BEIJING OLYMPICS TIMETABLE SCHEDULE 31st JULY 2008.

BEIJING OLYMPICS TIMETABLE SCHEDULE.

BEIJING OLYMPICS WHAT'S ON TIMETABLE SCHEDULE FOR THE XX1X OLYMPIAD.
The Games schedule is from the 8th of August 2008 until the 24th August 2008.
Ten thousand five hundred (10,500) athletes are expected to take part in the Games and over 20,000 Official World Media reporting on the Games.
28 Sports make up the XX1X Olympiad timetable schedule which are;
Archery, Athletics, Badmington, Baseball, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Boxing, Canoe/Kayak Flatwater, Canoe/Kayak Slalom, Cycling BMX, Cycling Mountain Bike, Cycling Road, Cycling Track, Diving, Equestrian, Fencing, Football, Gymnastics Artistic, Gymnastics Rhythmic, Trampoline, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Modern Pentathlon, Rowing, Sailing, Shooting, Softball, Swimming, Synchronized Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Triathlon, Volleyball, Water Polo, Weightlifting, Wrestling.
Beijing Olympics full timetable schedule is on the graphic attached with colour coding, simply click on the graphic to expand to full visibility.
The legend you will find on the heading of the graphic.
Only eight (8) days to go before the Opening Ceremony for the XX1X Olympiad and still time enough to order your freesat receiver on-line if your local stockist is unable to deliver on time.

For the latest medal tables after day 3 please click here?
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

BRITISH TV NUMBER ONE FOR BEIJING OLYMPICS.

BEIJING OLYMPICS MULTI SCREEN + HD is the bonus for those lucky enough to own new freesat HD set top boxes starting in nine (9) days.
Reports suggest there may be as many as 9 multi screens available for the Beijing Olympics which would yet again be a first for British Television. How many of these multi screens will be used then only BBC can tell us.
Unless retailers get long awaited stocks this week then lots of viewers are going to miss out on this breakthrough television first. Those of us with HD set top boxes should appreciate the time and effort that freesat have put into trying to get this special tv coverage up and running. We expect an update this incoming week from set top box manufacturers to tweak out some of their teething problems.
Reading some of the forums there seems to be an attitude with forum contributors who somehow see freesat as a danger to Sky tv. Surely they do not consider free tv is a threat to subscription tv ? After all it is only a different choice as is subscriptions such as Virgin, or perhaps they think that U.K. tv should have kept the status quo with an outlook to have only four or five basic channels instead of the BBC Trust insisting we get value for money for our annual licence fee ? This report has been reviewed 3-aug-2008.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

PRINCE CHARLES ROYAL PATRON.

PRINCE CHARLES ROYAL PATRON.

Prince Charles is to be patron of the biggest clan gathering in Edinburgh for almost 190 years.

More than 8,000 clansmen and clanswomen from around the globe will come together in Edinburgh for The Gathering in the Holyrood Park in July 2009.

It will be the first time since Sir Walter Scott's Royal Pageant in 1822 that so many clans have assembled in the city.

The event will be held as part of the Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

The programme will feature the 2009 World Highland Games Heavy Events Championship and an International Gathering of Scottish Clans and Families.

A parade of the clans up the Royal Mile will culminate in a spectacular pageant on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

There will also be a strong focus on traditional Highland Games, with solo piping and Highland dancing competitions, and there will be opportunities for people to research clan histories and genealogy.

Read full story...

SHOCKING LIFE SENTENCE REPORT FROM THE BBC.

For most people, the idea of being judged insane and held in a 1950s asylum is the stuff of nightmares. But to be locked up when you are sane would be regarded as an appalling injustice.

And yet a BBC investigation has revealed that nearly 50 women were locked in an isolation ward in a mental asylum in Surrey - not because they had a mental illness - but because they carried typhoid and were deemed a public health risk.

They were held at Long Grove Hospital - a mental asylum in Surrey - which started admitting carriers of typhoid as early as 1907 and continued through the 1940s and 1950s. Once admitted, those women never left.

One former nurse says that many of those women - read the full story...

BBC AUDIO NARRATION EXCELLENCE.

BBC AUDIO NARRATION EXCELLENCE.

OFCOM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY; 25th July 2008.
Audio description has enabled many people with severe or profound visual impairments to get the full story without relying on other members of the household. This has been particularly good for new programmes to help imagine characters and situations and to understand ‘silent endings’ of films or dramas.It also appears to have been socially beneficial as respondents said they were able to engage in conversations about television from which they had previously been excluded.

The full executive summary can be read here...

BEIJING OLYMPICS 14 DAYS TO GO.

BEIJING OLYMPICS 14 DAYS TO GO.

