
Screw one F-connector on each end of your length of coax cable.
With all power OFF to both your Sky receiver and your new Freesat box, unscrew the coax coming from your satellite dish out of your existing Sky receiver (there is only one connection point) and screw it into either your Bush, Goodmans or Grundig freesat boxes making sure you screw it into the LNB IN point. You then screw one end of your length of coax(the one you made up) into the LNB OUT of your Bush, Goodmans, or Grundig freesat boxes and the other end of your made up coax length into the Sky LNB IN connection. This method can also apply to other types of satellite receivers.
Once your sure all the connections are screwed tight, you can then power up both the Freesat box and also the Sky receiver or multi-sat receiver.
Things you should know;
Freesat boxes are designed to run on very low power consumption and their ability is very impressive when it comes to loop through. Some Sky receivers are running at the same power level whether your Sky receiver is switched off or is switched on.
Make sure one box (either the Freesat or the Sky) are switched to standby while the other box is switched on. There should be no degradation whatsover on any of the pictures and if there is your coax and F-connector has to have a suspect connection.
For those still not 100% sure can view the connection graphic from this section and for those wishing more info about other connections etc... you can get full label directions from our open multimediaforum which needs no sign up to read.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

SD, STANDARD DEFINITION VERSUS HD, HIGH DEFINITION?

SD, STANDARD DEFINITION VERSUS HD, HIGH DEFINITION ON FREESAT TV?

In this image (right) you can see the difference between the 2 images SD = Standard Definition (left) and the identical picture in HD = High Definition (right) really shows why getting FREESAT TV is all worth while.

Please click on the image to see more detail, this is also true for 95% of all other pictures and images on this Blogger?

As we keep saying, ITV HD will only be shown on FREESAT BOXES and along with the BBC HD Channel these two giants in European Sports Events is sure to kick off the FREESAT TV Platform in great style.

ITV HD ADVERTISE FREESAT TV.

ADVERTS FOR FREESAT TV SHOWING HD TV FROM FREESAT.

The image shows the very fist goal ever to be scored live on ITV HD Football live event!

ITV HD Snippet.

ITV tonight started advertising for the FREESAT TV Platform this was the first time since the 6th of May 2008 Freesat start date, the ITV broadcast before, during and at half time about FREESAT TV and may open the door to further FREESAT TV Platform Advertising in a much bigger scale.

If you would like more information all the available FREESAT BOXES then please follow these links to reviews, reports and any special offers.

ALL FUTURE ITV HD PROGRAMMES WILL ONLY BE ON OFFICIAL FREESAT BOXES.

HUMAX FOXSAT-HD BOX.

GRUNDIG GUFSAT HD BOX.

BUSH HD DIGITAL BOX.

GOODMANS HD - SD BOXES

Is it news to you? Then you read it here first!

ITV HDTV SHOWS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME LIVE.

ITV HD SHOWS FIRST FOOTBALL GAME ON BRITISH TV.

This is the first pictures showing ITV HD on the FREESAT TV platform.

The picture quality is simply stunning and that of the sound being outputted on a Bush HD Box, this all bodes well for the future of both FREESAT TV and that of FREE HD TV from the ITV.

More pictures will be released here later!
Is it news to you? Then you read it here first!

EURO2008 FIRST THROW IN.

EURO 2008 FIRST THROW IN.
SNIPPET;

Euro 2008 got off without a hitch on what looked like a magnificant pitch and a clear sky.
Graphic shows BBC HD game.

iPHONE 2.0 IS APPLES NEW BABY.

iPHONE 2.0 IS APPLES NEW BABY expected to be born to the public on the 9th of June 2008.

