Freeview look set to rescue the armchair iPlayer enthusiast by building iPlayer funtionality into Freeview set top boxes by Christmas.
For now the only TV provider to support the iPlayer was Virgin Media who were able to add access thanks to their fast cable TV and broadband network. Most of us have to huddle around a laptop to watch iPlayer at the moment rather than enjoy it on our main TV set.
The Freeview version will use your broadband connection to deliver the BBC’s ground breaking video on demand service to your main TV. The recent launch of HD TV content on iPlayer also means this will be a great way to get free HD programmes and sport.
However, you’ll need to make sure you have a broadband package that has a very large download limit as using iPlayer will use lots more data.
Freeview, HD TV, iPlayer
Good news for Virgin Media customers. The HD TV (High Definition) version of BBC iPlayer is now available on the Virgin Media’s TV platform.
This is a great new feature from Virgin Media. It’s the only way of properly experiencing the HD version of the BBC iPlayer on an HD TV. Who wants to watch iPlayer whilst huddled around a PC when they’ve got a £500 HD Ready TV sat in the corner of the lounge? It also means that Virgin Media can provide you with loads more HD TV programmes than they have to date, bringing them closer to Sky’s market leading position in HD TV, without the need to pay extra each month.
iPlayer on Virgin Media is very popular - it’s had over 100 million views since its launch in May 2008. “There’s a real appetite for BBC iPlayer on TV screens and the addition of the BBC HD programmes further adds to its appeal. HD lets viewers enjoy their favourite programmes in exceptionally vivid colours and crisp pictures, perfect for the TV screen,” said Rahul Chakkara BBC controller of TV platforms.
BBC iPlayer, HD TV, Virgin Media
Ofcom has announced the planned transmission of four new High-Definition Freeview channels in time to coincide with the digital switchover due to finish in 2012.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to upgrade digital terrestrial television,” said the Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards. “It offers benefits for broadcasters – who will be able to launch new services without using any new spectrum – and viewers – who will have access to new channels and services on free to air.”
Three new HD channels will be launched next year along with a fourth in 2012. The BBC will keep one of the channels and the remaining channels will be auctioned to the commercial networks ITV, Channel 4, Five and the Welsh network S4C.
Currently, HD TV can only be obtained through a Sky or Virgin Media subscription. With this change, Freeview, which has no subscription, will offer HD channels to its viewers.
However, to take advantage of the new channels on Freeview, a HD-ready television and a new set-top box will be required. Digital terrestrial users will be able to access the channels as regions take part in the digital switchover.
Freeview, HD TV, News
