Sky Picnic Plans Delayed On Terrestrial TV
Sky has announced that it has put off plans to introduce a pay TV service on digital terrestrial TV.
Launching Picnic on terrestrial TV would have seen Sky’s current free channels on Freeview replaced by Sky Sports 1, Sky Movies and with Sky One sharing space with offerings from channels such as Discovery and Disney. Sky also planned to use MPEG-4 compression to offer Sky News 24 hours a day. The channels would have been viewable on a subscription basis using a Sky Picnic set top box.
The delay in launching Sky Picnic has happened because Ofcom has yet to approve the Sky Picnic service while it is still awaiting the results of an investigation into the pay TV market. These results are expected to be published in 2009.
England Football Qualifiers Live On TV
Watch the upcoming England World Cup qualifiers exclusively live on Setanta Sports. These matches are available on Freeview, Sky Digital, Broadband – live on demand, Virgin Media, Tiscali, BT Vision and Top Up TV.
Soon to be shown football matches during September are:
- Andora Vs England – Setanta Sports 1 at 7pm Saturday 6th September
- England Vs Croatia – Setanta Sports 1 at 8pm Wednesday 10th September
You can now save £6.49 each month on your subscription for the first 3 months by using Setanta Sports Offer Codes.
To keep up-to-date with the latest live football matches on TV visit www.live-footballontv.com
HDTV On Freeview Terrestrial Given Go-Ahead
Freeview High Definition to be available next year!
Ofcom has announced that it’s allowing high definition TV channels to be transmitted on the Freeview terrestrial TV platform next year, in 2009. The new channels, 3 in total, will be available to any viewer with adequate reception, a HD ready TV and an additional Freeview set top box or receiver. There will also be a further 4th channel available by 2012 – just in time for the Olympics.
There is only one downside to this announcement, if you can call it that, you will have to wait until conventional analogue TV is switched off/switched over to digital TV in your area. This means viewers in the Wales, Granada and Borders regions will be able to access the HD TV channels whilst those yet to be switched to digital will have to wait until their area is digital TV only.
Switchover By Region
| Border | 2008/9 |
| Granada, West Country | 2009 |
| Wales | 2009/10 |
| STV Central & North, West | 2010/11 |
| Anglia, Central, Yorkshire | 2011 |
| London, Meridian, Tyne Tees, Ulster | 2012 |
If you are unsure which TV Region you come under it is the same as your ITV regional news, and analogue ITV Teletext on page 106.
More information on when your area switches over is available at the Freeview website.
Technical insights into the new high definition channels are being kept quiet at the moment, but it looks like the current main BBC multiplex will be moved/reshuffled to make room for the new channels; and it would seem likely the BBC will have one HD channel with the other slots being offered for bidding between the regular commercial TV channels.
New Internet – Freeview Hybrid TV To Launch
BabelTV are due to launch their new service on the 6th November 2007, combining Freeview and Internet TV in one .
What is BabelTV?
- It is an uncomplicated device combining a Freeview set-top box, digital TV recorder and broadband connection all in one. Best summed up as a Set-Top-PC.
Who is it suitable for?
- The technological challenged to the technical but time short person, basically anyone requiring that little extra from their TV.
What does it do?
- BabelTV works as a PVR (personal video recorder) allowing you to pause and record live TV.
- Receives all Freeview channels through your TV aerial and TV programmes from the internet.
- Allows you to email and make cheap internet based phone calls.
- Records your favourite programmes and stores data such as emails and photos; even manage your iPod or mp3 player.
For more information on this exciting new service please visit BabelTV.
The Possibilities Of HDTV On Freeview
With the advent of HDTV but a current lack of channels in high definition, mainly due to it being a newish technology, a lot of people are wondering when and whether we are going see High Definition broadcasts on terrestrial Freeview.
Well this great article from Brian of UK Free TV shows how this is possible without the need for extra multiplexes (channel space), and unearths a whisper or two.
For those wishing to read more visit The Secret Ofcom Plan- HDTV DVB-T2.
The latest news on Freeview HDTV
The End Of Analogue TV Begins
TV Viewers in Copeland and Whitehaven areas will officially begin their switchover to all digital TV in the early hours of Wednesday 17th October.
Viewers will initially experience the switch off of analogue BBC2 through their aerials, followed shortly by the switching on the digital multiplex carrying BBC1, BBC2, BBC Three, BBC News 24 & CBBC. The remaining analogue stations will be switched off over the following 4 weeks and by 14th November residents in the Copeland area will have access to around 20 of the most popular Freeview channels.
Digital UK have made the area aware of the switchover via various media campaigns and there is a financial help scheme to help people with the switch to digital. There are also Digital Help Centres, running this week, for anyone needing advice.
For further information about the Digital Switchover and how it will affect you, visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
Checking Your Predicted Digital TV Reception: Made Simple
Digital UK, the company responsible for ensuring the Digital Switchover runs smoothly, have launched their new Digital TV reception postcode checker.
The new and improved predicted reception checker gives you a better idea of your Digital TV reception now and after Digital Switchover: together with information on what channels you can receive, your date of switchover, local transmitter information and whether a TV aerial upgrade may be required.