The second generation of iPhones 2.0 are unlikely to be seen in the U.K. (maybe because we are classed as Treasure Island by all manufacturers )until later in the year but the U.S. is likely to see them on Monday, watch out for those reviews. The new iPhone is very very impressive as new software can handle mountains of new tasks. The developement of this phone certainly puts all the rest to shame which again is good for the consumer.
Up to nine desktops can be programmed onto the phone with small graphics of your favourites showing where and as you like them.
Like films ? yes, you can do this too for a price although the tests show it runs out after about 12 days. Music also can be bought and the size of the hard disk is optional. Apple consider this phone as a mini PC.
One thing which is mighty impressive is the location screen, and by pressing a few buttons it will tell you exactly where you are, and it can also be used the same way satellite navigation is used.
The price is sure to be a shocker, so prudence is the watch word, after all at a push you can still buy a basic hand held for around £10.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

ITV HD ONLY FOR ENGLAND AND WALES.

ITV HD NOT FOR ANYBODY EXCEPT ENGLAND AND WALES even if you do own a freesat box.

We have to assume that ITV in Scotland and ITV in Ireland are delayed for a valid reason but although we don't advise freesat set top box re-sets at a whim the answer is doing a post code change.
Those keen to view the Euro 2008 matches can still view the matches in ITV HD by changing the postcode as suggested above by re-setting the freesat box and on the box requesting a postal code then instead of using your local code try any of these two;
SW1A 0AA This is the Postal Code for The House Of Commons.
or
SW1A 0PW This is the Postal Code for The House Of Lords.
Anyone living in Scotland or Ireland can enter these and be sure to view Euro 2008 in HD.
For the hundreds of European enquirers Eurosport HD which we
reported further into this blog with parameters setting is also expected to show the full Euro 2008 To view the Eurosport HD channel you will need an HD set top box.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

WELSH PRIDE IN ACTION.

WELSH PRIDE IN ACTION.
SNIPPET;

Pride in disability party planned

An event to challenge discrimination faced by disabled people is due to be held with hundreds expected to attend.

Disabled Pride, which takes place on Saturday at Cardiff Bay, is expected to attract...full story!

BT STARTS EARLY CHARGES FOR TV.

BT Vision charges for BBC

No sooner than we report expected new BT tier charges and away they go.
We are surprised that BT are charging for something all licence fee viewers have already paid for, ie; BBC content, surely this needs to be clarified ? Shooting and foot leap to mind!
A spokeswoman said that all BBC channels would eventually be streamed live online.

The BBC will not make any money from the new arrangement
BT has started to charge users of its television service who want to watch on-demand BBC content.
BT Vision users could previously view programmes like EastEnders for nothing, but must now sign up to the £3-a-month TV Replay subscription to see them.
BT said that, while the same content was available on PCs, it could be seen in "top quality" through its service.
Full story!!!
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

PORTSOY BOAT FESTIVAL.

PORTSOY SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL.
SNIPPET;

Superstitious town bans whistling
The Portsoy Boat festival,
A superstitious Scottish coastal town has imposed a month-long ban on whistling in an attempt to...read full story!

FREESAT ROLL OUT.

FREESAT ROLL OUT.