BEIJING OLYMPICS 14 DAYS TO GO before the big kick off for the 2008 world friendship get together in the shape of the Beijing Olympics.
BBC HD is set to introduce the FIRST EVER HD OLYMPIC GAMES and those viewers who are lucky enough to own an HD freesat set top box made by Humax, Bush, Goodmans or Grundig are in for an HD overload starting on the 8th of August 2008.
We have been overloaded with information requests on the Beijing Olympics and we have advised that a full programme of events and official information can be found at;
http://en.beijing2008.cn/

It is not too late to order that HD set top box online if you are having problems with your local stockist.

BBC SEEK SYNDICATION PERMISSION.

BBC SEEK SYNDICATION PERMISSION.

The BBC Executive is seeking permission to syndicate BBC television channels and radio networks for delivery to mobile devices over a 3G data connection. The service would be available from managed service providers (at the time of writing, predominantly mobile network operators – MNOs – and their partners).

The Trust is inviting comments on the proposals prior to reaching a decision on whether...READ FULL STORY...

NEW ADVERTISING CODE FROM OFCOM.

NEW ADVERTISING CODE FROM OFCOM.

24|07|08

Ofcom publishes a new Advertising Code

Ofcom today published a shorter and simpler Code on the scheduling of television advertisements.

Following changes to the European framework of advertising regulation as set out in the Audio Visual Media Services (AVMS) Directive, Ofcom decided to carry out a comprehensive review of advertising regulation in two parts. The new Code is a result of the first stage consultation held earlier this year http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2008/03/nr_20080319.

The new Code makes no changes to the amount of television advertising or the number of advertising breaks in most programmes. Changes include:

• removing rules that require a 20 minute interval between advertising breaks within programmes. This forces the first and last breaks to be scheduled very close to the beginning and end of some programmes to the annoyance of viewers;
• allowing broadcasters to transmit one advertising break for every 30 minutes of a film, instead of one for every 45 minutes;
• ending restrictions on the advertising breaks in documentaries, current affairs, and programmes about religion which may discourage broadcasters from scheduling such programmes.

The changes to the Code will come into force on 1 September 2008.
This has to be one of the most emotive subjects for the future of TV advertising yet. The viewer is going to be punished with more ads so lets hope we get shorter ads with more content to keep us from switching off.
There was never a good time to introduce this new advertising code but it must have been in the pipeline for some time as Ofcom research everything before the green light is given. This is one new code the viewer is going to complain about in droves.
You can read the full story...

EXCLUSIVE FREESAT SPORTS CHANNEL.

EXCLUSIVE FREESAT SPORTS CHANNEL.


EXCLUSIVE FREESAT CHANNEL.

EXCLUSIVE FREESAT CHANNEL is correct from the BBC/ITV venture freesat.
Freesat will soon have a dedicated freesat channel which will be dedicated to sporting events both live and archived.
It should be pointed out that the BBC have unlimited access to sporting events live and archive.
We can see a channel which could easily be named "BBC Sporting Moments", or perhaps a different name before it goes live.
Does this sound funny to you ? then you laughed about it here first!

ITV Local and ITV.com team up with FA to show early rounds of FA

ITV Local and ITVcom team up with FA to show early rounds of FA.

ITV Local and ITV.com team up with FA to show early rounds of FA Cup

24/07/2008

For the first time in history FA Cup matches involving non-League clubs will be filmed and available to a large audience thanks to a partnership between ITV Local, ITV.com and The Football Association.

ITV and FA camera crews will capture early round FA Cup action on camera from the first weekend of the E.ON sponsored competition when over 400 clubs begin their bid for glory.

A number of matches have been selected for filming on each FA Cup weekend during August, September and October. Highlight packages will be made available to watch on ITVlocal.com, itv.com and TheFA.com.

Clubs that aren't covered by an ITV Local camera will be given access to an exclusive area on ITV Local's Grassroots Sport website where they can upload their own club videos for all to see.

ITV Local's Director of Content, Lindsay Charlton, said: "For the first time in the history of the FA Cup, dozens of preliminary and qualifying round matches will be captured on camera, thanks to ITV Local. What makes the FA Cup exciting is those small clubs that manage to smash their way through from the early rounds to face Premier League giants. With a little luck ITV Local will be able to follow some of this year's giant killers all the way."

Head of Content at ITV.com, Marc Webber, said: "With this development, we're bringing the big match atmosphere to the smallest of clubs. Everyone that plays in the FA Cup should have their day in the sun and we're proud to be the first broadcaster to cover the FA Cup from the very first kick."

The Editor of TheFA.com website, Jamie Bradbury, said: "The FA Cup is such a unique competition and the early rounds can really inspire the players and fans involved, with a chance to meet the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool a possibility. Last season TheFA.com featured highlights of games in every round of the competition, but the link with ITV.com and ITV Local means we'll be going even further this time around."

This 2008-09 FA Cup season sees a record 762 enter the world's greatest domestic cup competition. It all kicks off on 16th August with the Extra Preliminary Round.

