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.”