FREESAT ROLL OUT is the subject for today.
Since the official very very quiet kick off from freesat on the 6th May 2008 you could be forgiven for thinking it was all a dream, until that is you have a close look at this weekends offerings for sport lovers and especially football fans.
The EURO 2008 gets underway this Saturday the 7th of June with every game promised and as many as possible on HD and with the BBC/ITV as partners showing alternate HD games.
The following month we will be treated to the whole coverage in HD from the Olypics in Beijing so the new freesat is rolling out nicely. The promise of around 200 channels by the end of the year is great news for the consumer as everything is free. Freesat was never going to burst onto the television scene with hundreds of channels never before seen anywhere, you do not have to be a genius to work that one out, but what many will be surprised about is the channels that many have been paying for were in actual fact free to air all the time. It's better explained with a friend who has had a sky subscription for about four years and her viewing this last few months has been all of our national free TV programming, ie; BBC, ITV etc... and a Film channel called True Movies and when I spoke to her she told me she needed to keep sky because of her True Movies, she had no clue that she had been paying for a free channel and didn't understand why it was not written down anywhere.
Getting back on track, if as expected freesat is going to give us around three times again as many free to air channels (ie;200 or so?) what channels are we likely to get ? HD channels are more than likely from BBC HD, ITV HD, Channel 4 HD, and the certainty of sporting events are already on us, so we should really consider this as the norm for the future. We have been surprised that Classic FM was not in the first line up and we will be even more surprised if it is not added soon although we know it is not on the Astra 2 satellite, most of the Classic FM videos are excellent filming so hopefully HD. If you are fortunate enough to own one of the four officially licensed set top boxes from freesat you will notice the number breaks in the freesat line up, the most obvious being channel 5 but many more channel slots have still to be filled and to avoid confussion with existing satellite receivers freesat have considered this also by making their channel line up numbers the same as known epg configurations, so anyone with existing satellite equipment can easily add the freesat box to their sitting room and be able to transitionally use the freesat remote with little problems.
Very cleverly thought out by freesat that for one months subscription to different satellite subscriptions you can buy a new freesat box subscription free for ever.
As each new channel is added freesat can only get better and as each new update is added to the new freesat set top boxes the receivers will get more and more user friendly, these updates are done automatically by the freesat boxes with little interactivity if any from consumers which makes the "Set it and Forget it", feature unique to freesat. Although totally unnecessary for 99% of the population there is an option to fiddle with the boxes and attempt to add further channels, but this facility has no metadata feature.
Rumours abound about different channels, but we feel no regret about passing on from our source that we can expect huge changes with respect to BBC regionalisation stepping away from London and concentrating more on localised regions in Scotland Ireland and Wales. We think this is a very good idea which will generate huge interest in local regions with respect to local area interests and an example is the drama village in Wales.
We did notice a free channel called channel M which covers Manchester region, we thought this idea was what has been sadly missing and hopefully this could be the pilot for all other regions to get going. We think it would be good to be able to see our local football teams in action whether they be premium league or kick around saturday players, where else but at kick around are we to get future football stars ? there is plenty of room for channels like channel M.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

HUMAX FOXSAT UPDATE 5TH JUNE 2008.

HUMAX FOXSAT UPDATE 5TH JUNE 2008.

EURO 2008 HD is in the bag for freesat owners with freesat set top boxes getting prepared for the kick off.
All freesat boxes are now updated and ready to go and we as viewers are going to view it all for free.
With HD being the intended viewing, football at home will never be the same again.
Humax have altered the picture also, we think the tweak they have made has improved an already smart picture.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

BUSH BFSAT01HD UPDATE 5TH JUNE 2008.

BUSH BFSAT 01 HD UPDATE THEIR BOX IN PREPARATION FOR THE START OF THE EURO 2008 WHICH STARTS ON SATURDAY.
Bush have updated their set top box and added a few items to the menu, for example regional has been added and the best bit is the picture has again been enhanced.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

HD from ITV FOR EURO 2008.

ITV HD launches for Euro 2008

04/06/2008

ITV can today confirm that its high definition television service will launch on Saturday June 7th.

ITV HD will launch with live coverage of the Euro 2008 Championships in Austria and Switzerland and will initially be available to viewers watching on Freesat.

The service will be accessible as a simulcast via the red button, with on-screen prompts directing viewers with Freesat HD boxes that high definition programming is available.

In addition to live coverage of the European Championships, ITV’s HD coverage over the summer will also include a range of top movies.

Read full story...

Coverage of Euro 2008 begins on June 7th with live coverage of Portugal v Turkey from 7.15pm on ITV1. ITV is the joint UK broadcaster of UEFA Euro 2008 alongside the BBC.

FREESAT BUSH, GOODMANS, GRUNDIG AND HUMAX IN STOCK.