Read full report...

METRONIC FREESAT BOX EXCLUSIVE.

METRONIC FREESAT BOX EXCLUSIVE.

METRONIC FREESAT BOX EXCLUSIVE EXPECTED RELEASE DATE IS MID-OCTOBER.

Metronic join the freesat arena set top box family with an HD freesat set top box which has an expected release date in mid-October and reading between the lines it looks very much as if this will be an official box.
Differences we noticed on the specifications are things like RGB enabled and also optical SPDIF out and the addition of twin scart which has both Composite and RGB enabled, the idea of full HD at the reported 1980 x 1080 which equates to Super High Vision (SHV) which look good before release. We wonder if these reports will be factual by the expected release date?
Joining the Metronic set top box will be their new DTR (digital TV recorder) which is expected to have many exclusive features and the release date for the Metronic DTR is expected to be in mid-January 2009.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

OFCOM FINES PORTLAND ENTERPRISES LTD £25,000.

OFCOM FINES PORTLAND ENTERPRISES LTD £25,000.

23|07|08

Ofcom fines Portland Enterprises Ltd for Broadcasting Code breaches

Ofcom has fined Portland Enterprises Ltd £25,000 for breaches of Ofcom's Broadcasting Code in respect of its service Television X - The Fantasy Channel.

Portland Enterprises was fined for transmitting - under encryption - material that Ofcom judged to be the equivalent of...read full story...

INSIGHT RADIO - RNIB - ON FREESAT TV.

INSIGHT RADIO ON FREESAT TV.



Insight Radio – Freesat Channel 777.


As W3C Validation web publishers an subject close to Aberdeen Website Design / Domain Holdings hearts.

The new radio station from the RNIB communicating the needs, interests and aspirations of blind and partially sighted people throughout the UK. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, the Sony Award winning station offers an innovative and informed service tailored to the needs of the visually impaired listener. Programmes offer easily accessible, up to the minute information covering current news, sport, entertainment, talking books and social opportunities as well as a wide range of issues affecting the blind and partially sighted community. More information here!

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

BRITISH FORCES BROADCASTING SERVICE ON FREESAT TV.

BFBS Radio – Channel 786 - Going live on 1 August 2008.
BRITISH FORCES BROADCASTING SERVICE ON FREESAT TV.

BFBS Radio has been broadcasting to the British Forces overseas since 1943. The Forces’ station currently has bases in eleven countries, including Iraq, Germany, Cyprus, Gibraltar and the Falkland Islands, and reaches another dozen countries, including Afghanistan and Kosovo, via satellite. It plays a wide variety of music, has its own news service and specializes in ‘blueys’ – messages and requests for the Forces.

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

INSPIRATION CHANNEL JOINS FREESAT CHANNEL NUMBER 690.

INSPIRATION CHANNEL JOINS FREESAT CHANNEL NUMBER 690.

INSPIRATION CHANNEL JOINS FREESAT CHANNEL NUMBER 690 as of the 24th JULY 2008.

Inspiration– Channel 690: Launched in January 2005, the Inspiration Network has become the fastest growing inspirational network for the international audience, with quality, faith-based content reflecting a global perspective.

THE FIGHT NETWORK JOINS FREESAT CHANNEL 251.

THE FIGHT NETWORK JOINS FREESAT CHANNEL 251.

THE FIGHT NETWORK JOINS FREESAT CHANNEL 251 as of the 24th JULY 2008.

The Fight Network – Channel 251: Launched in 2005, The Fight Network is a multi-platform, international sports and entertainment company, providing its content to fight fans on digital television, pay-per-view, VOD, radio, mobile and online. The Fight Network is the global leader in presenting and covering all combat sports, including Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Boxing, Wrestling and Kickboxing and theme-related entertainment, through its 24/7 dedication to the sports

RUSSIA TODAY NEW FREESAT CHANNEL 206.

RUSSIA TODAY NEW FREESAT CHANNEL 206.

RUSSIA TODAY WILL JOIN FREESAT AS OF THE 24th JULY 2008.
Russia Today – Channel 206: Russia Today is the first 24/7 English-language news channel to present the Russian point of view on events happening in Russia and throughout the world. RT provides viewers with breaking news, stories on politics, business, and public affairs around the clock.

ZONE HORROR NEW ON FREESAT CHANNEL 138.

ZONE HORROR NEW ON FREESAT CHANNEL 138.

ZONE HORROR NEW ON FREESAT CHANNEL 138 AS OF THE 24th of JUNE 2008.

Zone Horror – Channel 138: Dedicated to the dark side of cinema, Zone Horror sources popular horror films and series from around the world. Airing golden age classics, controversial cult films, kitsch masterpieces and highly original contemporary titles, Zone Horror appeals to all types of viewers, from the obsessive fan to the sporadic fright seeker.