The new postcode checker is also great for aerial installers and trade personel alike. Giving more in-depth information such as the future frequencies of digital multiplexes, and when frequencies may change post switchover to coincide with fringe transmitter changes.
Should adequate Freeview Reception not be attainable the site will also give you information on other TV service platforms to help you make an informed choice.
To use the postcode checker and for all the latest news on the Digital Switchover visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
£99 TopUp TV+ box
TopUp TV have reduced the price on their DTR (Digital Terrestrial Recorder). For new customers it has dropped from £139.99 to £99.99 when ordering online and subscribing to the service, currently £9.99 per month. Existing customers are also eligible for this offer and can get the TopUp TV DTR for the same price with free delivery.
Features include:
- Twin tuner. Watch one channel and record another.
- 160Gb hard drive with up to 120 hours record time.
- Pause live TV.
- Add on extras services such as Setanta and Picture Box
TopUp TV runs through your TV aerial and is subject to adequate digital reception.
To find out more about TopUp TV visit www.topuptv.com
Setanta CAMs now on sale
Setanta CAMs (conditional access modules) for Freeview Integrated Digital Tv’s are now on sale at Empire Direct. Included with the CAM is the 1st months subscription to Setanta Sports worth £19.99 and connection fee worth £10.00.
Get ready for the Premiership Season.
Visit below for the Setanta Sports Conditional Access Module for Digital TV.
Setanta Sports CAM is now available online.
Empire Direct at £39.99 Now only £29.99!
Freeview Set-Top-Box ready for Setanta Sports
As the start of the football season approaches there will be a fair few people searching for Freeview receivers with the card slot for Setanta Sports.
Argos currently have a stock of Setanta ready Freeview boxes that come complete with Setanta card and the 1st months viewing included for £49.99.
Reduced to £39.99 for a limited time!
To get your Setanta Freeview Box in time for the start of the football season visit here: Sagem ITD68 Set Top Box with 1 Month Setanta.
Over the next year Setanta will be showing:
- More than 60 Australian NRL games
- 60 exclusive live SPL football matches
- Live Golf coverage from the US PGA Tour
- Live Magners League Rugby
- Barclays Premier League football matches
- American sports exclusively live
If you already have a box with a card slot Argos have the
Setanta Sports Starter Pack.
Through your TV aerial Setanta Sports is available on Freeview channel 34 and subject to adequate digital reception.
The Stylish Freeview Playback Receiver
TVonics have just launched their new Freeview Playback digital recorder the DVR-250(FP1) and the new receiver is a very classy looking piece of kit.
The design speaks for its self as always from TVonics who brought us the sleek and trendy prism receiver, and this latest offering comes in an up-to-date aluminium and black finish which complements the current style of Tv’s.
The DVR-250(FP1) comes with a large 250Gb hard drive allowing you to record up to 125 hours of your favourite programmes from it’s inbuilt twin Freeview Tuners. Setting up and tuning in the receiver is easy and quick with the no-nonsense menus and the remote control is clearly labeled for ease of use. The DVR-250(FP1) certainly ticks all the right boxes with features like one touch pause, rewind and recording; an 8 day EPG (electronic programme guide) and an environmentally friendly low standby power consumption of 3W.
To find out more about the TVonics product range and to view their latest receivers please visit www.tvonics.com
Freeview Playback PVR’s
Freeview are about to launch a new brand named Freeview Playback on PVR receivers.
The new brand logo will be on PVR receivers maufactured by Sony, Tvonics, Humax and Vestel. Freeview Playback PVR receivers will work in a similar way to the satellite system Sky Plus without any subscription fee, with simple to use recording from the 8 day EPG (electronic programme guide) of upto 125 hours of viewing and live pause and rewind functions.
The new receivers are expected to be available very soon from most major high street and online retailers.
To check your predicted digital coverage through your aerial please visit www.freeview.co.uk/availability
For more information about Freeview Playback please visit www.freeviewplayback.co.uk
Setanta Sports and Freeview CAM’s
Starting in August 2007, Setanta Tv will be transmitting46 Premiership football matches, 60 SPL (Scottish Premier League) matches & other top sporting events all receivable in digital Tv through your Tv aerial, Sky Digital and Virgin Media Cable Tv. The cost of the service is £9.99 monthly and Setanta will be on channel 34 on Freeview.
At the moment Freeview users need to use a Top Up Tv Anytime Box, a Freeview Box with a card slot or an Integrated Digital Tv (IDTV) with a Conditional Access Module Slot. Read more
Not The Cheapest Aerials
An interesting programme I nearly always watch is The House Of Horrors on ITV. Last night the spotlight was on rogue Tv aerial installers and their pricing tactics.
Before I go further I must add that most aerial companies operate a reputable and ethical business, but those featured on the show let the side down and are the exception to the norm.
