BBC ALBA REVIEW CLOSING SOON.

BBC ALBA REVIEW CLOSING SOON.

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

BBC URGED TO MAKE SCOTLAND LOCAL

BBC URGED TO MAKE SCOTLAND LOCAL

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

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

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

Mr Adam said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREESAT CODE FOR HUMAX HD RECEIVERS RELEASED

FREESAT CODE FOR HUMAX HD RECEIVERS RELEASED

Freesat releases code 5483 for Humax HD receivers.

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

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

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

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

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

PROJECT CANVAS UPDATE 16th Dec 2009.

PROJECT CANVAS UPDATE 16th Dec 2009.

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

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

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

Project canvas report.

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

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

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

Project canvas programme director Richard Halton said:

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

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

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

Story from project canvas.

FOOD NETWORK LAUNCHES ONTO FREESAT

TANTALISE YOUR TASTEBUDS AS FOOD NETWORK LAUNCHES ONTO FREESAT

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

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

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

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

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

Official press release dated 14th Dec 2009.

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

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

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

BBC iPlayer on Freesat factsheet - official press release.

BBC iPlayer on Freesat factsheet

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Welcome to BBC iPlayer beta on Freesat

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

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

Watch what you want, when you want to

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

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

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

Easy set up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREESAT HD CONNECTION HDMI TO COMPONENT

FREESAT HD CONNECTION HDMI TO COMPONENT

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

PUBLIC BACK SNP PROPOSAL FOR NEW SCOTTISH NETWORK

PUBLIC BACK SNP PROPOSAL FOR NEW SCOTTISH NETWORK

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

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

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

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE USING USB.

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE USING USB.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FREESAT, FREEVIEW DRM ISSUES.

FREESAT, FREEVIEW DRM ISSUES.

DRM( digital rights management) rights management issues answered.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8th NOV 2009.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8th NOV 2009.

FREESAT HUMAX FOXSAT HDR UPDATE - 6th Nov 2009.

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

FREESAT TESTS BBC iPLAYER IN NOVEMBER 2009.

FREESAT TESTS BBC iPLAYER IN NOVEMBER 2009.

BBC iPlayer to launch on Freesat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BBC press release.

FREESAT TO DATE 3rd Nov 2009.

FREESAT TO DATE 3rd Nov 2009.

Freesat to date

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

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

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

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

· November 2008 - Freesat+ launches

· May 2009 – Freesat stage the first Freesat Awards

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

· September 2009 – Sony announces range of Freesat TVs

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

ABOUT FREESAT 3rd Nov 2009.

ABOUT FREESAT 3rd Nov 2009.

About Freesat

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



Freesat stats

· In excess of 600,000 Freesat sales

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

· Over 140 channels and services are now available

· 90% levels of customer satisfaction and recommendation

FREESAT TO LAUNCH NEW AUTUMN TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

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

FREESAT TO LAUNCH NEW AUTUMN TV ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

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

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

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

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

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

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

HD FREEVIEW CHANNELS - HD FUTURE IS MPEG4

HD FREEVIEW CHANNELS - HD FUTURE IS MPEG4

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

VIVA TV KICKS OFF BIG TIME.

VIVA TV KICKS OFF BIG TIME.

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

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

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

EVERY STAR WARS MOVIE IN HD FOR FREE

WITH ITV HD EXCLUSIVELY ON FREESAT

Official Freesat TV Press Release.

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

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

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

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

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

FREESAT HOSTS ZING TV.

FREESAT HOSTS ZING TV.


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

FREESAT LAUNCHES AMERICAN GIANT CBS.

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

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

FREEVIEW HOSTS QUEST TV - WHAT EXACTLY IS QUEST?

FREEVIEW HOSTS QUEST TV - WHAT EXACTLY IS QUEST?

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

HELI-LOGGERS ON QUEST TV.

HELI-LOGGERS ON QUEST TV.

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

DISCOVERY TV SHOWING ON QUEST.

DISCOVERY TV SHOWING ON QUEST.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quest TV joins freeview on the 30th Sept 2009.

Quest TV joins freeview on the 30th Sept 2009.

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

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

Tuesday 29 September 2009

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

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

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

***

Freesat Fact Check

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

Notes

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

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

BBC HD JOIN FREEVIEW.

BBC HD JOIN FREEVIEW.


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

WELCOME FOR STV SCOTTISH SIX

WELCOME FOR STV SCOTTISH SIX

LOCAL CORRESPONDENTS MUST PLAY FULL ROLE

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

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:

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

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

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