ZONE REALITY - CHANNEL 136 NEW ON FREESAT.

ZONE REALITY - CHANNEL 136 NEW ON FREESAT...22nd JULY 2008.

Freesat addition as of the 24th July 2008 is ZONE REALITY on channel 136.

Zone Reality – Channel 136: Dedicated to explosive, unpredictable and extraordinary real-life programming. Zone Reality provides a unique insight into people’s lives through a winning combination of dramatic quality documentaries and long running series.

PITCHWORLD, NEW FREESAT TV CHANNEL 804.

PITCHWORLD NEW FREESAT TV CHANNEL 804.
LAUNCH DATE - 24th July 2008.

The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day and divides the products it sells into the following categories,

COOKING 'N' CLEANING,
FOR THE KIDS,
PRESENTS & TREATS,
HOME, GARDEN & CAR,
SPACE & TIME SAVERS,
LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF.

Viewers can order products by phone and online. The channel operates as a traditional shopping channel in that the items sold are a fixed price and not auctioned or reduced.

FREESAT LAUNCHES 18 NEW CHANNELS EXCLUSIVE.

EXCLUSIVE

FREESAT ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF 18 NEW CHANNELS TO THE SATELLITE TELEVISION PLATFORM

Freesat, the free-to-air digital satellite TV service, today announced the addition of 18 new channels launching in late July and early August.

The first set of channels, launching Thursday 24 July, features a range of entertainment, news, shopping and gaming channels, including Zone Horror, Zone Reality, and Russia Today. The second set, to launch Friday 1 August, consists of popular radio stations, including Capital Radio, XFM, Classic FM and the newly launched NME Radio.

Commenting on the addition of the eighteen new channels, Emma Scott, MD of Freesat, commented; “Following last week’s launch of BBC and ITV regional variants, these new TV and radio channels further enhance Freesat’s offering and provide extra choice to viewers and listeners. This is great news for Freesat customers and something we will continue to do this year and beyond.”

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

FREESAT NEW CHANNELS 22nd JULY 2008.

FREESAT NEW CHANNELS 22nd JULY 2008 exclusive.

Official press report today;

Freesat channels will be added to the existing freesat channels on;

the 24th of July and the 1st of August.

Now is the time to order your freesat boxes in time to view the Beijing Olympics and if you can afford it you can see it in full HD (high definition) on BBC HD.

Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!
We can be contacted at; freesatnews@googlemail.com

ASDA, SAINSBURY AND MORRISONS START UK PETROL PRICE WARS.


UK SUPERMARKETS START CHEAP FUEL PRICE WAR!


It looks like the UK may be saved from recession after all
as one of the biggest killers on the UK inflation figures
is the prices we all pay at the pumps.

Asda, Sainsbury and Morrisons has just announced huge reductions
in the price we pay at the pumps Asda has said it has cut all stations in the UK by .05p
a litre to 113.9 for Petrol and 118.9p for Diesel.

Morrisons has said it has cut its price by 4p across the board.

Sainsbury is also cutting its price by 5p but has said if customers buy £50 of goods in store
customers will also save an additional 5p per litre.

Tesco says they have no plans to follow suit as they think their pump prices as fair, we will
see how long they keep thinking this way.

THIS PRICE WAR CAN TAKE AT LEAST .5% OF THE UK INFLATION RATE!

This also has wide implications not least for the future of Freesat TV.

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

BBC INTERNET SERVICE 21st JULY 2008.

BBC INTERNET SERVICE 21st JULY 2008.

BBC INTERNET SERVICE WOW!

PROOF THAT THE BBC DOES LISTEN to it's viewers has been uncovered by the fascinating speech by Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust, to EU conference in Strasbourg.
See;
http://bbcfreesathdtvblog.blogspot.com/search/label/NEW%20BBC%20internet%20service

In his speach Sir Michael delivers what many have wanted to hear for oh! so long, that being U.K. localised news and events which for many years has been hit and miss trying to capture what may be good and must be a nightmare for producers and camera crews alike.
The idea that 60 areas of the U.K. are going to get possible coverage is nothing short of brilliance. Many have speculated over the years that local interest is not real news but those who have been kicking long enough know that all news is interesting and to add another tier on what we already have has got to be value for money and good for the country as a whole.
My only fear is they will not go far enough, as my personal choice would be to view that up and coming young footballer, singer, dancer or entertainer from every corner of the country.
The idea of a BBC Internet Service called "Local Video", proposed by the "Executive", has the ring of positive thinking and is excellent for us the viewer, we cannot complain getting yet another bonus in the shape of another visual medium with a new proposed broadband service with coverage of local news and events.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

NEW BBC internet service, called Local Video.