The feature started off with one guy being quoted £380 +VAT for what was assumed to be a single point domestic aerial install, although I don’t think it was made clear. My initial thoughts were the quote is on the steep side, around 50-100% over what you would normally expect to pay for what was installed. The installation consisted of double chimney lashing brackets, a 10-12 foot mast and the aerial looked similar to a “Triax Unix 100″. Equipment wise this was pretty much top of the range but unfortunately when the customer received the final bill it was around £840 inc VAT! This is about 90% mark up of what was initially quoted and I can’t see where this final figure came from. Another point to note is that people don’t understand the difference between a quote and an estimate. A quote is a fixed, non variable price and an estimate is an educated guess! I would have been fuming with the final bill but only paid what the initial quote was.
Next came a 6 or 8 way domestic distribution amplifier charged at £245 + callout + VAT! Where on earth do these prices come from, normal retail of a decent domestic amplifier like that would be £40-80! To cap it all off the amplifier wasn’t even faulty and all that needed to be done was to change the fuse in the plug top.
I’m a strong advocate of “you get what you pay for” but this simply wasn’t the case here.
There definitely seems there may be a strong case for the old adage “buyer beware” leading up to the Uk digital switchover, but let’s hope it’s a very small minority of cases if at all.
If you’re in any doubt over what to pay for a digital tv aerial install then phone around before booking an installer. Prices will vary from area to area and will be affected by quality of equipment supplied and signal conditions. To that end the cheapest won’t always be the best in a lot of cases, but a good aerial installer is one who’s knowledgeable and supplies quality equipment.
If you can’t find a friend or family member who can recommend someone reliable then it would be best to try one of the aerial trade bodies listed below.
http://www.cai.org.uk Confederation of Aerial Industries
http://www.idsc.uk.com Independant Digital Standards Commission
http://www.rdi-lb.tv Registered Digital Installer – Licensing Body
HDTV on Freeview
At the moment there is a lot of anticipation regarding High Definition Tv broadcasting on the Freeview digital terrestrial Tv platform.
By 2010 it is predicted that 80% of all households will have a HDTV set, but with High Definition broadcasts not certain at all there could be a lot of very disapointed consumers. Most of the existing Freeview viewers believe HD transmission will become available come digital switchover. Unfortunately this isn’t presently the case and it is generally understood that the unused parts of the existing Tv spectrum will be auctioned off to successful bidders. Services could include Mobile Tv, Wi-Fi or other new technological developments.
If High Definition broadcasts aren’t made available on Freeview the existing terrestrial network could become what ‘Black and White’ was to ‘Colour Tv’, staying in a technology timelock in the 20th century.
Fortunately we can campaign and make our views know about HD terrestrial Tv with the ‘HD for All’ Alliance.
‘HD for All’ have setup a campaign to persuade the Uk government to reserve parts of the existing spectrum for HDTV services. They have already performed a trial on terrestrial HD services which demonstrated it is a feasible and workable option. More capacity in the presently used DTT bandwidth would be needed if the existing Freeview services are to remain at their current capacity.
In short most people would probably agree High Definition Tv should be available to any one regardless of whether they can afford to, or chose to pay for subscription Tv services on top of the Tv license fee. Let’s not become a divided society of ‘HD haves’ and HD have nots’.
To register your interest with the HD for All campaign please visit www.hdforall.org.uk
Digital Tv Reception
Changing to Digital Television
If you’re thinking of changing to digital terrestrial television to receive Freeview you will need to have a digital box or Freeview integrated digital Television. To see if you can recieve digital Tv through your Tv aerial in your area there is a predicted coverage by postcode tool at www.freeview.co.uk. The postcode coverage predictor is fairly accurate and will give you a good indication of your digital reception. The Digital Tv postcode predictor assume you have a correctly sighted Tv aerial and that it’s in reasonably good condition. Assuming the postcode comes back ok and your aerial is in good condition you should be fine to purchase a set top box or integrated digital Television.
If your postcode says that you can recieve digital Tv, your analogue pictures are poor and your digital box doesn’t show any stations it may be wise to consult a local aerial installer as there may be a fault with your aerial system. Generally it’s not recommended to perform the aerial install yourself unless you’re competent in aerial rigging.
There isn’t a need to worry if it comes back that you can’t recieve the full digital service, as the digital signals will be increased in power when digital switchover is due in your area.
For more information about when your area is due to switch over to digital Tv please visit:
www.digitaluk.co.uk Official Switchover Information Site
Digital Switchover in Whitehaven
By the end of November this year we will see the first area completely changed over to digital only television.
Whitehaven in Cumbria will start the switch over to digital tv in mid October this year and the process will take around 4 weeks to complete.
The first channel to go digital will be BBC2 which will be replaced by a new digital multiplex of BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, News24 and CBBC. The remaining digital channels will go live within a few weeks and replace analogue BBC1, ITV and Channel 4. Five will become available for the first time for homes with terrestrial only aerials in July and will be a digital transmission.
Viewers in the Whitehaven area will be made aware the switch over by press and radio awareness campaigns, help and advice letters, and reminders inbetween regular Tv programmes. The process will be closely co-ordinated by Digital UK, ensuring the smoothest possible transition.
Other Borders regions and HTV West will be the next on the digital switch over roll-out plan. Dates and further information is expected later this year.
Further information about Digital Switch Over is available from Digital Uk.