FREESAT BUSH, GOODMANS, HUMAX AND GRUNDIG IN STOCK all waiting to be collected for the kick off on Saturday 7th of JUne 2008.
Don't miss out!
If you want to watch all the Euro 2008 football in HD order your box in the next three days, you will not regret it, there is bound to be a big rush ?
The freesat boxes will be showing the games in HD and the BBC and the ITV have decided between them either of them will show if possible the coverage in HD. What a bonus for freesat viewers and it's free after you buy the box.
Euro 2008
starts sat. 7th June. and thirty or so games later ends on 29th June.
A month later and we will again be treated with the Beijing Olympics in HD
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

OFCOM IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES ON MTV NETWORK.

OFCOM IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES ON MTV NETWORK.
Ofcom snippet;
For breaches of Ofcom broadcasting code.

OFCOM IMPOSE FINANCIAL PENALTIES ON THE MTV NETWORKS OF £255,000.
This is made up of fines of £80,000 on TMF;
£35,000 on MTV France;
£80,000 on MTV UK;
£60,000 on MTV HITS.

HACKING SKY TV ?

HACKING SKY TV ?

HACKING SKY TV ? well why not! It seems that open season is on course with the big well known forums who have prominent position in the search engines to encourage hacking of freesat tv and it's metadata.
We are appalled at certain well known forums who are now openly debating and encouraging members to contemptuously flout our U.K. Laws with forum threads on hacking freesat.
Every responsible U.K. citizen knows that there are severe penalties for attempting or encouraging viewers to hack Sky satellite TV so why do these forums continue to break the U.K. law. We are talking about U.K. based websites so this makes it more ridiculous as any areas outside the U.K. are in grey areas with respect to the U.K. law.
Why are we bringing this subject to the fore ?
Millions upon millions of honest license fee payers who conscientiously pay there TV license fee either by standing order or full pay, including our senior citizens who have many who scrimp and save just to get ordinary TV are being taken for a ride by these U.K. Law breakers.
Viewers who pay for a license fee deserve and expect a reliance and integrity service where their TV subscription is being overseen by the best and trusted Worldwide corporation and can be sure that their fee is receiving the best possible return.
We should not forget the freesat BBC/ITV venture is there's, your's and our project also, so any monies being ploughed into freesat is yours.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

HACKING FREESAT.

HACKING FREESAT.

HACKING FREESAT is the watch word for today.
Do you fancy a 10 year jail sentence ? This is possible for selling dodgy DVD's so you can imagine what sentence awaits for those foolish enough to circumvent a satellite receiver which has not been granted an official "Freesat License or Logo". It is only a matter of time before the freesat powers that be take action. There is no way TV licence fee payers who have funded the freesat venture will sit back and allow their monies not to return full dividends and those manufacturers who are at present trying to circumvent both ITV HD and the freesat metadata are jeopordizing the future success of the BBC/ITV venture.
New satellite enthusiasts and new viewers are in danger of being wrongly influanced by stories and possibilities of being able to enjoy the full benefits of freesat when in actual fact they will only be able to enjoy full freesat with an officially licensed and logo'd freesat set top box.
The obvious benifit of freesat set top boxes will be the ethernet connection and internet connection where freesat set top box owners will be able to go onto the internet and view the "On Demand" listing incorporated within the iPlayer/Kangaroo project in multimedia.
The possibility of using the freesat metadata on other boxes will fall short when it comes to using the multimedia configuration. In other words; only freesat set top boxes will be able to function with freesat multimedia interactive devices.
Can we say this yet again; only offical freesat boxes will provide full functionality for full freesat benefits for free tv and freesat metadata.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

EURO 2008 TO BE SHARED BY BBC AND ITV.

OFCOM GIVE GO AHEAD TO THE BBC AND ITV for the euro 2008 coverage.

ITV and the BBC will be sharing coverage of Euro 2008. All of the matches which they will be showing will be on ITV1 and BBC One except for four in the earlier stages of the tournament which clash with other matches on the same evening and which will therefore be shown on ITV or BBC digital channels.