Speech by Sir Michael Lyons, Chairman of the BBC Trust, to EU conference in Strasbourg

17 July 2008

We applied a Public Value Test before we agreed to the launch of the BBCiPlayer, the successful service that allows audiences to catch up via the internet with BBC programmes they may have missed on transmission – that PVT process resulted in significant changes to the original proposal.

And we are currently carrying out a PVT on proposals to launch a new BBC internet service, called Local Video. This proposal from the Executive was developed following a challenge from the Trust to respond to audience demands for improved local services. The Executive's proposal is for a broadband service offering video coverage of local news and events in 60 areas of the UK.

You can read the full story...

OFCOM TRUTHS REPORT 17th JULY 2008.

17|07|08
Some inconvenient truths

David Currie, Ofcom Chairman

It is the very channel and audience fragmentation that challenges public service broadcasting that militates against the growth of market led origination. The Discworld dramas that Sky point to, with justifiable pride, may continue to be the exception not the rule. Absent movies and sport, the four public service broadcasters still account for 90 per cent of UK origination.

Which takes me to the second point of agreement in the responses. That is about the role of a strong BBC as the cornerstone of public service broadcasting. It is welcome that this was, if not absolutely , a very nearly universal view in the responses. (There was one, in green ink, that differed.) Welcome, because there are still noises off, including recent pamphleteers to free-market think tanks who argue that British broadcasting would somehow be richer or better with a minimalist BBC.

Our view is straightforward: you do not strengthen public service broadcasting by weakening the BBC.

What a refreshing home truth from David Currie Ofcom Chairman!

It is excellent that at least one official voice speaks out in favour of our BBC.

Read the rest of the report...

BUSHBFSAT, GOODMANSGFSAT, GRUNDIG GUFSAT CHANNEL DELETION.

BUSHBFSAT, GOODMANSGFSAT, GRUNDIG GUFSAT CHANNEL DELETION.

BUSHBFSAT, GOODMANSGFSAT, GRUNDIG GUFSAT CHANNEL DELETION of freesat or extra channels.
O.K. you have downloaded far too many channels in fact channels you would never ever watch or should that be channels you really want to remove? then here is how it's done;
To separate the Wheat from the Chaff;
With any of the above freesat boxes click on the channel list and up will come 101 or BBC, 102 or BBC2 ETC...
FROM THERE PRESS THE SWAP BUTTON;
You are now viewing the list of NON FREESAT channels and from here highlight the channel you wish to remove and using the centre arrows press the right arrow button which will bring up the code for removal, the default code is 0000 (that is four zero's) Once you enter this code and press the O.K. button the channel you wish to remove will be gone.
The same procedure can be used to remove channels you don't want on freesat.
Please note; at this time there is no way you can add NON FREESAT channels to your favourite channels list.
Once you use the channel list and the swap button a couple of times you'll find it quite straightforward.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

MICROSOFT OFFICE FREE.

MICROSOFT OFFICE FREE.

MICROSOFT OFFICE FREE seems an impossible future but we may even see sometime in the not too distant future Microsoft Office pre-installed in NEW PC's.
Although Microsoft Office costs in the U.K. the approximate price of a desktop PC the formidable cost has only really interested those users ouside large and small business's who have come to depend on Microsoft Office as their Home Office must have.
The thought of Microsoft Office becoming free has always been a pipe dream until now.
Microsoft are testing two new type business models and in both the customer will not need to purchase the Microsoft Office software.
The first idea is that customers will have to subscribe to a business plan.
The second which certainly seems more attractive is the idea to provide free software but this will be ad supported.
Microsoft Office for free is a clever strategy, but ad-supported ? I'll believe this when I see it and not before although the boffins are convinced it will work.
I can just see it now... in the middle of a serious and solemn word document and up pops an ad for something not so dignified such as constipation medicine. Ad-supported ? unworkable I reckon.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

FREESAT BOXES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM JOHN LEWIS.

FREESAT BOXES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM JOHN LEWIS.

FREESAT BOXES NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM JOHN LEWIS, the boxes to get delivered are Grundig Gufsat01HD freesat and the Humax FoxsatHD freesat receivers.
It is worth noting that the Panasonic PZ81 which has freesatHD built in carries with it a five year warranty.
John Lewis website navigates well using their own search bar and if you order by 3pm today you can get your delivery anytime next day.
Stocks seem to be building for the eighth of August in preparation for the Beijing Olympics which can be viewed in HD (high definition) for those fortunate enough to have an HD freesat box.
We can pass on full stocks of freesat boxes are expected to be in stores by mid August.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

Slim down BBC.

Slim down BBC, Minister man says

The BBC must be slimmed down and its digital channels should "make their excuses and leave", the co-writer of classic comedy Yes, Minister has said.

Sir Antony Jay said the licence fee was being used to make "undistinguished" shows in a report for think tank the Centre for Policy Studies.

He said the BBC should be stripped down to one mainstream TV channel, a radio speech channel and a news department.

Last year the BBC Trust rejected calls to axe digital channels to save money.

Sir Antony, who created the popular 1980s poli...Read the full story!!!
Moan groan ! Moan groan, o.k. who's next ?

SATELLITE TV AS WE SEE IT.

SATELLITE TV AS WE SEE IT.

SATELLITE TV AS WE SEE IT is aimed at those who have actually forgotten what the TV is and what the long term ideal of the TV was for.
When TV's turned into household "must haves", our overseers were having kittens knowing this was a means to an end having a little box in the sitting room which could be used to enslave the majority over time. My better half must have her daily fix of one particular soap and my weakness is news in any form.
We are now learning the next step to enslavement is multimedia via another little box called freesat. In our ever changing fast paced technical world we are in danger of being left behind. Our mailboxes are full of spam which attempts to turn us all into deviant shoppers whereas our mail boxes really should carry advice on how to cope.
The innocent TV set is no longer innocent, it is a devil which has broken through into our personal lives. It is used by busy mums for example as a temporary baby sitter while she gets on with the hoovering. It is used by dads to ignore their wives whilst watching the footy. It is used by teenagers to melt their brains while watching awful and mind numbing music, is there anything good about it ?
Oh! Yes;
it's great to watch early morning TV where you can watch disfunctional family's airing there dirty laundry in public.
It's fascinating to watch shows like Big Brother which watches human Goldfish and replicates what is really going on in the world.
It's riviting when watching BBC HD showing Planet Earth or Wild China.
It's amazing how hatred can swell in your breast for a complete stranger playing the villain in a film.
It's sad and heart tugging to see third world countries in starvation because no safety net had ever been put in place.
It's humbling and it should be humbling to watch human endeavours, whether they are able bodied or disabled reaching their goal.
Ordinary terrestrial TV gives us all this, but satellite TV gives us much more and by the end of this year our TV will have all the channels that are necessary to make us; happy, sad, spellbound, humbled and contented.
The price for all this jubilant entertainment is nothing and as long as it stays at nothing it will always be jubilant entertainment.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

11|07|08

Two-thirds of all UK television sets now linked to digital

Over two-thirds (68 per cent) of the 60 million television sets in the UK are now digitally – linked via cable, satellite or digital terrestrial - according to the latest figures from Ofcom published today. The Digital Progress Report for the first quarter of 2008 shows that the total number of digitally-linked sets has grown by around 7 million from 33.5 million to 40.5 million over the past twelve months as householders focus on converting secondary television sets to digital.

The survey uses new consumer research which gives Ofcom a more accurate view of take-up of digital television in residential households. As a result of this new methodology, the figures for...
Read full story!

FREESAT BEIJING OLYMPICS.

FREESAT BEIJING OLYMPICS will be the real roll out of Freesat as we now know it. All the cages have been rattled and the moaners and groaners complaining about the new Freesat TV boxes and receivers.
One prominent mouthpiece abused their Freesat position speaking at the annual BADA or British Audio-Visual Dealers Association conference by speaking with a forked tongue about Freesat set top boxes. I don't think I would have minded so much but all boxes we have tested have had a far superior picture quality than anything else on either other satellite receivers or terrestrial TV including Freeview although we do no know some peoples type of TV's with in-built Freeview have excellent quality pictures, but it's worth remembering Freesat is supposed to fill a void for those viewers who cannot get either normal TV or Freeview.
Freesat is hardly off the ground and we have mob mentality who are playing judge, jury and execution merchants and giving no thought that it is their monies from their licence fees paying for Freesat because the public requested it in the first place.
We have made no secret about being 100% behind the Freesat venture;
You do not have to be a genius to work out that Freesat will evolve better as a venture with choice from pay nothing to possibly pay something. The pay for TV method at present has restrictions and contracts on different individuals who would not mind so much if they could select individual channels themselves to make up their own group of television programmes to watch or video for later. This idea although workable in thoughts can never work in principle. Pay TV could never cope with millions asking or requesting individual channel selections
Pay TV at present only has free TV to encourage or persuade individuals to subscribe to pay TV, it is not meant for distinct and choice free TV.
Freesat has the potential to be a monster so big, preparation cannot and never will be enough to cope as more and more viewers realize their favourite film or programme will eventually come on their free TV. The viewers who want the latest films will always buy or hire.
Freesat users;
Let's not miss the obvious,
the great majority of TV viewers, whether they are terrestrial, Freeview, satellite or Freesat are only looking for certain things which many seem to miss.
Good clear picture is always first choice. The TV or receiver or satellite box brand name is not important as long as the picture is good and clear.
A close second is the sound quality. Viewers do not want hissing, sync delays, heavy bass, echo or tinny sound, they want natural.
You ask 95% of viewers about the satellite box or receiver and you will get short sharp comments about "the less I need to touch that the better".
You can leave all the other nonsense to the side as this matters not.
A good clear picture with good sound and a box that never needs touching is the ideal TV viewers choice and the freesat boxes ALL fill that void.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

OFCOM BROADCASTING CODE BREACH.

10|07|08

Ofcom fines Square 1 Management Ltd for Broadcasting Code breaches

Ofcom has fined Square 1 Management Ltd £17,500 for breaches of Ofcom's Broadcasting Code in respect of its service Smile TV (now operating as Blue Kiss TV).

Square 1 Management was fined for transmitting explicit sexual content, which Ofcom considered to be 'adult-sex' material, on a free-to-air channel. The broadcast was found in breach of Ofcom's rules, set out in the Code, which are aimed at protecting under 18s and adults from offensive material.

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09|07|08

Alasdair Morrison appointed Chairman of MG ALBA

Following an independent appointment and selection process, Alasdair Morrison has been appointed as Chairman of MG ALBA (the new name for the Gaelic Media Service). The appointment was approved by the Secretary of State for Scotland and takes effect from July 2008 for a period of four years.

Mr Morrison is Director of UBC Group Ltd, Harris Tweed Hebrides Llp. From 1999-2007 he was the Labour MSP for the Western Isles in the Scottish Parliament and was deputy minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning from 1999-2001. His early career was as a radio and television journalist with the BBC.

David Cairns, Minister of State at the Scotland Office said:

“For the last three years I have been closely involved in the development of a dedicated Gaelic Digital TV station which is now closer than ever, so I know how important this position is.

“The advent of this service heralds an exciting time for the Gaelic language and for Gaelic speakers throughout Scotland and beyond. I would like to thank Neil Fraser for his energy and vision in making this possible and I look forward to working with Alasdair Morrison and the whole of the GMS to help deliver it."

Alasdair Morrison said: “I am looking forward to working constructively with my fellow board members, our partners the BBC, and everyone across the industry to ensure that Gaelic broadcasting services are of a standard appropriate for this age”.

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BBC NEW COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES.

Photograph is; Sir Michael Lyons Chairman Of The BBC Trust.

BBC NEW COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES. 8th July 2008.


BBC NEW COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES.

1st AUGUST 2008 REVISED COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES COME INTO FORCE existing procedures will remain until that date.
The framework applies to all complaints handling within the BBC and sets the principles to which complaints procedures and participants in those procedures must adhere.
View here for complete procedure and advice...

OFCOM IMPOSES £1,110,000 FINES 7th July 2008.

OFCOM PENALISE 30 LICENCEES AT A COST OF £37,000 EACH.

£37,000 TIMES 30 = £1,110,000 THE FULL STORY CAN BE FOUND HERE!

GOODMANS, BUSH, GRUNDIG EXTRA.

GOODMANS, BUSH, GRUNDIG EXTRA.

GOODMANS, BUSH, GRUNDIG EXTRA channels guide is very easy to manipulate although works well it would be nice to visually see a list of what has been added.
For this guide we will take my favourite channel O MUSIC TV. It's worth pointing out my old HD receiver parameters for this channel are 11224V, 27500, with the FEC at 2/3 so it was a bit of a surprise we managed to pick this one up as the Goodmans, Bush and Grundig freesat boxes have auto set FEC settings within the add non-freesat services menu.
How to do it;
MENU--->SETTINGS--->ADD NON-FREESAT SERVICES->O.K. this--->MANUAL TUNE->O.K. this to show ADD NON-FREESAT SERVICES. Using the graphic above as a guide and using your centre arrow keys on your remote control select FREQUENCY and enter;
11224--->symbol rate 27500--->lnb polarisation vertical---note the FEC will auto set to 3/4 you then scroll to scan, let it do it's thing and on the bottom right of the graphic menu it will tell you what has been added. Press the exit button--->done!
To view what you have just added press the SWAP button and using the channel + and the channel - button you can scroll what you have added. To return to freesat you again press the swap button view freesat.
For those who wish to add extra channels we suggest knowing exactly what extra ones you want before adding them as the list could get very large as the non-freesat channels start around 3002 although there is a facility to remove channels.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

GRUNDIG GUFSAT - ADD NON FREESAT TV CHANNELS AND SERVICES.

GRUNDIG GUFSAT - ADD NON FREESAT TV CHANNELS AND SERVICES.



ADDING NON-FREESAT ON THE GUFSAT BOXES ARE AS FOLLOWS...






Go to menu and in settings scroll down to Show Non-Freesat Services, on this drop down click yes, scroll up to manual tune click OK, once you have done a manual search you will see on the right how many services was added although my testing was rather limited and it was hard to see where the new channels had gone too but we intend to do a full test in the next few hours and report back here soon.

In any-case as with all Grundig firmware upgrades so far there has been blessed by success thus far!

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

GRUNDIG GUFSAT FREESAT TV SCREEN SIZES UPDATED, JULY 08.

GRUNDIG GUFSAT FREESAT TV SCREEN SIZES UPDATED, JULY 08.


As you can clearly see the Grundig boys have been busy adding new TV screen sizes.

There is now four options for you to choose from these are
16:9 WIDESCREEN.
4:3 WIDESCREEN.
4:3 CENTRE CUT OUT.
4:3 LETTERBOX.

The picture quality on all tested and up scaled images has been tremendous!

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

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD ADD NEW CHANNELS MENU.

Goodmans GFSAT200HD freesat set top box new menu shows the add channels variables but at first glance it seems that the user may have to delete channels they do not want before they can add channels. The Goodmans GFSAT200HD freesat set top box must automatically store as there are no menu features for this possibility. The FEC feature which refines individual searches is also set at this time and cannot be manually controlled so this can also restrict manual search.
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD UPDATE 4thJULY 2008.

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD UPDATE 4thJULY 2008.

GOODMANS GFSAT200HD UPDATE 4thJULY 2008 to produce for some the ability of adding extra channels.
The one thing that should not be overshadowed is the improvement in the picture quality on this freesat box, Goodmans engineers have excelled yet again! I'm happy we're keeping this one!
The ability to add extra channels is shown on the graphic, but at this time before proper testing we believe it is set for auto store and the user may have to delete some channels before other can be added ?
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!

Ofcom Price Comparison Accreditation

Ofcom Price Comparison Accreditation

Q1. What is Price Comparison Accreditation?

The Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme provides quality assurance that the calculation of price comparisons of fixed line, mobile, broadband and digital television services offered by accredited companies are accessible, accurate, transparent and comprehensive. The price accreditation scheme gives consumers confidence and reassurance in a market where finding the best deal can be an often confusing and sometimes daunting experience.

Companies can apply to Ofcom for accreditation of their price comparison services and may be accredited by Ofcom following an audit of their service. Once accredited these companies can display the Ofcom Price Accreditation Scheme logo on their websites.(logo above)

It looks as if we are seeing the start of the build up to tiered Internet providers to those amongst us who wish to pay for restricted bandwidth.

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BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 UPDATE 2nd JULY 2008.

BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 UPDATE 2nd JULY 2008.

BEIJING OLYMPICS 2008 UPDATE 2nd JULY 2008 has just over a month to go before the start and sport lovers world wide are really looking forward to it. With one of the oldest nations in the world hosting the Beijing Olympics we are sure to see records being broken in every sport.
Only 36 days to go!!! Have you got your freesat set top box yet ?
*****
For information;
Looking ahead to 2010 Vancouver hosts the olypic and paralympic Winter Games.
Vancouver schedule is 17 days of Olympic events from the 12th February to the 28th of FEbruary 2010.
10 days of paralympics scheduled for March 12th to the 21st in 2010.
*****
London 2012 Olympic Games schedule is from the 27th July 2012 until 12th August 2012
Paralympic games shcedule is from 29th August until the 9th Sept 2012.
*****
Sochi 2014 Russia's first Winter games schedule is from friday 7th February until Sunday 23rd February 2014.
Paralympic games schedule is from Friday 7th March until Sunday 16th March 2014.

Useful Olympic URL's for your diary;

*************
http://www.vancouver2010.com/en
*************
http://www.london2012.com/
*************
http://sochi2014.com/

HUMAX FOXSAT FREESAT V1.00.10 UPDATE.

HUMAX FOXSAT FREESAT V1.00.10 UPDATE.

HUMAX FOXSAT FREESAT V1.00.10 UPDATE is now in the Humax Foxsat Freesat set top boxes with some improvements which are not so obvious and some problems still with us.
The biggest problem seems to be the lip-sync issue which using one of our TV's showed a distinct time loss with audio and video. To correct this we used a Samsung plasma which had lip-sync features and this worked o.k., we are aware that not everyone has a TV with lip-sync features so we expect Humax will introduce default lip-sync setting in the future which really should cure this.
The Grundig Gufsat, BushBFsat and the GoodmansGFsat do not have lip-sync problems.
Some are having problems with the Humax Foxsat re-setting which we again expect will be sorted in the next Humax Foxsat update.
We think it very important for buyers to consider that as this is a completely new electronic gizmo that it will take time to iron out all the little bugs and cracks.
Conclusion;
We still consider the "Set it and Forget it", features of the new Freesat set top boxes as a huge benefit for freesat TV viewers who are after all only looking for a clear picture with good sound and no need to go into the techie side for any reason. Those viewers who are looking for a freesat box to play with or beta test have some way to go yet, although all freesat boxes can still be used for "Set it and Forget it".
Is it news to you ? then you read it here first!